Photo book or photo series?
Forms of presentation and it's context.
Kai-Olaf Hesse (dt./engl.)
In the early days, when a photographic work was finished, one created a portfolio, to go to interviews at picture agencies, with curators and gallery owners. Today – if not compiled on a PDF and/or burned on DVD – everyone makes "books".
Photo books once made with or without real prints; dummies made in the copy shop, or over the course of sleepless nights, with one's own printer then stapled, glued, bound, spiralized or folded. Now, the photo book 2.0 is simply ordered over the internet.
This sounds easier than sometimes is experienced. For beyond the technical requirements, the most decisive criteria for a great and successful book are the choosing of the subject matter/topic and the images – structure, sequencing and in particular the design and choice of the materials for the book (...and all the million little things that need to be decided on within this long process)
This workshop addresses the prerequisites for the content and design of an image series, which shall then be brought together to construct a photo book. On the basis of participant's own works and books, the workshop will discuss possibilities and critical aspects in regard to the presentation of photographs in book form.
For whom?
Professional photographers, students of photography and art, artists using photography, individuals with a multimedia background, interested amateurs and other interested parties with knowledge of photographic practice. Applicants should bring photographic work with which they want to make a book, or already finished photo books they want to discuss in the workshop.
Workshop
- Each participant will contribute a body of work or previously finished book(s). These will be critically discussed in regard to their transformation into book form.
- Introduction to the basic outlines of book design and production. Critical support and input to each participant's book making process.
- Introduction and discussion of content-, technique-, practice-, and theory related aspects of book making which will support the successful production of a book project in practice.
- Current developments and positions within the contemporary photo book market will be introduced and viewed in regard of their historic context.
- The theory-content of one's own photographic practice will be discussed in light of this constituting a conceptual cornerstone for a photo book.
- General aspects of re-presentation of images in a book in relation to "photographs" versus "book project" will be discussed.
- Developing of a critical creative practice.
- Developing an understanding of the professional practice of book production.
Instructor
Kai-Olaf Hesse is a photographer and works since 1996 also as a book designer for publishers, museums, artists and other institutions. He has contributed to more than 30 book productions and also worked on several personal photographic projects which were conceived as and have later resulted in books.
All interested applicants should apply by email before September 30, 2010. Please attach 5 to 10 examples of your own work and/or a link to your personal website. You should also attach a short statement about your photographic skills and motivation.
Seminar Structure
- Small group of max. 15 participants
- Key lecture on the contemporary photo book scene
- Imparting of the technical framework (i.e. format, reproduction- and production processes etc.) in regard to the individual project.
- Constructive and critical group discussions on participant's works
- Possibility for individual critique
- Visits to production facilities such as lithography-, printing-, binding companies can be arranged upon request (and will be held separately from the workshop).
Time
1 Day | Saturday October 16 2010 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fees
95,- € incl. 19% VAT,