Photo Book Studio
A structured social learning space for photographers who want to make books that matter.
“Making a photobook is an act of editing, sequencing, and storytelling — a discipline as demanding as the photography itself.”Photo Book Studio — RPS Books & Zines SIG
A community of makers
The Photo Book Studio is a peer-learning space for photographers at every stage of their photobook journey. Whether you’re shaping your first sequence or preparing a dummy for a publisher, the Studio gives you structure, feedback, and community.
Built within the RPS Books & Zines SIG on FluentCommunity, the Studio runs in focused cohorts — small enough for real dialogue, connected to a wider network of photobook practitioners and independent publishers.
01 — Foundations
Learning to Sequence
For photographers developing their first book project. Covers edit, sequence, narrative arc, pacing, and the principles of spread design.
02 — Development
Making the Dummy
For photographers with a formed project ready to push toward a physical dummy — working with printers, designers, and submission to publishers.
From idea to object
Narrative Sequence
A complete edit and ordered sequence of your work
Spread Designs
Page turns with rhythm and considered pacing
Book Dummy
A physical prototype to hold, test, and show
Artist Statement
Refined text for submissions and proposals
Critical Writing
Response to books in your chosen tradition
Peer Review
Structured feedback within your cohort
Structured, not prescriptive
Join a Cohort
Small groups of 8–12 open at the start of each season. Everyone arrives with a project already in motion.
Work in the Studio Spaces
Dedicated spaces for sequencing, spread critique, reference texts, and print discussion. Post your work, get feedback, iterate.
Attend Live Sessions
Monthly video critiques and guest practitioner talks. Recordings archived and available to all cohort members.
Complete Your Project
Each cohort runs for 12 weeks, ending with a shared showcase of dummies and sequences.
The Studio is open
RPS membership is not required to observe introductory sessions — full cohort places are prioritised for RPS and SIG members. Guest places are available each cohort.
Books & Zines Special Interest Group — structured social learning pilot on FluentCommunity.
Start making
your book
Applications for the next cohort are open. Places are limited to 12.