Art Photography and Photobook Consulting Services

Melanie has been involved in photography for over 20 years working in fields of professional photobook production and sales, and personal portfolio consulting. 

Who does Melanie serve? Many reach out to Melanie during different stages of the project/portfolio development and photobook creation process. Clients services include:

  • Finding or refining your photographic vision and aesthetic

  • Editing projects for exhibitions, websites, books, etc.

  • Finding the right format for your book project

  • Fundraising ideas and budget setting for book projects

  • Reviewing artist’s agreements with publishers

  • Designing exhibition proposals and exhibition creation

  • Book publishing advice, contract consultation, and fundraising for book projects

  • Preparing for portfolio reviews

  • Advising and supporting for artists who are just starting their careers

  • Exploring your additional personal photographic needs

    Reserve an appointment on the Creatives Consulting page or Email or call to discuss your photographic projects.

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Do my ideas on the photobook sync with yours?
Melanie’s philosophies about photography and photobooks

Read some of Melanie’s writings on photobooks

Cover the Book: Edition Three, Opening the Book
Cover the Book: Edition Two, Words and Pictures

Or fnd out more on the About page or Completed Projects page


What photographers are saying about Melanie

Patrick Sansone, 100 Polarioids

Melanie has been a great supporter and cheerleader of my work for the last decade. I was on the fence about whether or not to move ahead with the re-printing of my photography book, but her encouragement and creative ideas about how to make it work were instrumental in my moving forward. I came to her for advice because of her expertise and enthusiasm for great photography books, and I’m so glad that I did.
— Patrick Sansone, 100 Polarioids

Working with Melanie was imperative to the current success of my book, through several one-on-one coaching sessions. They provided great insight, advice and direction to my next steps with the book; whether ideas about raising funds on Kickstarter, reviewing my pitch proposal for publishers, understanding what to look out for in contracts, and the many months of promotion I have been doing. Melanie never ran out of ideas on any topic, she often made suggestions I hadn’t thought of, and always led the sessions with a lot of encouragement, kindness and patience. I had a lot of confidence working on my book because of the class and her individual coaching.

With Melanie’s support, one doesn’t simply learn about the book publishing world, but you learn to be an advocate for yourself and your work throughout the process. I wholeheartedly give my praise and recommendations for working with Melanie if you are making your way through the book-making process.
— Erica Reade, Beach Lovers

Erica Reade, Beach Lovers


Anne Berry, Behind Glass

Melanie has extensive experience and insight into the world of photo books, and she shares her knowledge generously. I appreciate her helpful answers to my questions about the business of publishing and the invaluable resources that she shared. It’s not easy for an artist with no business background to figure out logistical issues, such as budgeting and distribution. Melanie’s support made this process seem much easier. She also provided honest and practical feedback to my ideas for the special edition of Behind Glass. I enjoyed working with her.
— Anne Berry, photographer and author of Behind Glass

No one knows more about photo books than Melanie. I was extremely fortunate to consult with her for my second book, Absence Of Being. When considering my creative aesthetics and specific design desires and challenges, she suggested the perfect designer who was able to bring my vision to life. She also provided countless suggestions on how to better the design throughout the design process, which ultimately, helped me create the book of my dreams. If you’re searching for assistance with the creation of your monograph, I can’t suggest Melanie enough. She’s a treasure.
— Susan Burnstine, photographer and workshop teacher
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Tony Chirinos from his upcoming book Farewell

Tony Chirinos from his book, The Precipice

I am grateful for Melanie McWhorter’s insight about book making and championing work that is not consider mainstream. She comes with a world of knowledge about all aspects of publishing books, finding the right designer, publisher, and distributor to best fit your book ideas. Melanie is relentless in getting the job done, always reaches out with new ideas, creating truthful budgets and is always patient to hear my thoughts. I could not be happier in having her as part of my team.
— Tony Chirinos, The Precipice