F/262 Photo BOOK CLUB

A celebration of photobooks, independent publishing, and the tactile power of print.

F/262 Photo Book Club

The F/262 Photo Book Club is a vibrant new satellite program of the F/262 Photography Festival — a two-day event celebrating the photobook as a unique medium of photographic storytelling.

Taking place across the UNESCO Creative Cities of Caldas da Rainha and Óbidos, this gathering brings together photographers, editors, publishers, designers, and print lovers to exchange ideas, showcase work, and open new creative pathways — all centered around the power of the printed image.

Whether you’re presenting your first dummy book, exploring new forms of publishing, or simply collecting beautiful editions — F/262 Photo Book Club is your space.

What to Expect

Here’s what you’ll find throughout the weekend:

F/262 Photo Book Club is a curated program of the F/262 International Photography Festival, a non-profit platform rooted in Caldas da Rainha and Óbidos. As an artist-led initiative, F/262 celebrates photography in all its forms — with the photobook standing as one of the most intimate and democratic vessels of photographic expression.This weekend event is a declaration: the book is alive, and it matters.

When & Where

Caldas da Rainha & Óbidos, Portugal
🗓 Spring 2026 (Exact dates to be announced)

Held in key cultural venues across both cities, the Book Club invites you to wander through exhibitions, take part in open talks, meet publishers, and celebrate the photobook in all its forms.

Open Call for Authors Project Presentations

Photographers are invited to submit photobooks, dummies, or prototypes for live presentation.
– Selected authors will give 10–15 min “show & tell” sessions
– Includes time for Q&A, signing, and possible sales
– Open to self-published or in-progress works.

Open Call for Editors Publisher Showcase

Independent publishers and editorial projects will be invited to present their mission, catalogue, and recent publications.
– Each editor gets a space to exhibit books and meet the public
– A mini-fair structure encourages informal discovery and dialogue
– Open to national and international publishers

Photobook Exhibition

A curated exhibition featuring award-winning photobooks from the Federation of European Photographers (FEP) and selected invited authors.
Includes:
– Reading tables with physical copies
– Printed displays and short videos introducing each author
– Special viewing space for limited-edition books

Opportunity Session

A special feature designed to connect authors with editors.
– A limited number of authors can pitch their projects directly to publishers
– May lead to collaborative feedback, networking, or future publication
– This session is curated from the open call pool

Printing Focus: Books & Beyond

A session focused on the craft of printing, book production, and photographic editions.
– Insights into fine art printing, paper choice, color accuracy, and finishing
– Led by expert partners.

Mini Workshops & Micro talks

Hands-on moments for creatives to dive into the publishing process:
– Intro to Bookbinding (DIY & zine formats)
– “How to Build a Photobook Dummy”
– Photobook Pitch Clinic (1-on-1 coaching with a curator or editor)

Talks & Roundtables

Public conversations on the present and future of photobook publishing.
Topics include:
– “From File to Shelf: Challenges in Photobook Production”
– “The Artist as Publisher”
– “New Platforms, New Readers”
– “Distribution, Sustainability & the Future of Print”
Guests include editors, curators, designers, and festival directors.

photo Book Market

A curated market with selected publishers, independent artists, and zine creators.
– Purchase limited-edition books, handmade objects, and photobook rarities
– Meet the makers behind the works
– A perfect place to grow your collection

Who Should Join?

Photographers creating or launching book projects
Publishers, editors, and designers in the photo and art world
Students of photography, visual communication, and book arts
Collectors, readers, and lovers of the printed image
Anyone interested in the future of storytelling through print

How to Participate

Open calls for authors and publishers will be announced soon
– Entrance is free for audiences (some sessions may require registration)
– Talks will be streamed or documented for future access

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