1. Write a book specification and describe in detail what your book will be about in terms of narrative, concept and design with reference to the same elements of bookmaking as above.

Title: Co więźi nas razem? (What Bonds Us Together?)

Through this visual narrative, I aim to reflect on how identity, heritage, and human relationships remain intertwined despite the changes that time and history impose.

The title, Co więźi nas razem? (What Bonds Us Together?), reflects the question of the photobook: how family, place, and shared experiences create enduring connections, even as these elements evolve. The book reflects both the continuity and change within the familial and cultural landscapes, particularly focusing on the journey of my family and the lasting imprint of Eastern European identity.

The photobook is an exploration of how physical spaces like the landscapes of Poland, and human connections, such as those within my family, shape who we are and continue to influence our identity, even across generations. The archival imagery will be complemented by new photographs that bring these themes into the present offering a perspective on how our family’s history and identity continue to play out.
The layout of the photobook is carefully designed to complement the narrative, offering a visual flow that guides the reader through the history, changes, and connections within the story. The design will emphasise contrast between past and present, between Eastern European heritage and my own personal experiences.

I’ve chosen to mix image sizes and formats throughout the book, ensuring a dynamic design that offers visual variety and engagement. Larger images will be used for more impactful moments perhaps significant family events or key images that highlight important moments in history while smaller images will be used to create a sense of intimacy and to allow the viewer to explore the subtle details of family life and heritage.

For the front and back cover, I have opted for a striking double-page spread in monochromatic colors. This design sets the tone for the entire book, differentiating the opening and closing pages from the rest of the book, creating a visual bookend that reflects the timeless nature of family bonds. The monochrome coloring provides a sense of nostalgia while also creating a cohesive introduction/ conclusion.
The book will be produced in a standard portrait format as this fits with the narrative’s need for a structured layout while offering space for the photographs to breathe and take centre stage. It is ideal for presenting both large images and smaller, more intimate shots that maintains a balanced flow from start to finish.
The content of the book will follow a carefully structured narrative, beginning with the exploration of my family’s roots in Eastern Europe and their migration to new places. The archival images will serve as a starting point, providing historical context and visual documentation of my family’s early years. These images will be paired with personal stories or reflections to create a deeper understanding of the historical backdrop and the personal connections within the family.

The middle section of the book will transition into a more contemporary exploration of how these familial connections continue to influence my life today. New photographs will document my experiences, juxtaposed against the archival images to create a dialogue between past and present. This section will also explore the broader concept of human connections to different places both in terms of physical relocation and the emotional ties we have to our cultural heritage.

The final section will serve as a reflection on the concept of home, belonging, and identity, asking how these ideas have evolved through the generations. The book will conclude with a series of images that encapsulates the themes of continuity, connection, and the enduring ties between family and place.

Narrative: What is your story?
Describe in:

3 words:
Heritage, Connection, Legacy

• A sentence:

This photobook tells the story of my Polish heritage, exploring the deep bonds between my family and Eastern Europe through a blend of archival images and contemporary photographs, reflecting the lasting impact of place and identity.

• A paragraph
• This photobook is a visual exploration of my Polish heritage and the connections that link my family to Eastern Europe. Through a curated mix of archival images and modern-day photographs, the book reflects on the historical journey of my ancestors, their migration, and the lasting influence of their roots. The narrative delves into how human connections to different places shape identity and family, focusing on the bonds that remain strong despite time and distance. By connecting past and present, the story speaks to the timeless nature of family, culture, and the ways in which our heritage continues to shape us.

Design: 

I want my photobook to have an intimate feel, something that invites the reader to slow down, reflect, and engage with both the images and the story. The design should feel like a bridge between the past and present, combining historical richness with a contemporary perspective. The book will have a sense of timelessness. It should feel personal yet polished, allowing for an immersive experience.

I’ve chosen premium lustre paper for its balanced finish, sleek, yet not too glossy. The lustre finish will ensure that the colours in both the archival images and contemporary photos are vibrant and true to life, while softening contrast for a more cohesive feel. The ink used will be high-quality, ensuring that both black-and-white and color images maintain their depth, sharpness, and warmth, creating a consistent aesthetic throughout the book.

The book will be in a standard portrait format, which will allow for a clean and structured layout. The format is ideal for balancing image sizes and offers ample space for creating a cohesive narrative flow. The size will be large enough (around 10×12 inches) to showcase the richness of each photograph while maintaining a manageable and approachable feel for the reader. The portrait orientation suits the vertical nature of many of the images I plan to include, making it easier to highlight the details and compositions within each shot.

For the binding, I chose a sturdy, hardcover binding. This choice not only makes the book feel substantial but also ensures the longevity which allows it to be a keepsake. The cover will be minimal and striking, with a monochromatic design that contrasts with the vibrant, rich images within. The title, Co więźi nas razem? (What Bonds Us Together?), will be elegantly embossed inisde the book in the second page on the right, in a subtle, classic font, to keep the focus on the narrative and image.

The book will end with a reflective section on identity and belonging, exploring the broader theme of human connections to places. Each section will flow seamlessly into the next, with the layout providing a visual progression from past to present.

Design and Layout:
The design will be clean and minimalistic, allowing the images to speak for themselves. I will use a variety of image sizes and placements to create dynamic pages that feel balanced yet engaging. Larger images will draw the viewer’s eye to moments of significance, while smaller, more intimate images will create a sense of intimacy and allow for reflection. For visual contrast, The pages will also be spaced thoughtfully to avoid overcrowding, ensuring the book has an airy, organized feel.

The editing process will involve sequencing being crucial in guiding the reader through the narrative, alternating between archival and modern images to show the interweaving of the past and present. The flow will not only make sense chronologically but will also emphasize thematic connections such as family, place, and continuity. Each image will be paired with text or captions when necessary, ensuring the context and connections are clear.

Images will take centre stage with minimal text to allow the photographs to truly speak for themselves. Where appropriate, short captions or reflections will accompany the images, providing context or insights that deepen the understanding of the story. Some of the archival images may include small annotations to give additional historical context or personal details about the family members in the photographs.