Glenn Busch — A Man Holds a Fish

A Man Holds a Fish celebrates and serves as an introduction to the work of Glenn Busch, a hugely influential and widely regarded New Zealand photographer. The book features 79 extraordinary portrait images, almost other-worldly, and striking in their humanity and emotional effect, Glenn’s work vividly resists any tendency to idealise.

Our approach foremost was in service to Glenn's work, the grid consistently provides clear space, whilst intentionally pushing toward the edges of the book where its almost uncomfortable – echoing the socially marginalised subject matter Glenn often captured in raw honesty.

The books materiality was inspired by Glenn’s epiphany whilst developing a photo of a man holding a fish; “In front of me is the first picture I have made that seems to say something all by itself; the story of that moment, shimmering in the liquid. A picture made of silver, light and shadow.” A metallic silver ink was selected to echo this moment, providing an enticing depth to the portraits. Tones of blues unexpectedly complement and contrast an otherwise monochromatic palette.

The candid attributes of Glenns work play throughout the design, a cover unadorned – with a hint of typographic personality. Sabon, a time-honoured serif contrasts Founders Grotesk through the texts – adding just enough quirk. A traditional Wiblain hardcover is held together by exposed Smythe binding, unapologetically bare – true to form and its contents.