I am very fond of photo books and often find inspiration from photographers around the world. My collection includes various genres, styles, and moods, yet there are certain common traits that recur from book to book. This includes sequencing, among other things. But what is that, anyway?
Sequencing images in photo books is about arranging the pictures in a specific order to create a coherent story or mood as one flips through the book. It’s a process that involves carefully considering how each image connects to the one before and after it to create a natural or meaningful flow. Sequencing helps to highlight particular themes, emotions, or moods and can vary depending on the story or feeling you want to convey with the photo book.
Let’s look at a few examples.
The two images above would work well together in a photo book when placed on opposite pages, as they complement each other in several ways. Firstly, they share a similar color palette with dark, muted tones and shades of brown and green. This shared color tone creates a visual coherence, making it easy for the eye to move between the images without a sudden transition.
Furthermore, both images have a melancholic and mysterious atmosphere that creates a unified experience and continuity. The theme of the images is also related, as both focus on nature but in different ways – the first image is blurred and abstract, while the second is more detailed with sharp elements like the withered leaves. This variation adds a subtle contrast without disrupting the overall feeling.
Finally, the two images create an intriguing dynamic with different textures and movement. The first image has a blurred, dreamy quality, while the second, with its clear details, draws the eye toward a path that disappears into the darkness. This contrast between the blurred and the sharp adds depth and holds one’s attention.
A similar description could apply to the image pair below. It’s almost as if they’re inseparable, isn’t it?
Compositionally, there is also an interesting interplay. The first image has a compact structure, with leaves filling the entire frame, while the second image is more airy and open. This difference creates a natural pause for the eye as it moves from one image to the other, contributing to a balanced visual narrative. Together, these images form a sequence where the eye is led from the detailed and dense to the open and dreamy. This provides a harmonious yet dynamic experience that works well in a photo book.
These were some examples of pairing images for sequencing. And how these pairs could fit into a larger context with other image pairs, from start to finish, is another story altogether.