168 ☼ Working with a Master Book Printer
+ taking NJV1 to Paris Photo!!
Dear friends,
This week, I’ll take you behind the scenes at Europe’s top independent photo book printer for the printing process of my upcoming book. Plus, a quick preview of my time at Paris Photo with the NJV1 book dummy.
Speaking of which, a huge thank you to everyone who’s helped spread the word about NOTICE Journal, Volume One—including my friend and talented photographer Gajan Balan, who published a new interview, which you can read here. And to everyone who shared it on social media, your support means everything.
Housekeeping
Process Photo Walks — Today is the first ever Process Photo Walk in Paris and later this week we will be in London with Shane and Josh of Framelines as my co-hosts on Nov 16. RSVP here to reserve your spot.
Printing NOTICE Journal, Volume One
This past Monday, I spent the day at robstolk, the renowned photo book printer, with Lydia and Alain as we completed the final steps to bring NOTICE Journal, Volume One to life on the press. Alain captured the day for a short video I’ll share next week, but for now, here’s a preview with some beautiful photos by my intern Lydia O'Donoghue and videographer Alain, capturing the level of care that went into each spread. Printing is such an art form in its own right and it’s so inspiring to work with people who have as much passion for it as I have for photography.
Hands Behind the Press
The day began with Niels, a master printer with 35 years of experience. His command of the craft made it a true privilege to work alongside him. Each spread required a careful set of adjustments—contrast here, a lift in the greys there—until each photo looked exactly right. Our producer, Jacqueline, also joined us during the process to help guide things along.
Niels didn’t just approach this as a technical task; he brought an artist’s eye and intuitively understood how to let each image speak based on my feedback throughout the test printing process and his years of experience.
They walked me through the stages, from making the metal plates (see above) to using a special UV drying process for the ink. Every spread had a test print, where we spent time fine-tuning small details. It was clear how deeply they cared about the work and capturing the feeling behind each image. It felt like collaborating with people who understood the language of photography as much as its mechanics.
The Unexpected Delay
The next day, we had planned to meet Khalid, another talented printer who would mix the perfect shade of blue to complement the book’s stitching and cover. We were waiting on a specialty cover paper from Italy, but when it was delayed, it meant I couldn’t be there in person to see the cover come together as planned. Thankfully Alain was able to attend to document it for the video and I knew the cover was in safe hands with the team at robstolk. Here’s a screenshot from Alain’s upcoming video:
The setback created a small problem: I wouldn’t have a finished dummy to bring to Paris Photo, the big annual photography fair. But with some luck, the team managed to get a copy ready for me, and brought it along to Paris the day after.
The First Glimpses at Paris Photo
It’s been amazing to carry NJV1 through Paris Photo and show it to friends and colleagues. I’ve been sharing it with photographer friends like Bryan Schutmaat and Jack Davison and meeting other photographers whose work has influenced mine, like Gregory Halpern and Mark van den Brink.
I’ve also met curators and publishers from around the world, and everyone’s responses have been incredibly positive—both toward the photography, the design by Dan Rubin and Maxwell George, and the printing.
My favorite feedback included a curator from Korea who said the work really moved her emotionally, and a curator from France who was so kind to say it was the best photo book she had seen at the fair so far. I share this with you only to say, show your work to as many people as possible, you never know how it will affect others.
What surprised me most was learning how few people, even professionals, were familiar with half-frame photography and how the images were paired in-camera rather than in editing afterwards. Seeing these reactions in person has deepened my excitement to share the book with you, knowing it connects even with those who see a lot of photobooks and exhibitions. I am very curious to see what will come of this Paris Photo trip and all the interesting meetings I had here. As always, I will keep you up to date on it all and let you in on the inner workings.
Preorders, Early Bird Discount, and Support
Thank you to everyone who has preordered the book already. You’ve made it possible for me to bring this project to life. I’m still taking preorders, and if you’re interested, it would mean a lot to have your support. I’ve extended the €10 early bird discount for another week. Grab your copy here.
I’ve also added an option to purchase a 5-pack if you’d like to order with friends or buy them as a holiday gift for colleagues. It will save you quite a bit of money on shipping compared to ordering 5 individual copies.
Final Touches Next Week — Stitching
Next week, we’ll be adding the final touch with a beautiful cahier stitch—a hand-sewn technique that keeps the pages secure but also lets the book lay flat in your hands. This part of the process is delicate but worthwhile, giving the book a certain integrity that I can’t wait for you to experience firsthand.
I’m looking forward to writing more about my Paris Photo experience soon. It’s been the most inspiring photography fair I’ve ever attended. In the meantime, if you’re thinking about taking your camera out this week, let this be a little nudge to document the everyday around you—whether it’s your surroundings, your loved ones, or something that simply catches your eye. These moments, like the details of a book coming together, are worth capturing.
NEXT WEEK: I’ll take you behind the scenes at a creative shoot for a theater company for their upcoming new play and marketing campaign. It was set in the early polar explorer days and we made work for the posters and postcards that will be all around Amsterdam. Also, Alain’s video from the printing process of NJV1. And a fresh new Process x Moment Giveaway!
Thank you for reading. Process is the result of collaborative creativity. It’s written by me and supported by you—whether you read, share, comment, buy my books, hire me for portraits or mentoring, or become a paid subscriber and member of the Process Photo Club:
Keep shooting and take good care of yourselves and others.
Wesley
Gear & Tools Used
Camera: Lydia’s pictures were shot on the Sony Alpha 7 II, the Paris Photo shots are iPhone 12.
Shout out to MPB.com, my go-to place to buy, sell, and trade used cameras and lenses. I love their service and am a paying customer. MPB caters to over 625,000 visual storytellers and provides a 6-month warranty. Thanks for the support, MPB! <3
Lab: All my analog work is developed and scanned by my friends at Carmencita Film Lab. They’re my favorite lab in the world. Use code “PROCESS” to get a free upgrade.
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