Anyone can make a Zine!
I use zines to create narratives. I find them an effective way of presenting a series of photographs; it helps me to reflect on the themes I am exploring. I particularly like the freedom of sequencing my photos and how this can suggest new meanings in my work. My advice to anyone making a zine is to be experimental about the materials you choose to make it from. I would recommend “Some Disordered Interior Geometries,” by Francesca Woodman, as great example of an imaginative hand-made book.
I enjoy being able to look at my photographs in a zine, something that I can hold. I find it more engaging than just looking at photos on the screen. When I start a zine I put the photographs into pairs, and then I think about ordering these so that the images flow together. My advice for anyone making a zine is to have more images than you need to start with and to think carefully about your selections. A book that I would recommend that has great sequencing, is ‘Park/Sleep,’ by Robert Frank.
I like the freedom you have when sequencing your photographs in a zine and how this allows you to explore your themes. The sequencing of your photographs gives you a different perspective on your work and helps to develop your ideas. I would recommend the book by Trent Parke “Minutes to Midnight” as a book that has an amazing sequence of photographs.
Do you fancy making your own zine?
If you have a passion for photography and are aged 14-15 you can join us for the day at Long Road Sixth form College for a half-term photography workshop on the 28th May.
In this Artist led workshop, you will learn how to successfully sequence your photos and how to present them in zines!