6 Reasons Why Zines are Amazing for Street Photographers
Photo zines of the streets, for the streets.
Hear me out: I can think of perhaps no better form for street photography than mini photo zines. It’s like a Pokémon’s highest evolution.
I’m talking about zines made from a single sheet of paper (A4 or US Letter) folded into an 8-page booklet. Is my ‘90s youth showing? Good.
Here are 6 reasons why street photographers should make A4 zines:
Photos of the streets belong in the streets. Were those photos taken in a pristine studio with the lighting just so? I didn’t think so. Will they see the inside of a gallery? Probably not. Are they just sitting there inside your phone? Let them out! Let them run wild and free in the world.
Punk as f*ck. DIY zines are the epitome of indie art. No publisher needed, hand-crafted, direct from artist to viewer. Photo books aren’t just for coffee tables. They should be in people’s hands, pockets, or even pinned on public bulletin board as a bit of guerilla street art.
Shoot local, print local. Did you take those photos in Tokyo? Print your zine at a 7-11. In Seattle? Print it at a library. In Zürich? Print it at the post office. Get to know your neighborhood public photocopier. Is it running low on ink? Even better — there’s your rare limited edition.
Ultimate street photog business card. Do you see someone else taking cool street photos? Do you do street portraits? Are you going to a photography meet-up? Here’s your zine with your info and QR code. Boom.
Perfect everyday carry. Like the perfect compact camera that you always have with you, mini zines travel light — across town or around the world.
Elevate the everyday. Inexpensive and only 8 pages, mini zines let you make more books, more often. Just as street photography captures and celebrates everyday life, mini zines make it easy to tell these everyday stories in print. Make one for a day in the park. Make one about today.
Here’s a template for you to get started. [Google Slides]
I make and gift them all the time and, in my perfect world, I’d love every photographer I meet to hand me one of theirs.
Have you ever made one?
More photobooks, please!