252x297mm Landscape Case Bound Books
Cover onto Winter&Co Wicotex Brillianta BRI4000
Black Silver and Gloss Black Foiling to outer
Wrapped over greyboard case
2x 4pp End Papers Unprinted onto 170gsm Uncoated
90 inside pages onto 170gsm Silk
Four colour print throughout
Trimmed, collated and case bound.
Learning to See by Mike Chudley is a visually striking and meticulously designed street photography book, emphasising not just the content but the overall experience of the reader. The book encapsulates candid moments from everyday life, presented with a mixture of vibrant imagery and understated, minimalist design choices.
The styling of the book is immediately striking due to its sleek case-bound hardback cover in a deep black finish, adding a layer of sophistication. The silver foiling on the title “Learning to See” provides a reflective effect, hinting at the visual depth within the pages. This detail, along with the gloss black foiling, subtly mirrors the reflective nature of photography—an art form dedicated to capturing perspectives.
In terms of page layout, the design follows a clean and simple approach, with full-bleed images and generous white margins, allowing the photography to take centre stage without distractions. The photos are printed on 170gsm silk paper, providing a smooth and luxurious finish that enhances the visual clarity and colour vibrancy of the street scenes.
The colour palette remains faithful to the raw, natural tones captured in each image, with minimal post-processing. This choice maintains the authenticity of street photography, where candid, unposed moments shine. The typography is minimal, with sans-serif fonts used for captions, reinforcing the modern and clean aesthetic.
The author and designer convey the theme of “learning to see” through an engaging interplay of colour and context. The photos are deliberately positioned in sequences that draw attention to fleeting urban moments—men holding umbrellas, signs directing foot traffic, melting ice creams. Each image is layered with both ordinary and extraordinary moments from the street, encouraging the reader to pause and reflect on the overlooked aspects of daily life.
By applying these insights, future authors and designers can create visually compelling, high-quality books that stand out for their craftsmanship and design choices.
Mike Chudley’s Learning to See photography book began as a creative vision that required meticulous planning and premium print solutions. His initial contact with Ex Why Zed in March 2023 marked the beginning of a print journey defined by collaboration, thoughtful consultation, and an eagerness to bring his work to life in a high-quality, bespoke format.
From the very first email exchange, Ex Why Zed demonstrated an expert understanding of the challenges involved in printing photobooks, offering Mike tailored advice on paper choices, colour reproduction, and the complexities of RGB to CMYK conversion. This transparency, particularly around how on-screen images differ from print versions, set a foundation of trust. Ex Why Zed’s print team offered insights into the best paper options for street photography, recommending a silk finish for a sharp and vibrant outcome. These initial recommendations were instrumental in setting the technical direction of the book, ensuring the photos would look as crisp and true to life as possible.
Mike expressed a desire to visit the print shop in person to experience the materials firsthand. While Ex Why Zed couldn’t accommodate on-site visits, they arranged a video call and sent a comprehensive sample pack. This proactive approach ensured Mike had all the information he needed, without sacrificing personalisation.
After reviewing the sample pack, Mike chose Winter&Co Buckram fabric for the cover material in black, with a striking silver foiling for the title. His vision for the cover was clear: subtlety in the “LEARNING TO” portion, with the word “SEE” standing out in reflective silver. Ex Why Zed advised Mike on the limitations of embossing on hardback covers due to the material thickness, but offered alternative solutions like foiling, ensuring the design was both feasible and visually impactful.
Throughout the process, the print team provided guidance on file setup, supplying templates for both the cover and endpapers. When Mike expressed confusion over terms like “endpaper” and “backendpaper,” Ex Why Zed shared instructional videos to demystify the process. This hands-on support exemplified their customer-centric approach, ensuring even first-time publishers like Mike felt confident moving forward.
One of the creative challenges involved Mike’s request for an initial run of softback copies for layout approval before the hardback production. While these softback proofs wouldn’t be colour-matched to the final hardback edition, they provided an essential opportunity for Mike to evaluate the sequence and design in physical form. Ex Why Zed handled this request seamlessly, offering a four-copy softback proof with adjusted specs, allowing Mike to preview his book before committing to the full print run.
As the project progressed, Mike encountered concerns about pixelation in the text on his proofs. Ex Why Zed quickly addressed these worries by explaining the proofing process and reassuring him that the final print would be of higher quality. Their responsiveness during these moments of doubt played a pivotal role in maintaining Mike’s confidence in the project.
After several rounds of adjustments and proofs, Mike approved the final design, opting for a black Buckram cover with black gloss foiling for the title. Ex Why Zed worked to meet Mike’s tight timeline, but while it wasn’t possible to deliver the softback proofs by the weekend he hoped, the team communicated openly about production schedules and provided alternative solutions.
The final product—a beautifully bound hardback book—featured 96 pages of crisp, vibrant street photography, printed on 170gsm silk paper. The black cover, embossed with black and silver foiling, was a triumph in understated elegance, perfectly encapsulating Mike’s vision of subtlety and impact. Although the delivery didn’t align perfectly with Mike’s timeline, Ex Why Zed’s open communication and focus on quality ensured that the finished book met and exceeded expectations.
Throughout the process, Mike appreciated the support and expertise provided by Ex Why Zed. His final emails expressed satisfaction with the project, highlighting the confidence he gained from the proofs and clear communication. The final print run of Learning to See was a success, and Mike’s satisfaction suggests potential future collaborations. Moreover, by addressing each query with patience and professionalism, Ex Why Zed positioned itself as a trusted partner for creative professionals like Mike, offering both technical expertise and a personal touch.
The audience reception for Learning to See has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly praising the book’s premium production values and the immersive experience it provides through both design and content. Ex Why Zed’s attention to detail and commitment to Mike’s vision resulted in a visually stunning product that stands out in the photography publishing world.
This journey from concept to printed book demonstrates Ex Why Zed’s strength in both technical precision and customer collaboration, ensuring that each project is a bespoke reflection of the client’s artistic vision. With Mike Chudley’s Learning to See, the synergy between photographer and printer resulted in a book that not only showcases the beauty of street photography but also stands as a testament to the power of expert print craftsmanship.
