In Nowhere Newsletter 01, I talk with Keith Cullen of Setanta Books about publishing in these strange times.
Being a photography book collector myself, I wanted to ask some of my favorite publishers what it takes to make their beautiful photography books - the journey from nothing to publisher of some of the best photography books out there.
What is the story behind Setanta Books ?
I used to run my own record label (Setanta records). I always had an interest in photography because the bands never knew what to put on the covers of the LPs, so I used to come up with ideas and that got me into photography, when the music business got harder to make a living out of (or I got too old for it!). Around the time of downloads and before streaming I decided to start selling rare books. I got more into buying photography books and eventually into publishing books with photographers which is very similar to putting records out with indie bands, so it feels like its come around full circle.
Which upcoming photographers / titles would you like to mention ?
Niall McDiarmid is a photographer I like a lot and hope to work with more in the future, We also have a book coming with Jeremy Snell just after Joshua K. Jackson’s book which I’m excited about. The next book in our bi-monthly series is with Hollie Fernando.
What advice would you give aspiring book publishers / self publishers ?
I think Instagram has been a great place for photographers to get their work seen, it has helped make photography more democratic and taken some of the power from galleries and arts institutions which I feel is a good thing, obviously there is a large superficial side to it too. Also the rise of YouTube channels like Willem Verbeek / Matt Day / and Framelines. A lot of these people see photography as a community and are happy to publicise the work of people who might in another world be seen as competition and thats a really healthy thing I believe.
Photo credits:
Nik Roche (From ‘The Budgie Died Instantly’, 2020)
Nik Roche (From ‘The Budgie Died Instantly’, 2020)
Michael McCluskey (From ‘003 – Michael McCluskey’, 2020)
Michael McCluskey (From ‘003 – Michael McCluskey’, 2020)