REGISTRATIONS OPEN: EARLY BIRD REBATES UNTIL MAY 10!
LEWIS CHAPLIN (LOOSE JOINTS):
“STRATEGIES: APPROACHING THE PHOTOBOOK”
SEPT.19- 22, 2026, FOTOFILMIC SPACE, BOWEN ISLAND, BC
This workshop is built on the philosophy that photobook-making is an organic, exploratory and holistic process that requires both structure and spontaneity. At Loose Joints all stages of the book-making progress are done collaboratively and simultaneously, with elements of edit, sequence, design and production all interlinked at every stage of the creative process. This workshop aims to follow this approach into developing the participants’ existing bodies of work into a space that engages organically and spontaneously with both the limitations and freedoms of book-making, while teaching essential knowledge around editing, sequencing, graphic design and production, as well as insights into the technical, logistical and financial sides of publishing a photography book.
Instead of relying on traditional lectures, presentations, or rigid methodologies, this workshop will embrace a more hands-on, iterative approach using books as references and inspiration. By integrating conceptual discussions with practical experimentation, the goal will be to push participants beyond their usual frameworks of sequencing, storytelling, and design. Participants will be encouraged to embrace unpredictability, chance, and failure as vital elements of their creative process. As such, the workshop will offer a unique space for deep engagement with each applicant’s project, fostering an environment where critical discussion and experimentation lead to the development of a compelling body of work on the page over the course of 4 days.
In summary, participants to this workshop will:
– move through structured yet flexible stages designed to refine their photobook projects
– explore different aspects of photobook development through open discussions and hands-on experimentation
– engage with key photobooks and reflect on their own projects, exploring themes of narrative, sequencing, and creative process
– get introduced to concepts of unpredictability and chance through experimental exercises and creative tools allowing them to challenge their usual ways of working
– receive an in-depth one-on-one session for tailored guidance on the editing, design, and conceptualization of their book project
This intensive workshop is open to 10 participants only: apply to register by Thursday, April 30 for early bird rebates and to be considered first!
Banner images: © courtesy Loose Joints.
Top image © Courtesy Loose Joints; Bottom row images © FotoFilmic, Lewis Chaplin’s Sept. 29-Oct. 2, 2025 FotoFilmic workshop
ABOUT LEWIS CHAPLIN
Lewis Chaplin (b. 1992) is a British book-maker and graphic designer based in Marseille, France. In 2014, he co-founded Loose Joints, an award-winning publishing house and design studio, with Sarah Chaplin Espenon. In 2021, they opened Ensemble, an independent bookshop and gallery in Marseille. Loose Joints collaborates with leading and emerging artists on contemporary photography books, handling design, editing, and production entirely in-house. Their publications won the Aperture–Paris Photo PhotoBook Award in 2025, 2024, 2022, and 2020. Loose Joints also operates as a design studio and runs a publishing and residency award with Mahler & LeWitt Studios in Spoleto, Italy. Previously, Chaplin led fourteen-nineteen (2009–2014), co-organized the Copeland Book Market (2011–2014), and was a senior designer at MACK (2015–2018). He has an academic background in Social Anthropology.
https://loosejoints.biz/
@jointsloose
WORKSHOP WITH
LEWIS CHAPLIN (LOOSE JOINTS)
BOWEN ISLAND, BC
9.19-22, 2026
REGISTRATION FEES* & DEADLINES | 4-DAY WORKSHOP:
EARLY-BIRD: $1595 USD
[Deadline: Sunday, May 10, 2026]
PAST ATTENDEE: $1495 USD
[Deadline: Sunday, May 10, 2026]
REGULAR: $1695 USD
[Deadline: from May 11 and until filled]
Please note: Applications will be reviewed weekly during the registration period on a first-come first-served basis. The entire review and acceptance process usually takes a week from the day your application is received. Applying early is recommended for greater chances of selection.
* subject to 5% GST (Good and Services Provincial Tax)
TRAVEL
Flights, local transportation, meals and accommodations are not included in the registration fees. A detailed information packet will be sent to confirmed participants to help coordinate their stay on Bowen Island inclusive of accommodations options and local transportation directions.
LOCATION & HOURS
Workshop venue:
FotoFilmic Space
103-555 Prometheus Pl
Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2
Hours: 9:30am – 5:00pm each day (subject to change)
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications to register are free (no fee to apply). Enrolment is limited to 10 participants. Photographers from all education backgrounds, at all stages of their careers and with book projects at any stage of development are all encouraged to apply (film and digital both OK). Submitting a portfolio of 15-20 images focused on work tied to an ongoing or future book project is required in order to receive our fullest consideration.
REGISTRATION DEPOSITS & PAYMENT PLANS
Applicants invited to register will be required to confirm their participation by sending either a $800 USD registration deposit, or a full Early-bird/Regular/Past Attendee registration payment within 10 days of their acceptance date.
If sending a registration deposit, the registration balance will then come due in full by Friday, June 26, 2026.
Flexible monthly payment plans are also available to accepted applicants at their request and at no additional cost. If interested in subscribing to a registration payment plan please inquire before Sunday, May 10, 2026, with FotoFilmic Co-Director Bastien Desfriches Doria at bastien@fotofilmic.com. Please also note that all payment plan payments remain non-transferable and non-refundable.
CANCELLATIONS/WITHDRAWALS
The deadline to withdraw your participation and request a registration refund is Friday, June 5, 2026. Please note that a $250 USD cancelation fee remains applicable. Cancelation and refund requests received after Friday, June 5, 2026 will not be accepted.
In the unlikely event that the program is not meeting minimum enrolment or needs to be canceled for any other reason, paid registration fees will be refunded in full without any cancelation fee applied. Please note however that FotoFilmic cannot be held responsible for any non-refundable traveling expenses under any circumstances: purchasing travel insurance is therefore strongly recommended.
QUESTIONS/CONTACT
For any questions or inquiries, please contact FotoFilmic Co-Director Bastien Desfriches Doria directly at bastien@fotofilmic.com