About this Project 

The aim of the ‘Zine Project' was to encourage people to have a go and produce their own zine. For too many photographers our digital images just languish on computer hard drives. The zine (pronounced zeen) is an exciting and different way to get your photography project seen. Descended from the fanzine with its low-tech look and do-it-yourself feel, today’s zines have risen from the ranks of amateur publishing to a phenomenon enjoyed by photographers of all standings and genres.

Whilst never restricted to a single shape, size or format, photozines generally contain a small project; are printed quickly and cheaply and are the polar opposite of expensive, luxury self-publishing. Great for giveaways (or swaps), zines are also an ideal vehicle for concluding those photographic projects that seem to linger on desperate for an ending.

The only limitation, apart from imagination, was the zine concept needed to fit with our definition of landscape: “Landscape photography is defined as the photographic portrayal of all elements of the land, sea and sky whether natural or built or influenced by human endeavour.  Examples include mountains, hills, farmland, coasts, bodies of water, forests and populated and industrial areas”. We had a wide range of zine concepts covered by the participants.

In spring 2023, we ran an introductory briefing with Tim Daly; in the summer, a talk on zines & photobooks by Euan Ross and in the autumn, a follow up review and Q&A session looking at zines submitted by project participants.

If you missed the introductory briefing Tim has kindly provided a shorter recording covering the key points (circa 12 minutes) and his briefing notes.

Why we did it

It was for enjoyment! The project’s main value was to get people engaged and to encourage them to produce their own zine. We were delighted circa 80 people signed up for the project with more than 20 participating in the ‘zine swap’.

Outputs from the project

The zines! Everyone who participated in the project has been encouraged to submit their zine for display on a stand at the Landscape Group Conference in spring 2025. We are also planning an article in the Landscape Group magazine.

Thanks to Tim Daly, Senior Lecturer in Photography at Chester University. His specialist subjects are photography production and artist's publishing. Tim has had many photography books published, and has been teaching RPS workshops for a number of years. He is a member of the RPS Photobook Distinction Panel.

The project was managed by Fiona McCowan FRPS.  Fiona was awarded a FRPS in 2021 for her handmade photobook In the Offing.  She is also a member of the RPS Photobook Distinction Panel.