Photo Books - Binding

There are numerous ways of self binding when creating your own photo book. Some examples are;

Chinese

Chinese book binding (Stitched binding) is a process that involves sewing pages together to create the book. Using a sewing needle and thread to stitch.

Japanese

Japanese book binding is similar to Chinese binding, but the stitching is slightly more complex.

Perfect Bound 

Once the book is ready to be bound, clip it together securely to ensure the pages stay flush. Dampen the side (spine) to be glued slightly with water then smear a thin layer of glue to the side. Using a stiff bristled brush evenly smear the glue. Keep squeezing the side together as the paper will try to expand. Keep squeezing and smoothing for about 5 minutes then apply the second coat of glue. When the second coat has been applied, after 5 minutes, take off the clips, wrap the book in wax paper, lie heavy objects on the book (bricks or heavy books) and allow it to dry for half an hour to an hour. Once the spine is dry you can apply the cover.

Glue the inside of the cover (where the spine will be placed) fix the spine to the cover and place under weight for about 8 hours to ensure the glue has completely dried.

I feel I would find Chinese and Japanese book binding quite frustrating to sew together, although I plan to try perfect binding some of my images together to create a book over the summer. I feel sewing looks too messy, I much prefer the neatness of perfect binding and think it suits my photographic style.