Photo Book & Independent Publishing Workshop
From Zines to Monographs
Žagarė, Lithuania
4 days | June 30 - July 4, 2026
Hosted by Andrew Miksys
Informacija lietuvių kalba (PDF) Information in English (PDF)
Overview
A small, intensive four-day workshop focused on developing photographic projects into books — from DIY zines to fully realized monographs.
Participants will work closely with experienced photographers, designers, and publishers, receiving direct feedback on their projects while exploring the full process of independent photobook production.
The workshop is limited to 12 participants.
What You Will Do
• develop and refine a photographic project for book form
• edit and sequence images
• design and produce a book dummy
• explore printing and binding techniques
• understand publishing and distribution strategies
By the end of the workshop, participants will have a clear direction for a book project, including concept, sequence, and next steps toward production.
About the Workshop
This workshop explores the process of transforming photographic work into a book — from small experimental zines to independently published monographs.
Topics include editing, sequencing, book design, printing, binding, and strategies for publishing and distribution. The focus is on both practical knowledge and developing a strong, personal approach to the photo book form.
Location
The workshop will take place in Žagarė, a historic town in northern Lithuania located directly on the border with Latvia — you can literally stand with one foot in Latvia and the other in Žagarė.
Reflecting this location, the workshop brings together some of the most active photobook practitioners from both countries, offering participants a unique opportunity to engage with the Lithuanian and Latvian publishing communities.
Each day, participants will meet with guest contributors and instructors to discuss their projects in Andrew’s studio, housed in a large red brick building in Žagarė’s historic Jewish neighborhood.
Topics include
• editing and sequencing a photographic project
• designing and producing a book dummy
• understanding the differences between zines, artist books, and photobook monographs
• printing techniques, from laser and risograph to CMYK offset
• binding methods and book structures
• crowdfunding and grant opportunities
• distribution channels, book fairs, and independent publishing networks
Why Apply
This workshop offers a rare opportunity to work closely with experienced photographers, designers, and publishers who have spent many years producing independent photo books and artist publications. Participants will receive feedback on their projects, learn practical strategies for publishing, and gain insight into the broader international photo book community.
The workshop is designed for photographers interested in developing their work into a book form—from small DIY zines to fully realized monographs.
Who Should Apply
The workshop is open to photographers at all stages of their practice — from those beginning to explore book ideas to more experienced artists developing advanced projects.
What matters most is a willingness to experiment and a desire to develop your work in book form.
Participants are encouraged to bring an ongoing project or a body of photographs they would like to develop further. Those who prefer to begin a new project during the workshop are also welcome — for example by photographing in Žagarė or working with archival materials.
Participants
The workshop is limited to 12 participants to ensure in-depth discussion and individu
€180 workshop fee
€84 for 4 nights accommodation at Žagarė Palace
The workshop fee includes all lectures, group critiques, and access to sessions with guest contributors.
Participants may also arrange their own accommodation, but the Palace offers a convenient and affordable option, with shared rooms, kitchen facilities, and access to a large library with work tables and WiFi.
Application Deadline
May 15, 2026
How to Apply
To apply, please send a short description of your project and up to 10 images jpgs, PDF or link to info@andrewmiksys.com. If you plan to make a project here in Žagarė, please describe your project idea and send examples of previous work.
You can also click on the APPLY button and send an email through my contact page.
Workshop Leaders
Andrew Miksys
Photographer and publisher based in Lithuania. Miksys is the founder of ARÖK Books and the author of several self-published titles including DISKO, TULIPS, and BAXT. His work has been exhibited internationally and his books are widely collected within the photobook community.
Lina Ozerkina & Joseph Miceli
Lina Ozerkina and Joeseph Miceli are designers and publishers at Friends Make Books based in Torino, Italy. They specialize in small-edition book production - from concept and design through to printing and binding. Joseph is also an expert in custom lettering and hand painted signs at his studio Letterista.
Visvaldas Morkevičius
Lithuanian photographer whose work explores themes of youth culture, nightlife, and contemporary identity. In 2015 he self-published his first monograph Public Secrets, followed by several issues of his Portraitzine series, including Remigijus (2017) and Gintas K. (2020).
Guest Contributors
Throughout the workshop, guest contributors from Lithuania and Latvia will present their publishing projects in public evening talks and participate in critiques with students during the day.
FROM LATVIA
Anna Volkova & Vladimirs Svetlovs
The team behind Talka Books in Riga, Latvia - www.talka.lv
Arnis Balčus
Editor-in-chief of FK Magazine and director of Riga Photomonth - www.balcus.lv / www.fkmagazine.lv
Georgs Avetisyan
Latvian-Armenian photographer and publisher - www.georgeavetisyan.com / www.mildabooks.com
Vika Eksta
Artist and educator working with photography and artist books - www.vikaeksta.com
FROM LITHUANIA
Visvaldas Morkevičius
Photographer and author of the monograph Public Secrets and the Portraitzine series - www.visvaldas.com
Valentinas Odnoviunas
Photographer and author of Surveillance: A Typology of Oppression - www.odnoviun.com
Pavelas Šalaikiskis
Photographer currently developing the book project Raised by Worms - www.pavelassalaikiskis.com
This project is financed by The Lithuanian Council for Culture
