Case Study: Tall Tales Long Lenses } Friesens Corporation

A Snapshot of Success

Some stories are worth the telling no matter how many countless revolutions around the sun – they demand to be told, again and again. This is one of those stories!

In 2017, renowned Canadian wildlife photographer John Marriott celebrated his 20th anniversary as a professional photographer. To mark this milestone, he envisioned a photography book that would not only showcase his most iconic work but also serve as a legacy piece for his loyal followers. What began as a simple idea evolved into one of Friesens Corporation’s most ambitious and creatively demanding projects to date. The result? Tall Tales, Long Lenses…a masterclass in design ingenuity, craftsmanship, and collaborative excellence.

The Vision

In mid-2016, Marriott approached Friesens with the idea of producing a commemorative book. Early discussions quickly expanded beyond a standard print run to include:

A regular edition for general audiences
A limited edition with premium packaging
A special collector’s edition—a true showpiece for devoted fans and collectors

This multi-tiered approach allowed Marriott to connect with different segments of his audience, offering something for every level of engagement and investment.

The Challenge

The project’s complexity was unprecedented for Friesens. It involved:

Color-Critical Demands

As a nature photographer, Marriott required exacting color fidelity. Every image had to be reproduced with precision to maintain the integrity of his work.

Legacy-Level Expectations

This wasn’t just another book, it was a deeply personal, once-in-a-career milestone. The pressure to “hit it out of the park” was immense.

Multi-Version Coordination

Friesens had to simultaneously manage production for:

Three versions of the book
Two distinct packaging solutions
Multiple customer-supplied components

Special Collector’s Edition Complexity

The collector’s edition was a marvel of design and logistics. It included:

A signed and numbered 12”x12” print (supplied by the customer) in a custom envelope (made by Friesens)
A special book cover
A stamp set (supplied by the customer) in a die-cut envelope with a die-cut window (made by Friesens) showcasing Marriott’s image
A Royal Canadian Mint coin box featuring one of John’s images on the coin (supplied by the customer)
A vellum print of “Frank the Tank,” one of John’s favourite animals, which is seen immediately upon opening the box
A custom neck box with a hinged lid and a multi-depth foam insert to hold all the components

Limited Edition Set

A signed and numbered certificate (supplied by the customer)
A special book cover with a full-color tip-on image
A clamshell box to hold the book

Each element required precise engineering, hand assembly, and rigorous quality control.

The Solution

Friesens packaging division was brought in early to prototype and refine the two box designs. The clamshell box was an elegant and economical presentation, compared to the neck box with hinged lid (the “Cadillac” of boxes) developed for the collector’s edition, a relatively new product at the time.

Key steps included:

Prototyping both boxes for approval
Iterative design to perfect foam inserts and component layout
Batch shipping to meet tight deadlines for Marriott’s fall tour
Manual assembly of each collector’s edition, ensuring every detail met the highest standards

The Customer Perspective

“I started printing with Friesens in 2007 with my international bestseller, Banff & Lake Louise: Images of Banff National Park, so when it came time to do a legacy book project highlighting my career to date in 2018, I immediately looked to them again. The 2018 project, Tall Tales, Long Lenses, had three components, including limited and collector’s editions, and I was thrilled with the work Friesens’ team did on all aspects of the project. Honestly, I would never look anywhere else in North America for my book printing needs.”

The End Result

The final product was nothing short of extraordinary. Tall Tales, Long Lenses became a benchmark for what’s possible in specialty publishing. Marriott successfully created a legacy piece that resonated with his audience on multiple levels:

The regular edition offered broad accessibility
The limited edition added a premium touch for collectors
The special collector’s edition became a treasured keepsake, elevating the book into an art object

While Friesens role was critical in bringing the vision to life, the real triumph was Marriott’s ability to connect with his audience through a product that reflected his passion, professionalism, and creativity.