Here is a link to my Blurb photo book:

http://www.blurb.co.uk/b/7937421-are-you-even-cool

After the refinement of each of my photo shoots, I came to the realization that I had a large amount of strong images, in which I would have been happy to present as finals. With this in mind, I therefore decided to create a photo book in blurb to present these images more intimately.

Below shows a thumbnail view of my final book layout. I feel that this thumbnail view gives a stronger perspective of the layout as a whole, in comparison to the individual pages, as it is much clearer to see the overall aesthetic of the book and why I made certain choices with the layout.

The following print screens, show my book layout as double page spreads, this way we can see images and the specificity layout more closely, as well as how images have been presented effectively.

 

I decided to title my book ‘Are You Even Cool’?’. I titled the book this, as I feel that in a modern day society, especially within the age confinements of an older teen, there are many expectations as to what we should be doing, or looking like in order to fit this idealization of ‘cool’. I feel that my book contains many of these aspects, such as smoking, skating, having a boyfriend/girlfriend, sex, alcohol, drinking coffee and tattoos. I think that this title enables the reader question the book as well as themselves, making them want to open the book and see what is contained. It also creates a more personal title as I am asking the reader a question, it is also as if I am asking the characters in the book the same question.

Initially we see my front and back cover, as well as the book title. I chose to use the same image for both the front and back cover, zooming in and aligning them differently, so that they appeared to be two separate photographs. I felt that use of this image was almost a summary of my book. Very gritty and in many ways unpleasant, but as well see a very interesting texture alongside well positioned lines which in some sense convey beauty. So more simply put, my book is a contrast of beauty and ugliness, making it rather controversial.

I also include a quote on the first page, how the Urban Dictionary defines the word ‘cool’. I felt that this was relevant as I wanted to include a sense of what the world defined the word as, a ‘style which is generally admired’ is a common theme running through a modern day Jersey. So many children are concerned with living up to social expectations and imitating others and their styles.

In terms of imagery, within the book we firstly see an image standing alone on a single page. My intentions with this are largely to provoke thought, what is this? What does this mean? Why is this the first photograph?

As well, I feel that an image which appears alone becomes more poetic, as we only focus and analyse this one photograph and it is not particularly related to anything else at the time we view it.

On a large amount of my pages I feature two full page photos on a double spread. These images often juxtapose one another and create meaning, as well as contrast. I chose photos of similar form and aesthetic, which means they fit well together and almost appear to be one photograph.

Another way in which I have presented my images, is contrasting other charters within the book on opposing pages. I placed images of similar composition and pose next to one another, which I feel creates a relationship between the two characters as they are shown in a similar perspective.

Some images have also been resized, so that they are not full size, as I felt that having a boarder allowed the details of the image to be more dominant. It also condenses the photograph which helps to bring focus to the subject also.

The inclusion of various still life photographs, that appear on their own in the boo, as well as alongside other images, allow the book to become more personal. We are also able to gather a better understanding of the characters and their interests.

My layout of my book is in simple terms attempting to present images in such a way that they tell a story. Some images stand alongside others, juxtaposing one another, whereas others stand alone so that the viewer can gather some sense of emotion of relationship with the image. This book is a personal insight into the relationships I share with my close friends, as well as a representation of what my life and environment is and once was.