THE PHOTOBOOK PROCESS – WORKSHOPWITH SINA NIEMEYER AND ANN GRIFFIN
A five-day intensive workshop for up to ten participants combines theoretical input with individual project development. Sina supports the further development and finalization of participants' projects through different artistic methods and editing processes. Ann focuses on book design, production, and the publishing world, guiding participants in creating a book dummy and exploring publication strategies. The aim is to accompany participants comprehensively on their journey from an unfinished project to a dummy ready for publication. DURATION & PARTICIPATIONDuration: 5 daysDates: September 15–19, 2025Participants: Max. 10Languages: German & EnglishParticipant Equipment: Laptop + Adobe CCLocation: AFF Galerie, Kochhannstr. 14, 10249 Berlin
WORKSHOP CONTENTPractical Sessions— Individual and group feedback sessions on your project— Exploration of methods and techniques; development of new artistic and visual approaches— Final editing of your image sequence— Creation of a first book dummy
Theoretical Sessions— Insights into the book-making process— Thinking of the photobook as an object (techniques, materials, etc.)— Roles and processes in book production— Publishing houses, distribution & self-publishing
REQUIREMENTSA photography project in an advanced stage. You should be able to bring at least 60 images (photography, archive material, writing, etc.) for the editing process.All typologies welcome (documentary, artistic, still life, research-based, archival, etc.)
INCLUDED— 5 days of intensive instruction with Sina Niemeyer & Ann Griffin — Individual and group feedback — Basic materials — Possible public presentation — Snacks, coffee & tea
Not included:— Travel to Berlin, accommodation, meals
PRICECost: €650–850 per person (self-assessed). If you have a higher income, a higher contribution can support others’ participation and help us plan more securely. €650 is the minimum we need per person to cover all costs (max 10 participants).
Payment: due after 17.08.2025
APPLICATIONSelection is based on your project, which will be developed further during the workshop. The key requirement is that your work is near-publication and functions as a consecutive narrative. The aim is to bring together a group of participants with projects at a similar stage.
Please submit:— Project description (max. 1 page)— 10–30 images as a PDF— CV and/or short biography— Contact information and website
Deadline: First come, first confirmed Deadline: EXTENDED — a few spots still available — get in touch
CONTACT & BOOKINGBook here onlineFor questions or problems with the form:studio@sinaniemeyer.com mail@anngriffin.chMedia Partner: PiB (Photography in Berlin)
Sina Niemeyer is a photographer and artist based in Berlin. Her personal work explores the invisible, power structures, and patriarchal violence. Her projects have been exhibited and awarded internationally. She also works regularly for international media and NGOs, gives lectures, and leads workshops.www.sinaniemeyer.com
PHOTOBOOK WORKSHOP SCHUDERS
SCHUDERS (GR)SWITZERLAND
Past dates: November 20-24, 2024 (see how it was)April 17-21, 2024 (see how it was)New dates to be announced.
«No story, no book» is a workshop for photographers aimed to produce a book dummy.Spend 4 days in an intimate group of peer photographers working on your project, in a chalet with amazing views of the Swiss mountains.
TOPIC
In practice— Exchange & feedback about your project in individual and group sessions— Editing your final sequence— Thinking of the book as an object— Producing a first dummy file. The book dummy will be ready to be printed and used to search for a publisher, apply for a dummy award or work with a designer.
In theory— Inputs about the book making process. From applications, funding to production— Roles and rules in making a book & the importance of a designer— Publishers, distributors & self publishing— The photobook as an object (techniques, materials…)
FrameworkYou will be working on your own project in a group of 5 photographers. Ann Griffin, a graphic designer specialised in editorial design, will give theoretical input about the production process and industry of the photobook, while leading the workshop during the 4 days.
DETAILS
Participants/PublicPhotographers who have a regular artistic practice.
RequirementsThe participant should have a photography project in an advanced stage, ready to be edited with the intention of making a publication. The typology of the project is completely open (documentary, artistic, still life, research, archive…) but must be a coherent project in its whole.
Technical requirements for photographersA portable computer with the Adobe CC installedThe series of images in digital files + printed on paper (at least one copy)LanguageEnglish (German, French and Italian when needed)
ParticipantsMax. 5 (min 3)
SETTING
LocationSchuders, Graubünden, Switzerland.In a tiny village in Prettigau, we have at disposal a beautiful Chalet in a Cooperative mountain-house Project.2 hours from Zurich by public transport.
AccommodationYou have your own room in the chalet.
FoodVegetarian food, with local cheese and homemade bread. 3 Meals a day will be prepared during the 4 days.
FACTS
Datesnext dates to be announced
Duration 4 daysArrival Wednesday evening in time for apéro and dinner — departure Sunday afternoon (17:30 last bus)
Price1280.– CHF per personEarly Bird 10% off until March 10th
Included— 4 full days of tutoring — Food (breakfast, lunch, dinner)— Accommodation in your own room— Basic material (paper/printer)
Not included— Travel to Schuders, Graubünden (2h from Zurich)— Wine or other alcoholic drinksPayment50% of fee to confirm booking / 50% before start
APPLICATIONS
The selection will be made based on your work, more specifically on the project aimed to be developed during the workshop. Please send a project description together with a clear overview or a meaningful selection of images. It is crucial that your project is meant to become a publication and that the series is ready to be worked with. I consider each applications in an individual way — but also with the aim to have a group that is at a similar stage of the project and can work together.Please send:— project description text (max 1 page)— images (50-100) in one pdf file or dropbox folder— Cv and/or Bio+ Contact and website
Deadline31st March Early Bird 10% off until March 10th Only a few spots are left. Get in touch if you're interested!
CONTACT + BOOKINGPlease feel free to contact me for any kind of questionmail@anngriffin.ch+41 76 374 07 27
An overview of the past edition can be seen here
TUTOR + HOST
Ann Griffin (*1981, Lugano, CH) works as a graphic designer specialised in editorial design. Based in Zürich, she collaborates with publishers, photographers and artists on different projects. Her main focus is book design with a particular interest in photography books. She has been a juror, a teacher and leader of numerous workshops in different art schools for the past 10 years. Since 2017 she is a committee member of near. (Swiss association for contemporary photography).
All photos by Ann Griffin – except for Image no. 3, © by Nathalie BissigFonts by Sophie Wietlisbach
