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 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.
On Self Publishing
On Self Publishing Public Programme
Within our On Self Publishing Programme, we offer a range of initiatives designed to support anyone looking to self-publish a photobook, expand their network, broaden their reach, and connect with others who are eager to share their skills, experiences, and creative voices.
Our programme features a dedicated Monday Photobook Talk Series, drop-in Zine workshops, Photobook Displays, Reading Rooms and touring photobook collections, all presented on a monthly basis. We also host quarterly Reading Rooms, celebrating every new photobook submitted to our collection, alongside free open submissions for those wishing to have their work included.
To find out how to attend and get involved with our On Self Publishing Programme head to our What’s On Page or email us.
Making A Photobook
We don’t offer printing, designing, binding services, or consultations for making photobooks. We also do not operate as a print studio, small press, or publishing house.
However, we highly recommend the following publishers, presses, and services to support you on your photobook-making journey:
Void Publishing, Setanta Books, Zone 6, Zone, Mack, Dobedo, Newspaper Club, Page Masters, Folium, Hoxton Mini Press, Overlapse, JW Editions, Self Publish Be Happy, Bluecoat Press, Thames & Hudson, Phaidon Press, Cáfe Royal, GOST, Trolley Books,