New York Photography Book Printing – Across The Pond by Mike Chudley

A5 Books
4pp Cover onto 250gsm Silk
Matt Lamination to outer
50pp Text onto 130gsm Silk (4mm Spine)
Four colour print throughout
Trimmed, collated and perfect bound

"This is the start of your collectible zine series and 150 lucky people will be there at issue 1!"

New York has long been a muse for photographers, with its towering skyline, relentless energy, and cinematic streets. Mike Chudley’s Across The Pond encapsulates this essence in a beautifully printed A5 photo zine, offering an intimate visual journey through the city’s contrasts—its grandeur and grit, its light and shadow.

Printed to exacting standards by Ex Why Zed, this publication is more than just a collection of images; it is a tactile experience that transforms Chudley’s photographic storytelling into a tangible artefact. Every design choice, from the silky pages to the perfect binding, plays a role in enhancing the viewer’s engagement with the work.

Design and Aesthetic Analysis

Page Layout and Composition

The book employs a clean, minimalistic layout that allows each image to breathe. The absence of unnecessary clutter ensures that the viewer’s focus remains on the photography itself.

• Image placement is deliberate, with a balanced mix of full-bleed photographs and carefully arranged white space to create pacing and rhythm.
• Varied framing choices guide the reader’s eye through different perspectives of New York—some intimate and up-close, others grand and expansive.
• Page spreads effectively utilise juxtaposition, pairing images that contrast urban chaos with moments of solitude, reinforcing the city’s duality.

Use of Colour and Tone

Chudley’s photography captures the distinct hues of New York—muted morning blues, golden-hour warmth, neon reflections in the rain—each faithfully reproduced in four-colour print.

• The silk paper stock enhances image vibrancy, giving the photographs a rich depth without excessive gloss.
• The print precision ensures tonal consistency, preserving both the cool detachment of early morning shots and the electric intensity of nighttime images.
• Colour contrast is masterfully balanced, with high dynamic range and deep blacks that add visual drama without losing detail.

Typography and Branding

The typography is understated yet effective. Rather than overpowering the imagery, it complements the zine’s quiet sophistication.

• The cover title is sleek and modern, hinting at a contemporary, urban aesthetic.
• Minimalist captions (if any) maintain the book’s immersive quality, letting the images do the storytelling.
• The binding (perfect bound) and compact A5 format give the zine a polished yet approachable feel—ideal for both collectors and casual readers.

Material and Print Quality

Ex Why Zed’s print expertise is evident in the choice of materials and finishing techniques:

• 250gsm silk cover with matt lamination gives a refined yet durable feel, protecting the book while maintaining an elegant matte finish.
• 130gsm silk interior pages offer a smooth texture that enhances image sharpness while remaining easy to flip through.
• Perfect binding ensures a professional presentation and longevity, making the book feel like a high-end art object rather than a disposable zine.

What Sets This Project Apart?

Several standout qualities make Across The Pond a remarkable example of independent photo book publishing:

• A Clear Artistic Vision – Chudley’s photography captures the nuances of a city often depicted in cliché ways. His approach feels fresh, personal, and engaging.
• Exceptional Print Quality – Ex Why Zed’s precise four-colour reproduction ensures the images retain their original depth and emotion.
• Sophisticated Yet Accessible Design – The balance between high production value and an intimate, hand-held format makes this zine highly desirable for both photographers and casual admirers of print media.
• Material and Finishing Choices – Every decision, from paper stock to binding, has been made to enhance the reader’s interaction with the content.

Actionable Insights

For photographers and designers looking to create a publication of similar calibre, here are key takeaways from this project:

1. Prioritise Print-Ready Image Quality

• Ensure all images are high-resolution and colour-corrected for CMYK print to maintain depth and vibrancy.
• Soft-proof your images using print-specific ICC profiles to anticipate how colours will translate to paper.

2. Use Minimalist Design to Amplify Impact

• Let the photography dictate the layout—avoid unnecessary embellishments.
• Use white space intentionally to create contrast and guide the reader’s eye.

3. Choose the Right Paper and Finishing

• Silk paper strikes a great balance between image sharpness and soft texture.
• Matt lamination on the cover adds durability without unwanted gloss.

4. Consider Size and Binding for Reader Engagement

• A5 is a versatile format that keeps costs reasonable while offering a premium feel.
• Perfect binding adds professionalism and longevity to a small-run photo book.

5. Work with a Specialist Printer for Best Results

• A knowledgeable print partner (like Ex Why Zed) can guide you through paper choices, colour reproduction, and finishing techniques that best suit your artistic intent.

The Print Journey of Across The Pond

How Ex Why Zed Brought a New York City Photo Zine to Life

Introduction

When photographer and filmmaker Mike Chudley set out to document his week-long exploration of New York City, he knew the images deserved more than just a digital showcase. The result? Across The Pond—a striking A5, 56-page photo zine that captures the essence of NYC through his lens.

Turning this concept into a printed reality required expert craftsmanship, print knowledge, and seamless collaboration. From paper selection to artwork refinements, Ex Why Zed worked closely with Mike to ensure his vision translated into a beautifully printed publication.

This is the story of how we made it happen.

From Concept to Print: The Consultation Phase

Mike’s initial email to us was brimming with enthusiasm. Fresh from his trip, he had already compiled a selection of favourite shots but was unsure about the technical setup. He reached out for advice on:

• Binding & Page Count: He leaned towards perfect binding but needed to confirm the page limitations.
• Paper Choices: Unsure whether to go for silk or uncoated stock, he sought recommendations.
• File Setup: As a photographer, he was comfortable with design but wanted reassurance that his A5 document was correctly formatted.
• Print Quantity & Costs: To test the market, he requested a quote for an initial 100 copies.

Our Response & Print Recommendations

After reviewing his file, we confirmed that 56 pages plus a 4-page cover was ideal for perfect binding. We suggested 250gsm silk with matt lamination for the cover and 130gsm silk for the interior—offering a premium look while maintaining print sharpness.

However, understanding that tactile experience matters in photography books, we also provided an uncoated option and even linked him to a YouTube video showcasing different paper finishes.

His verdict? Silk was the winner.

Refining the Artwork: Technical Adjustments & File Setup

As the project moved forward, we worked through some artwork refinements to ensure print perfection.

1. Page Order & Layout Adjustments

Mike reached out to confirm the exact positioning of certain images, particularly the Empire State Building photo and his self-portrait on the final page. We reassured him that the sequence was correct and provided guidance on how to export single pages in reading order.

2. The Spine Dilemma

With only a 4mm spine, Mike debated whether to include spine text. Our advice? Best to leave it blank to avoid a cramped, unreadable result.

3. The Bleed Issue (And How We Fixed It)

One of the biggest refinements came with bleed settings—a common issue in print-ready files.

Despite initial attempts, Mike’s files lacked bleed on certain pages, meaning images that were supposed to run to the edge risked being trimmed incorrectly.

We guided him step-by-step:
✅ Ensure background images extended 3mm beyond the trim edge.
✅ Apply correct bleed settings when exporting from InDesign.
✅ Double-check bleed on every full-bleed image, not just the first spread.

This back-and-forth was crucial in ensuring his final print looked seamless.

Beyond the Zine: Postcards & Finishing Touches

As a finishing touch, Mike requested postcards to include with each zine order. We advised on the best stock (350gsm uncoated) and provided guidance on white borders for optimal trimming.

To ensure consistency, he opted for the same silk finish as the zine to maintain uniformity in colour reproduction.

We also fielded logistics queries, including:
✅ Weight estimation for shipping (150g per zine).
✅ HS code (commodity code) for international distribution (49011000).
✅ Shrink wrapping feasibility—ultimately, the zines were too thin for individual wrapping.

Delivery & Final Outcome

With production complete, we shipped the zines to Mike’s distributor. We helped Mike successfully transform his creative vision into print. And with Across The Pond in the hands of eager readers, this was just the beginning.

"This is the start of your collectible zine series and 150 lucky people will be there at issue 1!"
— Ex Why Zed

Client Feedback & Future Collaborations

Mike’s enthusiasm throughout the process was infectious, and the final result was everything he hoped for.

His audience response was overwhelmingly positive, with many copies selling through his website and social media. Given this success, he is already considering a second print run and future zine projects.

And where will his next street photography trip take him?

We can’t wait to see what comes next.

Why This Project Was a Success

The seamless collaboration between Mike and Ex Why Zed made Across The Pond a standout example of independent photography publishing.

🔹 Expert Print Guidance – From paper stock choices to bleed setup, we ensured every detail was considered.
🔹 Iterative Refinements – Our proactive feedback on layout, spine size, and proofing elevated the final product.
🔹 Seamless Production & Logistics – We handled everything from file setup to final delivery with precision.
🔹 A Thrilled Client – Mike’s experience was smooth, professional, and enjoyable.

For photographers, designers, and self-publishers looking to bring their work to print, Across The Pond proves that the right print partner makes all the difference.

Thinking about your own photography zine or print project?