Meet Bob the Caribbean flamingo
Meet Bob, gracing the cover of the colorful book of the same name, *Meet Bob*. The colors are stunning—truly breathtaking. We’re talking about the photo book by award-winning World Press photographer Jasper Doest, starring the flamingo Bob. The stunning photos give us a glimpse into the colorful life of this now-famous bird. The book was conceived by the photographer as a tribute to his native island of Curaçao. We—NPN|Graphius—served as the director. The lithography—which plays an extremely important role in this book—is the work of Marc Gijzen.
Bob is a Caribbean flamingo from the island of Curacao
His life took a drastic turn when he flew into a hotel window, suffering a severe concussion and an injured wing. He was cared for by Odette Doest, a local veterinarian who also runs a wildlife rehabilitation centre and a conservation charity (FDOC). Due to his disability, Bob could not be released. But instead, he became an ambassador for FDOC, which educates local people about the importance of protecting the island's wildlife. The book offers support in this important task of educating future generations.
Photographers in general - but Jasper in particular - have a level of ambition that exceeds the standard possibilities of image production in print.
Photography versus print
For Jasper, the photographic journey with Bob began when he visited Curaçao in 2016. Bob had just been rescued. For both Marc Gijzen, the lithographer, and for us at NPN|Graphius, that journey didn’t begin until much later…
The account manager from NPN|Graphius who was closely involved in this process is Peter Bongers. He explains the approach: “Photographers in general—but Jasper in particular—have a level of ambition that goes beyond the standard capabilities of print image production. What do I mean by that? The original image straight from the camera is much richer and more refined than what can be achieved in (offset) printing. The goal is to get as close as possible to the original photo in order to create the best possible result.”
The right paper for an optimal experience
"In order to achieve this result," says Peter, "one has to look very carefully at the right choices of paper. Based on the designer's wishes, we recommended four types of paper that differ in tactility (how it feels) and shade. The final choice of the 150-gram Metapaper Extra Rough Recycling White was made on the basis of various printing proofs on different types of paper and with different densities. The word 'Rough' in the name says it all; this is the roughest, uncoated paper.
By really looking at the various possibilities together and paying attention to them, you end up creating an unforgettable tangible experience. For this reason, we chose a paper type that is voluminous and rough in surface structure. What we did have to take into account is that this paper does not initially seem the most suitable for 1:1 image production."
By really looking at the different possibilities together and paying attention to them, you end up creating an unforgettable, tangible experience.
Lithography provides the perfect colour balance
But NPN|Graphius has a solution for that. Or rather, Marc Gijzen does. The lithographer with whom NPN|Graphius works closely. “Due to the rough surface and absorbency of this paper, there is a loss of detail in the image that must be compensated for through lithographic processes. In fact, we’re trying to resolve all the contradictions. Because this is an extraordinary lithographic task, we chose Marc. He has a wealth of experience with this. He sharpens the original image and brings the whole thing into balance.”
Based on the analysis of the image, in combination with the paper types, we recommended printing in five colours. In the case of Meet Bob in full colour (including black) and an extra black. The blue undertone of the black makes for a powerful image, creating more depth and the illusion of sharpness. Lithographically this is added to the existing image in a separate channel. So it comes on top of the standard full colour black."
The end result is what counts!
For a lasting, attractive result, the book is printed with the LED-UV press. The drying by LED-UV lamps of our printing press ensures that the ink does not soak into the paper as it does with regular offset presses. For a lasting, powerful image. "Our client therefore consciously waited for this press to come into use. The end result was amazing!
Of course, it is our job to get the wishes of the photographer, the photographer's external production supervisor and the book designer on the same level. We ensure that they are on the same page, creating a balanced and refined end result that everyone is proud of. In the end, it's about managing expectations, and in doing so, a balance must be found between technique and creativity".
Our client therefore deliberately waited for this press to be put into operation. The end result was amazing!
