How to Make a Photography Sketchbook

Every street photographer would benefit from making a sketchbook. My advice: delete your Instagram and create a sketchbook! Instead of sharing an Instagram handle with those you meet, let them flip through a physical sketchbook. It’s personal, tangible, and leaves a lasting impression. Just give them your name and contact info to stay in touch.

Step 1: Buy a Small Notebook

For a compact, easy-to-carry option, I use the Muji Passport Memo. It’s small enough to keep in my pocket, making it accessible whenever I’m out. Whether I’m in a coffee shop or just hanging out, I can share my work in a unique way. A small sketchbook makes sharing feel much more enjoyable and personal than scrolling through an Instagram feed.

Step 2: Buy a Cheap Printer

To make your sketchbook, a compact printer is essential. I use the Canon Selphy CP1500 with the Canon KP-108IN Color Ink and Paper. The printer is small, easy to use, and works perfectly with the SELPHY app on my iPad or iPhone. Here’s my process:

Print 8 photos on one 4×6 sheet.
Cut each photo into individual frames.
Tape them into the sketchbook.

This approach allows me to quickly add new images and keep my sketchbook up-to-date with recent work.

Step 3: Make Small Thumbnails

Viewing your work as small thumbnails lets you shuffle them around and experiment with sequencing. If a photo holds up as a thumbnail, it’s a good indicator that it’s a keeper. Working with thumbnails also brings a unique perspective to the flow and narrative of your images.

“If your photo is strong as a small thumbnail, then it’s a good determining factor of whether or not it’s a keeper.”

Step 4: Start Sequencing

For a more hands-on approach, try sequencing photos on a wall using wall-safe tape. A slightly larger thumbnail works well for this, so I print 4 images on one 4×6 sheet for a bigger view. Sequencing on a wall or in a larger sketchbook lets you visualize the progression of your work on a grander scale.

Step 5: Just Have Fun

Ultimately, making a sketchbook should be an enjoyable process. It’s a creative way to rethink and explore your photography. There’s no limit to how you can use sketchbooks to view your work. Don’t take it too seriously—just try it, and have fun with the process!

Making a photography sketchbook gives you the freedom to think outside the screen, experiment with your work, and create something uniquely yours. So grab a notebook, get printing, and start sketching!