PhotoNOLA Education Day: Focus on Photo Books

Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013
International House Hotel Conference Facility
9am-4pm

Registration fee: $50 in advance / $60 at door
Advance registration available here

Join us for a day of stimulating dialogue and information about publishing photo books today. This day-long symposium will include diverse voices, from an artist to an agent, acquisitions editor, publisher and distributor, covering many topics related to the art and business of publishing.

9-11am
TO BE PUBLISHED or SELF PUBLISH? Options for Artists Today
A PhotoNOLA Seminar with Mary Virginia Swanson

The publishing industry is undergoing extraordinary changes. The print-on-demand revolution has opened up new possibilities, and it has never been easier or more affordable to produce a book of your photographs. The traditional publishing path has the advantage of a highly specialized team who brings their expertise in design, production, marketing and distribution systems. With self-publishing, you can create exactly the book you envision, but without the support of professionals at a publishing house. In the changing landscape of the photo book industry which publishing scenario is right for you at this time in your career?

In this presentation, Mary Virginia Swanson will discuss both avenues to publishing, and help participants determine the pros/cons for their unique needs. Swanson will share resources from Publish Your Photography Book, a respected title she coauthored with Darius Himes (Princeton Architectural Press, Winter 2011).

Mary Virginia Swanson is an author, educator and advisor who has assisted many artists bring their work to the printed page and into the hands of their targeted audience. She is the recipient of the 2013 Focus Award for Lifetime Achievement in Photography presented by the Griffin Museum.

11:15-11:45am
CASE STUDY: Jane Fulton Alt
Photographer Jane Fulton Alt will share insights into her three very different publication experiences. Look and Leave: Photographs and Stories from New Orleans Lower Ninth Ward was published by the University of Georgia Press in 2007. The Burn will be released by Kehrer Verlag, in Fall 2013. She has also created a limited edition (18) hand made artist book that contains an encaustic piece in the back, Between: Fire/ Smoke.

12-2pm
Lunch Break – Bring your own or eat at a restaurant nearby. We encourage all to visit the CAC’s Unfolding Images photobook exhibition during the break.

2-4pm
Industry Panel: YOUR BOOK TO YOUR AUDIENCE
Four professionals in the field will speak about their respective roles in the publishing industry, and how authors can help to ensure their book is seen by their targeted audience.

A moderated Q&A session will follow the panelist’s presentations.

Featuring:
Jane Brown, VP/ National Accounts Director, ARTBOOK | D.A.P.
Robert Morton, Book Agent, Robert Morton Books
Rob Shaeffer, Acquisitions Editor, Princeton Architectural Press
Gordon Stettinius, Founder & Publisher, Candela Books
Moderator: Mary Virginia Swanson

Image courtesy of Thomas Allen