When you begin a glaze project, the most valuable resource is a detailed, visual record that pairs color tests with context. A photobook tailored for pottery glazing lets you archive swatches, lighting conditions, vessel forms, and application thickness in one accessible format. Start by photographing each test tile alongside a sample vessel when possible, then add notes about the glaze recipe, cone temperature, and kiln atmosphere. Take consistent shots to reduce variance in color perception, and include close ups of brushwork, dipping rims, or wax resist patterns. Establish a folder system on your camera and computer to keep imagery aligned with your glaze log.
As you expand your catalog, consider organizing by glaze family or firing stage, such as underglazes, slips, celadons, and oxides. Distinguish results by firing range, noting whether colors shift after reduction versus oxidation. In your photobook, dedicate pages to each experiment with a top image showing the finished surface, followed by smaller panels displaying glaze components, application notes, and test strip scans. Recording ambient light in studio photos is essential, since lighting can dramatically alter hue and saturation. Include a quick legend for color interpretations, so future visitors can translate photographs into reliable expectations.
Link methodical notes with outcomes to support iterative refinement.
The heart of a successful potter’s photobook lies in connecting color outcomes to actionable details. For every entry, describe the glaze base, the colorants used, and the vehicle or binder if you’re working with slips or enamels. Add a narrative about the firing protocol: kiln type, peak temperature, ramp rate, soak time, and any changes from previous firings. This contextual layer helps you interpret shifts in shade or gloss more precisely. Pair the narrative with a visual record—high-resolution shots of the surface from multiple angles and under neutral light. When possible, include a side-by-side of the before and after firing states to reveal transformation.
Incorporate practical notes that can guide future experiments. Create sections within each entry for application technique, such as brush stroke direction, spray parameters, or dipping speed. Mention moisture content, body slip compatibility, or inclusions like grog that might affect texture. Record troubleshooting tips: blistering, pinholes, crawling, or cracking, and how you addressed them in subsequent batches. The photobook should also hold a running log of a few core measurements: glaze viscosity, colorant proportions, and sample size. By keeping these details consistent, you’ll build a reusable blueprint for refining glaze chemistry and surface behavior over time.
Maintain a clear, searchable system that links pigments to outcomes.
Beyond glaze chemistry, the photobook can document surface texture decisions tied to color results. Note how different brush nicks, sponging, or combing influence the visual depth of a glaze. If you use stencils or wax resist, capture the effect on the final tone and gloss. Photograph tests on a family of small test tiles that mirror your intended vessel shapes, as contour can influence perceived color. Include a quick measurement gallery: a colorimeter reading, if available, or approximate digital swatches calibrated against a standard gray card. The more stable your reference frame, the more trustworthy your comparisons.
To keep the collection navigable, create a consistent layout template for each entry. Reserve space for a title line with glaze name, date, and firing details; a large image carousel; and a panel of notes that summarizes lessons learned. Use a simple color-coding scheme to categorize entries by glaze type or firing outcome (e.g., bright, muted, or metallic). Add a short keywords list to expedite searching later. Consider printing a compact index at the end of the book, listing glaze families with page numbers for quick reference during studio sessions.
Use consistent lighting, setup, and processing to preserve color fidelity.
An evergreen photobook also serves as a visual diary of your evolving taste and technique. Include pages that reflect your personal goals, such as achieving warmer stoneware surfaces or achieving precise color stability across a kiln loading. Interleave historical entries with newer experiments to show progress and drift in your practice. If you work collaboratively, dedicate sections to shared recipes and alternates, preserving the provenance of each change. A short artist’s statement near the front can orient readers to your philosophy, whether you pursue domestic wares, gallery pieces, or functional sculpture. The narrative should remain concise but revealing.
Photographic consistency matters as your book grows. Use the same camera settings, white balance, and backdrop for all glaze tests to minimize perception bias. If you must vary the setup, include a reference image with a neutral gray card for calibration. Lighting should be diffused and even, avoiding hot spots that skew color readings. Digital workflow is crucial: save RAW captures, then process them with non-destructive edits that preserve original data. Keep your editing notes attached to each entry so you or a collaborator can trace decisions about brightness, contrast, and color saturation.
Preserve provenance and reproducibility through organized documentation.
When you begin documenting firing records, consider a structured firing log that accompanies each glaze entry. Record kiln type, firing schedule, cooling profile, and any multiple-temperature steps. If you experiment with a range of temperatures, create a small color set that highlights how hue shifts with heat. Photograph kiln shelves and residues to contextualize outcomes, especially if you notice flux separation or glaze pooling. A concise interpretation in the notes can connect firing dynamics to observed color changes. Your photobook then becomes a reliable guide for reproducing preferred results across future sessions.
Include a practical section on storage of pots and sellers’ notes. Track how different ware bodies affect glaze behavior, since clay chemistry interacts with colorants in meaningful ways. Document moisture conditions in your studio and any pre- or post-firing adjustments, like glaze boosting or reducing atmospheres. If you maintain a glaze pallet or catalog, photograph and label samples with a quick caption. This keeps your references portable and ready for studio conversations, studio critiques, or even teaching demonstrations.
A well-structured photobook benefits from occasional audits. Set aside time every few months to review entries for consistency, accuracy, and completeness. Remove duplicates, update aging imagery, and add new insights from recent firings. Invite a fellow potter to skim sections and offer feedback on clarity and usefulness. Use a running glossary for terminology—brick red oxides, crystalline glazes, or celadon nuances—so readers can follow without needing specialized background. The process of auditing itself reinforces good habits: precise recording, honest conclusions, and a willingness to revise earlier interpretations when new data emerges.
Finally, consider the book’s longevity and access. Choose durable binding and archival paper to withstand handling in a studio environment. If you digitize the photobook, maintain synchronized backups and include metadata with each photo to facilitate future search functions. A printable companion sheet with key glaze names, recipes, and firing ranges can be shared with assistants, students, or kiln technicians. The goal is to create a living document that travels with your practice, guiding technique, inspiring experimentation, and serving as a clear record of color, texture, and firing history for years to come.
