“It don’t have no zing (if you don’t print that thing).”
There’s an old song from the early last century titled “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).” For many photographers — myself included — the sentiment could easily be adapted to: “It don’t have no zing (if you don’t print that thing).”
This June, photographers in the Victoria area can have fun exploring the art of hand bookbinding through a two-day introductory workshop led by local artisan and instructor Joan Byers.
The workshop is designed for anyone interested in creating handmade books, journals, portfolios, or unique presentations for their photographic work.
In a time when most images live fleetingly on screens I feel there is something deeply satisfying about holding a photograph in your hands. That's when I think an image truly comes to life!! When it becomes physical—printed, tangible, and lasting.
From RAW to Print to Photo Book!
Many photographers finally decide to take the next step–to create a photo book that tells a story, preserves a body of work, or sequences their photographs.
Yes, there’s many quick online services for designing and printing books that make this easy; however, there is another, more tactile and potentially rewarding path.
Make your own photo book!!
Learning with Joan
Joan Byers has worked with books and bookbinding for more than 26 years and has taught the craft for two decades. A member and accredited instructor with the Canadian Bookbinding and Book Arts Guild, she has participated in national and international exhibitions and competitions and is passionate about both traditional techniques and inventive contemporary book forms.
During this hands-on workshop, you’ll create a small hardcover book while learning the fundamentals of bookbinding.
Topics include paper folding, sewing, cutting, tools, and construction techniques. You can later transfer these skills to create your own photographic books, portfolios, journals, or presentation pieces.
More Than a Container for Photographs
For photographers, the workshop offers more than just a craft experience. It opens up new possibilities for how your photographs can be shared and experienced.
A thoughtfully made book can become more than a container for images. It can become part of the artistic expression itself.
