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From Pixels to Paper: The Istanbul Photo Book Journey
Have you ever noticed how something digital—no matter how brilliant—sometimes just feels a bit incomplete? Like there's a final step in the creative process that remains untaken? That's been my relationship with my Istanbul photo book for months now. The digital zine has connected with so many of you (thank you for the lovely messages), but there was always that lingering question in my inbox: “But when can I hold it in my hands?”
Well, my friends, that day has finally arrived.
The Digital-to-Physical Transition
For those who've been following along, you'll know I've been somewhat reluctant to create physical copies. Not because I didn't want to (quite the opposite, actually), but because finding a printer who wouldn't compromise on the quality I envisioned proved remarkably challenging. What good is a photo book if the rich blues of the Bosphorus look murky, or if the intricate details of the Hagia Sophia's mosaics get lost in poor reproduction? Photography is fundamentally about seeing—and a printed photo book that doesn't honour what you saw feels almost dishonest.
After countless samples that left me wincing (and a few polite but firm “thanks, but no thanks” conversations), I found myself at a crossroads: compromise or keep searching. It took me this long because even the most recommended option had unacceptable flaws that you would not believe (like, they could not even align a cover page).
I'm not particularly good at compromising on quality. Just ask anyone who's worked with me on a photoshoot.
Enter Mixam: When the Right Partner Makes All the Difference
The breakthrough came when I discovered Mixam, a UK-based print service that genuinely understands what photographers need from a printing partner. Their approach to photo book production aligns perfectly with what I've been holding out for:
Their colour reproduction is remarkably accurate—something that's absolutely critical when you're trying to capture the subtle interplay of light that makes Istanbul so photogenic. Many moments simply lose their magic when the colours shift even slightly. And I really loved their paper selection. The silk paper they offer gives photographs a depth that many print-on-demand services simply can't match. There's a subtle tactile quality that makes turning each page an experience rather than just a functional action. It feels like the same high-quality paper I use for my prints from ThePrintSpace.
Their print-on-demand system also solves the logistical challenges that kept me from offering physical books initially. Rather than stockpiling inventory (in my already overflowing office) or making risky print runs, each book is created when ordered and shipped directly to you. It is currently available in the UK, the US, Australia, and Germany, with more countries on the horizon. That's the main downside at the moment: I can't reach all of you wherever you are. But I will keep trying, of course.
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From Reluctance to Enthusiasm
I'll be honest: I approached this print partnership with a healthy dose of scepticism. My previous experiences had left me wary, and I wondered if this would be just another disappointment.
The sample book they produced changed everything.
Opening that package was one of those rare perfect moments in a creative professional's life—when the physical manifestation of your vision actually matches what you imagined. Everything was exactly how I had envisaged it when I started this project. I may have spent an embarrassingly long time just turning pages back and forth, comparing certain images to what I see on my carefully calibrated monitor. That they held up to such scrutiny is, frankly, a small miracle in the print-on-demand world.
What This Means for You
If you've already embraced the digital version of the Istanbul photo zine, firstly—thank you. Your support allowed this project to evolve into what it is today. As promised, you'll continue receiving lifetime updates to the digital edition, with additional content and refinements over time.
And now, you also have a special opportunity to add the museum-quality physical edition to your collection. Unfortunately, Mixam does not allow me to set coupon codes to give you a discount, but reach out to me after your purchase, and we'll find a way.
For those who haven't experienced either version yet, you now have options:
- The digital edition offers flexibility, immediate access, lifetime updates, and a gentler price point.
- The physical hardcover edition provides a tactile experience with premium paper and that indefinable satisfaction of having something tangible to return to.
Or, as many photographers might understand, perhaps you want both—digital for reference and inspiration on the go and physical for your bookshelf and those moments when you want to disconnect from screens entirely. I have chosen this option many times when buying beautiful photobooks. What I've come to appreciate is that these formats aren't competitors—they're companions. The digital version offers lifetime updates and immediate access anywhere in the world. The physical book provides a tactile experience that connects differently with our senses. Each has its place.
What Remains the Same
Whether digital or physical, what hasn't changed is the heart of this project: over 130 carefully selected images that capture Istanbul's fascinating blend of East and West, ancient and modern, serene and chaotic. Each photograph still comes with useful technical details—camera settings, lens choices, etc. And you will find personal stories that transform a collection of photos into a narrative journey.
I hope these images transport you to Istanbul's winding alleys, magnificent mosques, and bustling markets. Perhaps they'll inspire you to visit yourself, camera in hand, to capture your own vision of this extraordinary city where East meets West in the most captivating ways.
Until then, consider this publication your passport to Istanbul—no visa required.
Why This Matters
In our increasingly digital world, there's something profound about creating physical artifacts from our creative work. They exist independent of software updates, changing file formats, or whether you remembered to charge your tablet.
When I look at the printed book, I'm reminded of why I fell in love with photography in the first place. Not just to capture moments, but to create something enduring from them. Something that might sit on a bookshelf and be discovered years later, prompting memories or inspiring new adventures.
For those who've been asking about a printed version since I first released the digital zine—thank you for your patience and persistence. Sometimes the right things take time, and finding the perfect print partner was worth the wait.
And for those just discovering this project, whether you choose digital, physical, or both, I hope these images transport you to Istanbul's winding streets and grant you a glimpse of the city through my lens.
İyi yolculuklar (have a good journey)!
P.S. I'd love to see where the book ends up in your homes or studios! Tag me in your social posts if you're so inclined—there's something wonderfully cyclical about photographs of a photography book.
