Comments on: Seeking Out Master Craftsmen (Women, Really. No Joke.)

By: D.A. Wagner

D.A. Wagner — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 14:28:39 +0000

Thanks for your kind comments. I used an Epson 4880 as my printer because the production specs on it include double sided printing of pages. I started on an HP 8190 but ran into problems with the rollers frequently scratching the image on the printed side when printing the second side. I’d suggest considering the Epson printers in the 4000 series or higher for printing fine art. But I’m not an expert at printing. Just taking pictures.

By: Lynn

Lynn — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:50:29 +0000

David, you’ve done something really special with this. Thank you for sharing your process! I was taught some bookbinding skills (not screw post) at the end of photo school a long time ago, and know how precise you must be. These look amazing. You mention paper choice, but would you mind talking about how you print them? What caliber printer is required for a fine art portfolio. Do you do this yourself? Thanks again.

By: D.A. Wagner

D.A. Wagner — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:19:03 +0000

Hi Kristian,
I don’t know why the linen isn’t looking good to you. I’ve not used linen, but seen it in many books and find it quite elegant, the mix of paper and fabric hinge. I used Moab Lasal Photo Matte 235. I selected this paper for 3 reasons: 1. predrilled and prescored sheets, 2. it can be printed on two sides and 3. it’s matte – I don’t like glossy paper. I break in each book by folding the scored pages (wearing white gloves) so the pages fall nicely. The books aren’t that old, so only time will tell for the durability. But, so far, so good.

By: Kristian Frires

Kristian Frires — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:35:33 +0000

Hi David,
Your book looks stunning! Well worth the effort invested. I am currently in the process of constructing a screw post bound book (sadly someone else is constructing for me), but I am really troubling over the page hinging system. My thinking is to stick adhesive linen cloth 5mm onto the edge of each printed page, so 2 pieces of linen stick together front and back. I then hole punch the linen, insert, and when the pages turn the linen bends nicely allowing the pages to lie flat. Only problem is the linen looks a bit ugly… Your pages seem to bend nicely and no sight of any cloth? How have managed that? Any feedback would be hugely appreciated. Thankyou,
Kristian

By: Custom Portfolio Book: Photographer D.A. Wagner « No Plastic Sleeves

Custom Portfolio Book: Photographer D.A. Wagner « No Plastic Sleeves — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:27:30 +0000

[...] recounts his story about the process he went through to create these books. In his own words (from his blog) – “A lot of advertising photographers invest in hand-made portfolio housings. They [...]

By: Barbara Mauriello

Barbara Mauriello — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:19:58 +0000

David — They are gorgeous! Those corners! Those turn-ins!! No loose threads anywhere. And you have built in the perfect “square” of the boards. I am very proud of you. Good luck, and keep making books.