A5 Cards
Full colour double-sided
onto 350gsm Silk
Matt Lamination to front
Creased and Folded to size
These promotional A5 greetings cards were created to accompany photographer Marsha Balaeva’s book and extend the life of the imagery beyond the pages. Each card features a striking photograph from the project, capturing climbers in dramatic cave environments.
From the start, the concept was simple and effective: take powerful images and give them the space to breathe. Printing them as large A5 folded cards gives each photograph real presence. The result feels more like a small piece of wall art than a typical greeting card.
We often encourage photographers launching a book to produce companion pieces like this. A card set becomes a natural extension of the project and a practical way to share the work with a wider audience.
If you're planning something similar, our guides on perfect bound book printing, and paper options are a useful place to start.
The cards were printed full colour on both sides onto 350gsm silk stock, which gives the right balance of strength and smoothness for photography reproduction.
A matt lamination on the front adds a soft tactile finish while protecting the image surface. It also deepens darker tones, which works beautifully with the moody cave environments and night shots in the images.
Each card was creased and folded to A5, creating a large, gallery-style format that immediately stands out. C5 envelopes were included, making the set ready for retail or online sales straight away.
The photography carries the project. These images are dynamic, theatrical and full of motion — climbers suspended against rock faces, illuminated by headlamps or dramatic lighting.
Because the cards are printed large, the compositions feel immersive. Details in rock textures, flowing fabric, and dramatic light trails remain crisp and impactful.
The mix of portrait and landscape orientations across the set also adds visual rhythm. Some images emphasise vertical climbing movement, while others stretch across the frame and highlight scale within the cave environment.
The matt lamination keeps reflections low, allowing the photographs to remain the focus.
Marsha originally contacted us while working on the book itself. Alongside the publication, she wanted a set of six greetings cards featuring images from the project.
We discussed format and quantities and settled on six designs with 200 copies of each. This approach works well for artists: it creates a varied set while keeping print costs sensible.
Marsha prepared the designs herself and checked the layout for the fold position. Once the files were confirmed with bleed and orientation, the project was ready to go straight to print.
We supplied the print template and confirmed the fold layout so the artwork would sit correctly when creased and folded.
The cards were produced digitally on a calibrated press to ensure strong colour reproduction. With photography-led projects like this, colour consistency and tonal depth are crucial.
Once printed, each card was creased cleanly to avoid cracking on the fold and supplied with the full set of envelopes. The finished result is a simple but very effective promotional product.
If you’re preparing your own project, our resources on can help you get everything ready for press.
Go bigger with image-led cards
A5 may feel large for a greeting card, but for photography it creates real impact.
Choose a stock that supports the image
350gsm silk provides excellent colour reproduction while still feeling sturdy.
Matt lamination adds polish
It protects the print and gives the card a refined finish that suits gallery-style imagery.
Mix orientations for visual variety
Combining portrait and landscape designs keeps a card set interesting.
Companion products extend your project
If you’re launching a book, a matching card set can help promote the work and generate additional sales.
