Writing about your Photography

By Elin Spring and Suzanne Révy

Aren’t your pictures supposed to say it all? Ideally, but written cues can offer viewers helpful entry points into your work. And here’s a benefit that might surprise you: just as making images cultivates your eye, writing can help you refine your artistic vision. Aligning your visual and written expressions clarifies both.

Project statements, artist statements and/or biographies are necessities for every type of photographic submission or proposal. Are you preparing the introduction for your upcoming exhibition or book? Perhaps you are applying for an artist residency, grant, or fellowship. Whatever your goal, writing eloquently will illuminate the intention and process that sparked your imagery.

Writing with authenticity and panache elevates your work. But why struggle alone? Even seasoned authors seek feedback from their peers. We offer a variety of instruction and support, from lively group workshops led by both of us to one-on-one consultations. Choosing the most comfortable way to build a writing habit into your creative life is an investment in your career.

Our next workshop is an ONLINE, 5-week course offered through the Griffin Museum of Photography. We will meet via internet for five Tuesday evenings, beginning on January 27th, 2026. Enrollment is limited to ensure that each participant receives an optimal balance of personal attention and group involvement. We invite you to join us!

For more information and to register: https://griffinmuseum.org/event/spring-revy-fall25/

Testimonials

Cyanotype from pinhole Holga camera negative by Diana Nicholette Jeon (courtesy of the artist and STCF).

The Griffin Museum is offering a class I’d like to recommend that people consider taking.  Speaking as someone who asks people for writing about their art so that I can write about their art, this is a skill that many people could use.
~ Diana Nicholette Jeon (Photographer, Independent Curator & Writer, Hawaii)

“World Trade Center” by Rita Nannini, from the series First Stop Last Stop,  courtesy of the artist.

I too endorse Elin and Suzanne’s writing class at the Griffin. They totally helped me find my words to describe the work. This class is a gift!
~Rita Nannini (Photographer, Author “First Stop Last Stop”, New York City)

“Session 3, Moment 19” by John Hesketh, from the Stucco Sessions, courtesy of the artist.

This workshop experience has given me new insights and directions for my work and it all happens efficiently. Elin and Suzanne’s tag-team editing style turns the normally awkward Zoom class experience into a critical and supportive workshop success. Now I get compliments for my writing as well as my photographs.
~John Hesketh (Photographer, California)

From the series Remembrance by Xuan-Hui Ng, courtesy of the artist.

I struggled with writing artist and project statements despite having years of experience creating presentations for work. I found it a challenge to express my thoughts and emotions about my art so that it makes sense not only to me, but also to the audience viewing my images. Elin and Suzanne have extensive experience and provided valuable insights into how to structure statements and proposals that would appeal to people in the industry. They taught me to articulate my thoughts in a more concise and impactful way. During the workshop, I was inspired by other participants’ work and writing, as well as their comments about mine. I also found it extremely educational to hear Elin and Suzanne’s feedback on other participants’ writing. There were many learning opportunities packed into this short workshop! I highly recommend working with Elin and Suzanne.
~Xuan-Hui Ng (Photographer, Japan)

“Zoomorphic #34 (Flamingo)”  by Shelby Meyerhoff, 2021 from the series Zoomorphics, courtesy of the artist.

Highly recommend! I use the guidance I got from your class every time I write an artist statement for a new project.
But thanks to your help, it now requires less exertion than climbing a mountain.
~Shelby Meyerhoff (Photographer, Massachusetts)

“Sweetness” by Diane D. Hemingway  from the series Impossible Diamond, courtesy of the artist and Panopticon Gallery, Boston, MA.

Thank you both for guiding me with writing an artist statement that I love. The workshop was a delight! The words “be ruthless, and repeat” are forever etched in my mind.
~Diane D. Hemingway (Photographer, Maine)

“Ritzville Home” 2018 by Skip Smith, courtesy of the artist and the Griffin Museum of Photography.

Thanks for your good suggestions, and perhaps most importantly, the reasons for making them. It was also helpful to sit in and occasionally comment on my classmates’ sessions. I met nice people and very good photographers, By the way I will get this project statement on my website to replace the mess I have there now.
~Skip Smith (Photographer, Washington)

Our upcoming workshop offered through the Griffin Museum of Photography begins on September 30th, 2025 and will meet online for five Tuesday evenings.

We hope to see you there! For more information and to register: https://griffinmuseum.org/event/spring-revy-fall25/