Class 102. Explore the Photobook Phenomenon: Create/Design Your On-demand Photobook with Suda House
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Self-publishing one’s photographs in an on-demand photobook is more than just a fad. For more than two decades, photographers have embraced the process of creating, designing, and outsourcing their bodies of photographic works into small-edition books using various publishing software. By moving their images from the screen to the page, to an object one can hold in their hand, share with others, and memorialize visual projects into “a thing itself,” the photobook is the new paradigm shift for the photographic medium.
This online course will introduce the history of the photobook in the context of early 20th century photography to the 21st century, challenging one to ask, “Why the book?” Within this context, the purpose of one’s book will be explored. Surveying and selecting individual images within a series, then editing images into a cohesive body of photographs, will drive the design, including creating dynamic layouts and prototype mock-ups for review. Using presentation software, such as Keynote or PowerPoint, one’s first look will be to critically examine scale, sequence, the visual space of each page, text, and other construction elements to heighten the experience of one’s photographs within the flow of a book.
This is not a course on how to use publishing software. As the course proceeds, various publishing sources will be introduced and scrutinized from simple construction options to complex ones. Students will compare their level of skill with these proprietary software sources, selecting the best in regard to which book format has an acceptable degree and “ease of handling.” Further considerations for a publisher will be the design options needed to communicate the book’s purpose, selection of various papers, binding, and of course what is the final cost and turnaround time to hold the book in one’s hand.
Requirements for successful completion of the course:
Participants need a body of photographic works to create and design their book.
The selection of a book design software is cost-free, but publishing costs for one book usually start at about $25 plus shipping. Turn around times are usually 6–10 business days.
The course meets online consecutively for five weeks, taking one week off to outsource to publisher.
There will be a final online class meeting (6th week) to review and celebrate one’s completed book!
Max students: 12
Athenaeum Music & Arts Library
The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, located in the heart of La Jolla, Calif., in San Diego County, is one of only 16 nonprofit membership libraries in the United States. This rare cultural institution, an important one to the greater San Diego area, offers a depth and accessibility of resources and programs found nowhere else in the region. The library, devoted exclusively to music and art, has an outstanding and ever-expanding collection of books, periodicals, reference material, compact discs, videocassettes, DVDs, sheet music and librettos, as well as one of the most significant collections of artists' books in Southern California. The library is open to the public five days a week and members can check out materials for a modest annual fee. The Athenaeum also presents an eclectic, year-round schedule of art exhibitions, concerts (classical, jazz and new music), lectures, studio art classes through its School of the Arts, tours and special events. To quote the San Diego Union-Tribune, "There are few libraries in America as unusual as the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library." Admission: Admission to the library is free. Gallery exhibits are free and open to the general public. Materials may be used in the library or checked out by members. Borrowing privileges are limited to members only. Books may be checked out for four weeks and all CDs, videos and DVDs for two weeks. Materials may be reserved in advance. Guided Tours: Free guided tours take place the third Saturday of every month at 11 a.m.