274x210mm Zines
4pp Cover onto 300gsm Uncoated
Matt laminated to the outer
108 inside pages onto 115gsm Uncoated
Four colour print throughout
Trimmed, collated and perfect bound
"Sorrento and Puglia" by Francesco Bizzaro is a travel photography journal that captures the serene and vibrant landscapes of two iconic Italian regions: Sorrento and Puglia. The book’s visual narrative is a blend of coastal scenery, rustic architecture, and organic compositions that evoke both a sense of calm and exploration. This journal is an elegant example of how photography can transport readers into a moment of discovery, much like a personal travel diary.
Francesco's response speaks volumes about the success of this project:
"It’s been a great experience printing with you & team, especially with all the knowledge you share on YouTube. I learnt so much, and I’ll make sure to spread the word on my side too!"
This positive feedback not only underscores Francesco's satisfaction but also hints at future collaborations as he continues his photographic journey.
The design of this journal exemplifies minimalistic elegance, using simplicity as a vehicle for amplifying the beauty of the photographs. From the moment the reader picks up the book, the matt-laminated cover on 300gsm uncoated stock gives it a soft, tactile quality, inviting exploration. The satin sheen of the lamination subtly contrasts with the rugged charm of the imagery, such as the photograph of a sun-drenched pier on the cover, providing a harmonious juxtaposition between luxury and raw nature.
The colour palette of the journal is both calming and vibrant. Bizzaro’s choice of photography focuses heavily on natural tones—soft blues, greens, and earthy hues. This restrained yet rich use of colour is mirrored in the journal's clean, uncluttered layout. Each image stands on its own, allowing the viewer to soak in the details, whether it’s the intricate weave of a chair or the winding streets of a village, without distractions. The wide white borders create breathing room, ensuring that each visual moment is savoured fully.
The internal pages, printed on 115gsm uncoated stock, offer a soft texture that enhances the sensory experience of turning each page. The paper choice complements the matte quality of the photographs, absorbing the colours in a manner that feels immersive, like stepping into a painting. The layout throughout the book balances full-page photography with moments of smaller, centred images. This variety in scale keeps the reader engaged, with each turn of the page offering something new yet cohesive.
Typography is minimal, employed only when necessary to label sections or provide the location of a photograph. The simple sans-serif font is sharp and unobtrusive, allowing the images to do the storytelling. In particular, the minimalist title pages, such as the opening spread marked simply with "Sorrento," are emblematic of the journal’s design philosophy—let the visuals breathe and speak for themselves.
Perfect binding is the ideal choice for this travel photography journal, given its substantial page count of 108 pages. The smooth, uninterrupted spine enhances the book's sleek profile, while the binding itself ensures durability for repeated handling. This production choice contributes to the book’s overall high-end feel, making it suitable for collectors of travel photography as well as casual readers who enjoy aesthetically pleasing coffee table books.
Bizzaro’s approach to storytelling is both contemplative and dynamic. Each photograph captures a slice of life, a moment in time, in a way that feels personal and intimate. The designer has wisely avoided clutter, focusing solely on the images and their relationship to the space they inhabit on the page. The contrast between large images that fill a spread and smaller, more detailed shots invites readers to consider both the grandeur and the minutiae of Italian landscapes and culture.
The decision to keep textual elements minimal aligns perfectly with the book’s ethos of visual immersion. The photographs are allowed to tell the story, and the book feels like an extended visual pause—an invitation to slow down and appreciate beauty at its most elemental.
In conclusion, "Sorrento and Puglia" stands out as a compelling example of travel photography turned into an art form. The book’s clean design, minimalistic approach, and high production values make it a must-have for fans of fine photography and Italian landscapes. The focus on tactility, combined with a cohesive narrative structure, ensures that this journal offers an immersive, sensory-rich experience from cover to cover.
Francesco Bizzaro, a passionate travel photographer, approached us to print his latest photography journal, Sorrento and Puglia. This project represents another milestone in Francesco's ongoing travel series, and our collaboration has evolved with each new edition. From the initial consultation to the final print delivery, this project showcases our ability to offer tailored solutions while maintaining the highest print quality standards.
Francesco first reached out on January 14th, 2024, with a WeTransfer link containing his new zine for print. His request was for a one-off print in line with the previous specifications: a 274x210mm zine with a 4-page cover printed on 300gsm uncoated stock, matt laminated to the outer, and 108 inside pages printed on 115gsm uncoated stock, bound with a perfect finish. He had budgeted £82 for the project, but when we reviewed the scope, the price for this configuration had risen to £120 due to increased production costs.
This phase highlights the challenge we often face in balancing client expectations with rising material costs. However, we always aim to maintain transparency, and Francesco appreciated our quick pricing update.
After learning that the price exceeded his budget, Francesco reached out on January 31st to request a reduction. He expressed a desire to continue producing this series but needed to lower costs, suggesting that we adjust the specifications or number of pages. His openness to suggestions allowed us to collaborate creatively. Recognising the importance of Francesco’s work to his personal brand, we decided to make an exception. We offered to print the zine at the original price of £80, despite it being below cost, because we believed in the value of Francesco’s growing portfolio.
Our decision to accommodate this request reflects our commitment to supporting independent artists and photographers, helping them bring their visions to life despite financial constraints. Francesco’s enthusiastic response—acknowledging the knowledge he had gained from our YouTube channel—further reinforced the strong partnership we have built over the years.
Once Francesco confirmed his approval to proceed, we quickly moved into production. Francesco re-sent the file via WeTransfer, and on February 2nd, we sent him an invoice and confirmed the receipt of his payment. The project then entered its final pre-press stage, where we conducted a detailed review of the artwork and proofed the document.
On February 8th, we provided Francesco with a digital proof for his final approval. This stage is crucial in ensuring that every detail meets the client’s expectations. We advised Francesco to check the proof on a desktop computer to avoid any discrepancies in image quality, as mobile devices can often distort or blur details. We explained the importance of reviewing each page carefully, with the dark blue trim lines indicating where the final cut would be made. Francesco’s approval on the same day allowed us to move swiftly to print.
Once the proof was approved, we scheduled the project for immediate printing. The perfect binding method was employed, a standard for high-quality zines like Sorrento and Puglia, ensuring durability and a clean finish. The four-colour printing process captured the vibrancy and subtlety of Francesco’s stunning photography, from the blue coastal scenes of Sorrento to the warm, earthy tones of Puglia.
We maintained open communication throughout the process, and on February 15th, Francesco received a final update, notifying him that the package was en route for delivery within a precise one-hour window. This small yet crucial detail exemplifies our dedication to customer service, ensuring that Francesco had peace of mind about the safe and timely arrival of his book.
This project posed several challenges, including managing expectations around budget and working within tight deadlines. However, by remaining flexible and prioritising communication, we were able to find solutions that satisfied Francesco's needs without compromising on quality. Our expertise in fine-tuning specifications and understanding the complexities of print production played a pivotal role in delivering this project successfully.
Francesco was delighted with the final result. His email after receiving the zine reflected his satisfaction with the print quality and the overall experience. He expressed appreciation for the knowledge we share with our community, mentioning that our YouTube tutorials had been particularly helpful in his journey as a self-publisher. His commitment to promoting our work within his network highlighted the strength of our relationship, which has grown through mutual respect and creative collaboration.
The Sorrento and Puglia zine marks another successful chapter in our ongoing partnership with Francesco Bizzaro. It exemplifies our ability to navigate budgetary constraints without sacrificing quality, and it reinforces the trust and loyalty we’ve built with Francesco over multiple projects. The final product not only met his artistic vision but also served as a testament to our willingness to go the extra mile for our clients.
This collaboration also serves as an important case study for other self-publishers seeking to produce high-quality zines or photography books. At Ex Why Zed, we are committed to working closely with artists to ensure that their vision is realised, even when challenges arise. Whether it’s adjusting specifications or providing expert guidance on pre-press issues, we are dedicated to offering solutions that ensure the best possible outcome for every project.
Given the success of Sorrento and Puglia, we look forward to future projects with Francesco, supporting him as his body of work grows and evolves.
