©Alanna Airitam

Mary Virginia Swanson

AUTHOR, EDUCATOR AND ADVISOR

Mary Virginia Swanson has spent her career helping artists find the strengths in their work, identify appreciative audiences, and present their work in an informed, professional manner.

Unique among authorities in our field, Swanson’s in-depth knowledge, professional reputation and relationships throughout our industry offer a broad range of perspectives on both the making and marketing of photo-based work.

Her private mentoring, online group learning lectures, in-depth workshops, and Master Class Retreats have proven to aid photographers in moving their careers to the next level.

Upcoming Events

WHAT PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE SAYING

I recently faced a career opportunity new to me. Mary Virginia was my first phone call. With laser-like precision, a passion for the possible and a warm heart, she gave me an action plan to follow. Prior to every consultation with me, she had researched my situation, and prepared key information, guidance and insight. Leading up to an important meeting, she coached me on what I might be asked, what I need to know, and the right questions I need to ask. Thanks to her mentoring, I walked in fully prepared and confident. I left with the commitment of a major institution to create an archive for my life’s work. I have immense gratitude for Mary Virginia Swanson and her unique role in supporting me in this process.

- David P. B.

Sat, Apr 20
2024 | Bringing your Project to Publication: A Survey of Possibilities
The Print Center
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Apr 20, 2024, 1:00 PM – 6:30 PM EDT
The Print Center, 1614 Latimer St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
Join MVS and a panel of photobook makers for an exciting photobook seminar on bringing your completed project to the book form.
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Sat, May 11
2024 | From Our Libraries: Extraordinary & Innovative Photobooks With Mary Virginia Swanson and Susan kae Grant
The Griffin Museum | Online
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May 11, 2024, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EDT
The Griffin Museum | Online
In this 2-hour online presentation, Susan Kae Grant and Mary Virginia Swanson share and discuss highlights from their personal libraries including published, self-published, handmade artists’ books, and collaborative productions.
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Sun, Jun 09
2024 | Female Perspectives on Visual Storytelling | Workshop with Sarah Leen & Special Guests
Maine, USA
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Jun 09, 2024, 10:00 AM – Jun 16, 2024, 4:00 PM
Maine, USA
Join Sarah Leen, and her team for a weeklong residential workshop designed specifically for female photographers and editors who want to learn to better organize, edit, and sequence their visual work, while exploring how to harness their power as female storytellers.
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Mon, Sep 23
2024 | To Be Published, Self-Publish, and Artists' Books: Choices for Photographic Artists Today | Maine Media Workshops
Maine Media Workshops
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Sep 23, 2024, 10:00 AM EDT – Sep 27, 2024, 4:00 PM EDT
Maine Media Workshops, 70 Camden St, Rockport, ME 04856, USA
Join Mary Virginia Swanson and Susan kae Grant in this dynamic and insightful workshop, where photographers will explore publishing options, from traditional to self-publishing, & gain insights on book design, editing, marketing, and distribution. Engage in site visits and gain first hand knowledge.
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