Creative Database on Self-Publishing

The Photobook Café is dedicated to elevating emerging photographers and independent publishers, with a strong commitment to supporting those who are less likely to access traditional publishing routes. We are particularly focused on empowering creators from minority backgrounds, emerging photographers, recent graduates and students, whose voices and perspectives are often underrepresented within the photobook world.

As both a gallery and a creative hub, we champion self-published photobooks through curated exhibitions, book launches, an accessible online photobook collection, and a dedicated onsite open access photobook library. These platforms are designed to amplify independent work and connect artists directly with audiences, collectors, and buyers through our online collection.

Our mission is to foster a more inclusive, equitable, and approachable publishing landscape. We provide space, resources, and opportunities for learning and collaboration, supporting makers at every stage of their creative practice. Through our talk series, reading rooms, touring collections, open submissions, photobook displays, and hands-on zine workshops, we encourage artists to experiment, build confidence, and develop their own publishing voice.

If you would like to be involved get in touch at info@photobookuk.org