The Houston Center for Photography is excited to present a photography masterclass with artist, publisher, and educator Kris Graves.
It is important as ever to understand how to create and publish your own book. This intensive workshop focuses on taking a photographic project from concept to finished book. Designed for photographers ready to move beyond the screen, the class offers a practical, end-to-end approach to professional self-publishing. Participants will edit their work, refine narrative sequencing, and translate images into a cohesive book form.
The workshop covers subjects such as layout, book sizing, typography, color management, and export for print. Students will explore cover materials, paper options, and binding choices, understand technical nuances, and learn how to communicate effectively with global printing houses. Topics also include proofing, budgeting, quotes, timelines, and on-press decisions.
The course will conclude with a discussion of distribution, marketing, and sales strategies, providing the tools needed to produce, publish, and share your own photobook.
Dates: October 17 - 18, 2026
Meetings: Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST (2 sessions)
Location: Houston Center for Photography
Cost: $780 (HCP members can receive a 10% discount, Advanced Photography Practices students receive a 15% discount)
Instructor: Kris Graves
Skill Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Participants: 10
Objectives:
Edit and sequence your project, including applying color corrections
Create your project in Adobe InDesign, including book sizing, typography, margins, color conversions, and export
Review the various options for cover types and materials
Learn how to communicate with worldwide printing presses and understand their best practices
Prepare for working with your chosen press: proofing, budgeting, lithography, and on-press options
Examine quotes based on pricing, sizing, options, and paper types
Discuss important practical considerations–budgeting, timeline, and advanced books
Consider the options for marketing and selling your photobook, physically and online
Prerequisites:
Students must have one project they would like to publish in photobook format. Images can include all works you are considering for book inclusion.