Photobook as Object 2024 calling for the applications has now closed!

Since the first workshop held in 2014, the photobooks created by the participants have become a sensation in the global photobook scene which has remarked this workshop uniquenss and success. The workshop has been held annually since then, between was the one at ISSP in Latvia in 2018, and back again in Tokyo from 2019. Even after a postponement period due to COVID, we have continued to hold this unique workshop in 2022 and 2023. The workshop 2024 will mark the 10th anniversary and we are now calling for applications for participants. The aim of this workshop is to create a book that is more than a book, a book that allows the viewer to deepen understanding of its contents. If you have a project which you have been thinking to develop into such photobooks, this would be the best opportunity you shouldn’t miss.

The workshop will focus on understanding the storytelling process with a personal vision – exploring ways to incorporate your personal experience and voice into your work. We will work on the editing process, conceptualizing ideas and presentations, and the physical process of creating a photobook or publication.

We will explore the process of generating ideas and refining concepts in the pursuit of presenting a successful photographic series in printed form. Through individual and group discussions and critique, the participants will examine the strengths of their ideas and intentions, developing their skills to conceptualize coherent projects better and materialize the potential of their ideas as a publication.

The participants will arrive with one (or more) ideas they’d like to work on. The first days will be spent examining and deconstructing those ideas, editing, and deciding which ideas are viable and which are not. The second part of the workshop will focus on layout, material and the final presentation in the form of a book or a publication.

Constructive criticism, honesty, and fairness towards each other will be the keys to a successful group process. The participants should expect to spend long hours, push their boundaries and explore new ways of storytelling, share their ideas and knowledge and be inspired by their peers. Experimentation and openness are encouraged.

The outcome of the workshop will be a photobook dummy as well as new reflective tools and ideas to continue working on current and future projects.

Dates:
Six days on June 1 (Saturday), 2 (Sunday), and 3 (Monday) and 8 (Saturday), 9 (Sunday), and 10  (Monday), 2024
During the break from each workshop (the days between the 3rd and 4th implementation days), participants will self-study at the workshop venue, share ideas for the development of their works, make suggestions, and discuss with each other. If you are planning to participate from afar and can stay during this period, we encourage you to participate and use the time to create your work meaningfully.

Day 1: There will be a presentation about the possibilities of photobooks. We will talk about material, concepts, and techniques. Participants will do a presentation on their work briefly.

Day 2: Another presentation after getting feedback from the tutors and other participants. We will be working on editing the stories in small groups and starting with the layout of the books. We will produce the first dummy with the printed pictures.

Day 3-6: We will finalize the layout and work on the production of the books. Every participant will produce at least a dummy to take home. Participants who manage to make a few copies will get the opportunity to exchange or sell the books through Reminders Photography Stronghold.
The final results will be showcased at the Reminders Photography Stronghold during the public presentation events in the evening of 11th June.

Times:
11:00 a.m. to approximately 7:00 p.m., with a possible change in start time, possibly earlier, with a break in the middle of the day, and an extension. Based on past events, it is very likely that work will start earlier or finish later on a daily basis. Flexibility is required in terms of time as well. Please be aware of this in advance.

Venue：
The venue will be either in Tokyo or in Kyoto. You can choose which one you prefer when you apply, but the final decision on the venue will be made by us based on the number of applications received. Therefore, please make sure that you will be able to attend the workshop regardless of which venue is chosen before applying.

Workshop venue 1: TOKYO: REMINDERS PHOTOGRAPHY STRONGHOLD
2-38-5 Higashimukojima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo (6 minutes walk from Tobu Skytree Line Hikifune station, 5 minutes walk from Keisei Hikifune station)

Workshop venue 2: KYOTO: RPS KYOTO PAPEROLES
Address: 603, Oimatsu-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City
Nearest bus stop: Kamishichiken or Senbon Imadegawa

Participation fee: 88,000 yen (including consumption tax) (82,500 yen for RPS members, including consumption tax)
*Participation will be confirmed only if you pay the participation fee by the deadline indicated in the e-mail. Please determine if this is financially feasible and apply on that basis.

Instructors: Jan Russell, Yumi Goto (Reminders Photography Stronghold)

Capacity: 12 people
(*This is not a first-come, first-served basis decision. If the number of applicants exceeds the maximum number, selection will be made based on the materials submitted)

◎Deadline: 31st January 2024, 23:59 JST Photobook as Object 2024 calling for the applications has now closed!

If the above form does not work, please email the following information to
photobookasobject@reminders-project.org
If you do not receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application materials within 24 hours of submitting your application, your application may not have been completed. In that case, please send us another email. If you still do not receive a reply, please contact us through our Facebook page or Instagram message as a final means of communication. Please make sure to include your cell phone number as well, as we may contact you via short message or WhatsApp message on your cell phone.
Our Facebook page is
https://www.facebook.com/Reminders.Photography.Stronghold
Our Instagram page is
https://www.instagram.com/remindersphotographystronghold/

◎What to learn and prepare:
The workshop will focus on the overall vision, concept, and content of the book, and each participant will create a dummy. This requires careful preparation, gathering of materials, photography, etc., in advance, but we will also offer a consulting session (up to one session) to further confirm the direction and guide you in preparation for the workshop. The workshop is not intended as a hands-on course, but rather as an opportunity for those who are willing to work towards the completion of their work. Also, please be sure to bring a laptop computer (with InDesign installed) when attending, no previous experience is necessary. *Familiarity with Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, and InDesign is preferred. Other necessary tools will be emailed to confirmed participants at a later date.