The Photobook - Fall 2025

For many of us, the photo book is a unique and invaluable means of creative expression. At its best, the photo book transcends mere printed catalogue of images to become its own artistic medium. The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the historical traditions and new directions for the medium, and ultimately give you the experience and feedback to create your own photo book. The course will cover topics including the importance of image sequencing, the inclusion (or absence) of text within the photo book, and the relationship between a book’s physical design and its photographic content. We will further expand our understanding and appreciation of the photo book through discussions, critiques, technical demonstrations, and visits with artists, bookstores and publishers.

The intention of the course is to offer you the experience, freedom, and critical feedback to both appreciate the photobook as a unique artistic medium and the confidence to design and create your own photobook.

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR STUDENTS

• Weekly attendance is vital to student success in PCNW courses. We require that students attend the first meeting in order to retain their spot in the class. A waiver may be granted if permission is given by, and subsequent arrangements made with, both the PCNW Registrar and Faculty. Please see our Education Policies for details about attendance policies and academic expectations.
• Intermediate and advanced courses have prerequisites which students must satisfy prior to enrollment. Prerequisites may be waived based on experience or prior courses taken through other institutions. To verify that you meet the prerequisite(s) for a course, contact Jennifer Brendicke, Registrar at jbrendicke@pcnw.org.
• Students are required to provide their own camera, unless otherwise noted in the course description. If you have questions about camera equipment or resources, contact us at pcnw@pcnw.org.
• PCNW adheres to a strict payment, cancellation and refund policy. Please review our Payment & Refund Policies prior to registration.
• Additional materials and supplies, not covered by a materials fee for a course, are the responsibility of the student. Detailed information about course expectations, required texts and materials will be provided at the start of the quarter.
• Students should prepare to spend several hours per week completing assignments outside of class, which may require use of the PCNW facilities; view our Rental Rates for details about additional fees. Rental fees for use of PCNW Facilities are a separate cost from tuition.

Image credits: Eirik Johnson, Book Cover and Lilly Everett, Photobook Class