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JUNE 20-22 2025
Visual Storytelling & Professional Book Creation Workshop
Led by Tomasz Laczny
An intensive workshop in visual novel and professional book creation, from concept to published work.
Location:
The Project Room, San Francisco + Online
Limited to 8 Participants
Complete Experience: $1,275
Includes:
Personal mentoring & studio intensive.
Personal project development.
One-on-one expert mentoring pre-workshop dates.
3-day San Francisco studio intensive.
FAQs
Curriculum
3-to-4-month Online Private Mentoring (Pre-In-Person Workshop):
Up to 1-hour private Zoom call for project development (value: $300).
Session Breakdown:
Story Foundation & Concept Development
Clarify your core narrative and themes.
Define your target audience.
Explore visual storytelling approaches.
Establish project scope and goals.
Selection of images for the workshop.
Option to schedule additional meetings upon request.
Benefits:
Enter the workshop with a well-developed concept.
Receive individualized attention and feedback.
Maximize your in-person workshop experience.
Build momentum before the intensive 3-day session.
Come prepared with a strong selection of images for the workshop.
3-Day Workshop (San Francisco, The Project Room)
Proposed Dates: June 20-22 2025
Schedule Overview:
Friday, June 20, (Start: 14:00)
14:00–15:00: Introduction to the tutor, overview of photobook-making, and examples of handmade books.
15:00–16:00: Participant project introductions.
16:00–17:00: Visual narration lecture.
18:00: Group dinner and optional additional activities.
Saturday, June 21, (Start: 10:00)
10:00–13:00: Group and individual editing sessions.
13:00–14:00: Lunch break.
14:00–16:00: Continued editing (group and individual).
16:00–16:30: Introduction to bookbinding.
16:30–17:00: Stitching exercises.
18:30: Group dinner and optional additional activities.
Sunday, June 22, (Start: 10:00)
10:00–13:00: Individual work on book dummies.
13:00–14:00: Lunch break.
14:00–15:30: Continued individual work on book dummies.
15:30–17:30: Final project presentations by participants.
Why Participate?
This workshop isn’t just for those finalizing their projects. Even if you're still in the middle of shooting, this course provides invaluable insight into creating a cohesive photobook. Engaging early allows you to address potential challenges and refine your vision with the guidance of professionals.
Why Create a Dummy?
A physical dummy allows you to interact with your work in a tangible way. Turning pages offers a unique experience that digital files cannot replicate. This tactile approach helps inform decisions about pacing, sequencing, and layout.
The Importance of Paper
Choosing the right paper is essential. Beyond its texture, paper significantly influences how images are perceived. The right choice can enhance the visual impact of your work.
Book Size and Format
The dimensions of your photobook shape the relationship between the reader and the work. A well-chosen size can enhance intimacy, and technical decisions, like binding, ensure a seamless reading experience.
Design and Photography in Harmony
Balancing design and photography is crucial. Great design amplifies the impact of your images, while strong photography elevates the design.
Whether you’re starting a new project or refining the final touches, this workshop equips you with the tools and feedback to create a compelling photobook.
Testimonials:
"The workshops Tomasz runs are truly enlightening. They are that rare combination of practice, theory, and something else I'd name intuition, but which sometimes feels almost mystical. He gives time and emotional energy to each project, and helps the artist at whatever level to think and rethink their images in the context of visual narration and as part of the material process of making something, stitching and sticking and cropping. On occasion to even enter the rare rhythm of a fluent visual storyteller - a quality which he personally always seems to possess. Tomasz's processes are both intellectual and physical, and the outcomes I witnessed were always inspiring: suggestive of more thoughtful future works to come. Tomasz makes us look at the book, and the art book, in new ways. An exciting and fulfilling exercise."
Robin Hunt -- participant of 2023 workshop organised by Photobookcafe London
“This workshop with Tomasz allowed me to really put a new work in motion – his generous and precise insight brought a fresh dynamic as well as a new formal approach to the pictures. Since, the project has been shown in two exhibitions and has received a grant to produce the book!”
Matilda Holloway -- participant of 2019 workshop organised by Espace Saint-Cyprien Toulouse 2020
“This is exactly what I expected as a workshop, constructive with a listening group, and a first book’s draft Tomasz understands right now and pays attention to everyone. He's full of ideas and knows how to give each one of the tips that match his project perfectly, with a great organization. Thank you. It was great.”
Daniele Boucon -- participant of 2019 workshop organised by Espace Saint-Cyprien Toulouse 202
About the Workshop
This all-analogue workshop requires no prior knowledge of editing software. It covers:
Theory of editing.
Hands-on editing exercises.
Designing dummy layouts.
Introduction to bookbinding and stitching exercises.
Introduction to paper types, cover design, printing techniques, and publishing.
Participants must bring:
A set of images in three sizes:
A5 (approx. 148 x 210 mm).
A6 (approx. 105 x 148 mm).
A7 (approx. 74 x 105 mm).
Bring inexpensive printouts (e.g., basic laser prints on budget paper) for editing and dummy testing. Approximately 15–20 images will be selected for the final dummy.
Tools: scissors, pencil, cutter, metal ruler (30–50 cm), cutting mat, fast-drying glue, double-sided tape, bone folder, thread and needles, low-cost A4 paper, paper for the cover.
This workshop is aimed at:
Photographers with developed projects who want to create a book dummy.
Artists intending to present their work in book form.
Creatives looking to use an artist’s book as a medium of expression.
The Project Room (TPR) curated exceptional dining venues and performances to complement your intensive sessions. While these evening activities are optional, each has been chosen to enrich your artistic experience. Participants handle their own payments for dinner and entertainment at each venue.
Minimum Participants: 5
Maximum Participants: 8
Limited to 8 participants. We ask that your bookings are flexible until we have confirmed that the minimum number of participants have signed on. The confirmation will happen no later than three weeks before the workshop begins. For workshops to run we need a minimum of five participants, unless other wise noted. If for some reason we are not able to reach our minimum number, the workshop will be canceled and you will receive a full refund. TPR is not responsible for non-refundable airfare, accomadations or any other travel expenses in the event of a workshop cancellation. Any questions on workshop and registration; info@theprojectroompb.com
Pre-Workshop Development
Before the workshop, participants will have three individual meetings to:
Develop the Idea: Explore and refine the project concept.
Receive Mid-Project Support: Get guidance and feedback during development.
Finalize Preparation: Select and discuss images for the workshop and determine the best design approach.
The goal is for each participant to leave the workshop with a physical draft dummy ready for further refinement.
About the Tutor
Tomasz Laczny has been deeply involved in photobook production since 2015, working with various clients, including (M)edition and Ibasho Gallery. His acclaimed work, Erna Helena Ania, is part of the MoMA library collection. Currently, he is a Special Lecturer (Online) at the University of the Arts London and has conducted workshops worldwide, including:
Berlin (Bildband, 2020–2023).
London (Photobook Cafe, UAL, 2021–2023).
Toulouse (Gallery Saint-Cyprien, 2019).
Brussels (L’Enfant Sauvage, 2023).
Sopot (Festival w Ramach Sopotu, 2023).
TUMO Studios, Armenia (2024).
Refugee camps near Tindouf, Algeria (2018).
Laczny’s workshops are celebrated for their depth, clarity, and practical guidance, providing participants with a solid foundation for creating exceptional photobooks.
Cancellation Policy:
Full refund for cancellations made three weeks before the workshop.
No refunds for cancellations within three weeks of the workshop.
Registration transfer to a waitlisted person possible up to one week before the workshop.
Workshop cancellation by us entitles you to a full refund.
Workshop fee non-transferable to other services or workshops.
Registration implies agreement with this policy.
Contact us for questions or clarifications.
