OUGD603 - Photography Book - Setting A Final Pace

Based on further layout developments, it was considered that the next step in the process was to set a pace in which these layouts would be used throughout the book in order to create some sort of structure within the book, and therefore help give it an element of consistency.

The first draft for setting a pace explored the use of negative space within the layouts, alternating between three images on a spread and then one image on an individual page within the spread. Within this, it was also considered that the spreads could alternate between black and white photographs and colour photographs, which Akshay has a mixture of. It was thought that this would add an element of juxtaposition between the images in order to create a narrative between the images and highlight an underlying message or theme throughout the book, whilst it was also thought that this would create an equal balance of colour throughout the book, which also helps to establish the rhythm and pace of the book.

Another idea was to keep this juxtaposition in alternating between black and white, and colour photographs in the layout of each spread, but this time keeping the images of all the same size as to create a more effective balance and juxtaposition since with all images being of the same size then this makes them more impactful and engaging, and so clearer to see the contrasts. Within this it was also thought that an additional element of juxtaposition could be added in the context of the photographs itself, alternating between those of petrol stations and those of supermarkets in order to highlight both their contrasts and similarities. Since this idea decreased the size of negative space showing through, it was also thought that potentially this pace could be broken up slightly through the intermittent blank pages next to an individual image on the page next to it.

Another development in setting a pace was partially based on the idea above, however with the addition of layouts which feature more negative space and designed to give the idea of perspective developed from visual research into the way in which petrol stations are typically designed and photographed, whilst also acting as a guide for the reader's eyes. It was thought that placing these layouts steadily throughout would help to keep the reader's focus in giving them a sense of direction and a subtle nudge to keep them reading and engaged until the end of the book. It was thought this pace could also include full spread images which additionally give a sense of direction whilst also reflecting the typical structure of streets and petrol stations, therefore linking the layout and pace to the context of the photography and themes of the book.

Final Layout Rhythm and Pace:

The final layout rhythm and pace utilises a combination of ideas from above in order to create a better flow which keeps the reader engaged through the interludes of negative space which gives the reader a pause for thought, and then prompted to continue reading with the addition of layouts which use the idea of perspective to give a sense of direction and movement, whilst this movement also reflects the context and themes of the book. It was also thought that this combination better allowed for different photography sizes and formats to be accommodated for more appropriately and effectively.