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Group Learning

After decades of presenting lectures at industry events and teaching immersive in-person workshops, Mary Virginia has adapted her educational offerings to occur primarily in the online environment. 

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She is deep in research, updating her content to reflect the changes in our industry.

NEW for 2025: A four-day online Symposium led by Susan kae Grant with Mary Virginia Swanson and Special Guests for La Luz Workshops

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“The Art of Photographic Bookmaking: Inspiration, Creation, and Acquisition”

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This Symposium will explore the many options available to artists when considering the book form, including small press, fine art press, self-published, and handmade artists' books. 

Together with our amazing roster of Special Guests we will examine topics that include the structure of the visual book; integrative book designs; methodologies for incorporating images and texts; examples of photobook mock-ups (maquettes) and alternative book forms; options for fabrication and collaborative studio production; and best practices for creating powerful marketing materials for promoting books to collectors and collections.

Participants will be inspired and empowered to envision their own photobook, from concept to design to production, while gaining a deep understanding of the critical relationship between form and content.

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DATES: Saturdays, May 10 - June 7, 2025 (no class on May 24)

11 am to 6 pm (US EDT)

All sessions will be recorded and available to participants through September 7, 2025

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RELATED EVENT: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3rd, 8 pm EDT:  INFO SESSION / Q&A 

 

La Luz will be hosting an Information Session with MVS & SkG to provide an overview of the content, the contributions of Special Guests, and to answer any questions you might have.  

 

DATE: Tuesday, December 3rd, 8 pm (US EST)

Free and open to all!

 

If you are interested in attending, please sign up by emailing: selma@laluzworkshops.com

Previous online courses taught by MVS with La Luz Workshops: 

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Susan kae Grant & Mary Virginia Swanson | © Allison V. Smith

WHAT PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE SAYING

Mary Virginia Swanson is the greatest. Her knowledge, which she so generously shares, and her “you go girl” encouragement consistently move me and my work ahead by giant leaps. I have never known anyone in the photo world who did not know and respect her. She has a unique way of bringing the right combination of people together. My recommendation: take her workshops, work with her, get to know her, you will never regret it.

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