Join Pomegranate Press for a series of workshops focused on the process of publishing photo books. This course demystifies bookmaking from its earliest stage (the idea) and provide insight on how to turn said idea into a completed, living breathing project. As Pomegranate emphasizes work with strong emotional ties to its makers, we'll discuss how to approach channeling these kind of images into succinct publications. This will include discussions on editing, sequencing, designing, titling, branding, and other aspects of publishing that heighten the way an artist's photographs can communicate defined, curious and beautiful messages -- whatever they may be. Included in each presentation will be first hand examples (both successes and failures), unfiltered access into financial transparency, tips on how to work with a wide array of materials, thoughts on curating shows and events, and candid Q&A's to better serve the attendees' curiosities.

SESSION 1: Will focus primarily on design approach, intentionality, and developing narrative structures through the archive of personal images. Using examples from the Pom Press catalogue, attendees will see the inner workings of how a book comes to life from the beginning stages. We will discuss the selection process of images, how to develop a sequence, and ways to convey a personal story through the medium of a book. This session will attempt to illustrate Pom's specific approach to accessible, emotionally-driven publishing and how it applies to the wider world of contemporary bookselling. Participants are welcome to bring examples of their own work and images, but please note this session is NOT a critique and/or portfoilo review- and will be structured to highlight already-completed bodies of works as a method of providing insight on how to do so.

SESSION 2: Will focus primarily on the different ways to publish a photographic project once completed. One of the most common questions we receive is "How do I publish a book through Pom?" and this presentation will attempt to tackle that-- while going far beyond the outlook and taste of Pom in general (there's so much more besides us!). Insights on how to submit a publication, develop a relationship with a publisher, and find a home for your book will be provided, alongside candid examples of typical financial structures when it comes to working with someone else. This session will be a little more clerical (IE: Tips on how to send work, what to avoid, what to expect in general), but will reveal a bit as to why Pom chooses certain projects and avoids others. Similarly, this will session will hopefully illustrate both the advantages and challenges of self publishing, as well, and how it comes with certain freedoms, liberties, etc. There will be plenty of details on printing and materiality in this session.
GUEST SPEAKER: Caroline Tompkins, who will discuss working with Pom and her experience creating her book Bedfellow, with Palm Studios.

SESSION 3: Will focus primarily on the experience of books entering the world-- both as artist, maker, and seller. What does running a publishing house really look like? How do you even begin to do that? When working with a wide array of people on a regular basis, how do you maintain voice, identity, and so on? How do you maintain integrity when working under a capitalist regime? This session will intend to shed light on the often less-discussed aspects of bookmaking -- and how to work through challenges and figuring out the logistical pieces that, really, aren't available anywhere and most people keep secret. There will be several first hand examples of Pom's influences and how these were utilized to create a strong brand identity and focus. Will discuss thoughts on merchandising, event curating, and so on. GUEST SPEAKERS: Christian Michael Filardo and Oliver Shaw (Friend Editions), who discuss working together, existing as an independent creative, and running a multi-faceted publishing house.