Picture This: Photography Essentials for Teens

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.  

In-depth storytelling has never been more essential, and this workshop offers intermediate and advanced photographers a focused yet supportive environment for mastering the skills and techniques required to create a compelling image series. Designed for socially and culturally conscious storytellers, the course emphasizes documenting the human experience with the goal of informing or challenging perceptions through creative and thoughtful imagery. Through a combination of lectures, assignments, critique sessions, and class discussions, participants explore the ethical, social, and visual dimensions of environmental portraiture. The workshop delves into methodologies practiced by leading artists in the field, providing participants with the tools to develop their own long-term documentary projects. This comprehensive approach encourages participants to push their creative boundaries while deepening their understanding of the genre.