VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
Pushing the Boundaries: creative digital image-making

Creating a compelling photobook requires thoughtful consideration. In this course, Students are guided through the essential creative and strategic decisions involved in bringing their photographic projects to publication. Swanson rigorously guides students in assessing when their work and accompanying research are fully developed and ready for publication, whether through traditional publishing or self-publishing avenues. With a strong emphasis on both creative and strategic decision-making, participants focus on the critical aspects of the production process, including the integration of supplementary texts and graphic elements, as well as the careful selection of paper, printing techniques, and binding options to elevate the project and deepen the reader's engagement. We also delve into the planning of special editions and the formulation of effective marketing strategies. Students receive comprehensive support at every stage, ensuring that their photobooks are thoughtfully crafted and positioned for success. Whether they are finalizing a body of work with the goal of publishing a photobook, seeking new strategies for their next book, or simply wanting to stay current on photobook publishing trends, contemporary fairs, and photography book competitions, this workshop supports participants throughout their publishing journey.

This workshop invites participants to rigorously examine the relationship between self, photography, and image through innovative discourse on memory and desire. By engaging with a selection of cinema, artwork, and literature, participants are encouraged to take creative risks as they explore how to rethink notions of belonging, narratives of desire, and evolving concepts of beauty. Students will gain hands-on experience printing original artwork, utilizing archival images, and experimenting with collage. This course will serve as a forum in which students challenge and push their individual practice to the next level.  

Nurture a passion for photography in a fun and supportive environment that emphasizes exploration, practice, and play in this dynamic workshop. Teens delve into how captivating photographs engage their audience visually, emotionally, and intellectually. By focusing on both the technical aspects of photography and the underlying creative concepts, participants enhance their image-making skills in an encouraging atmosphere. The workshop emphasizes storytelling techniques, capturing the surrounding environment, and the creation of stunning images using Adobe Photoshop. Students edit and retouch images and discover innovative ways to combine, blend, and mix visuals, all while having fun and supporting one another throughout the creative journey.