Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role at The Photography Foundation?
I've worked at the Photography Foundation over the past three years, and during that time I have worked closely with five groups of trainees who have all been passionate about getting into professional photography and the wider industry.
It's no secret that the industry can be difficult to get into! A lot of what we do on the training programme is about building the confidence and skills needed to navigate the industry so that the young people we work with are equipped to find their path once they graduate. We support trainees to be independent, self-led learners, as well as encouraging them to build a community that will support them on their journey.
What trends are you seeing the most amongst up-and-coming photographers?
As part of the programme, trainees work on a self-led commercial project. They identify a partner they want to work with, pitch to them, negotiate the terms of the partnership, create a commercial brief, and manage the entire project from start to finish.
The work they make is always so varied. From skincare to sports, food, fashion, charities and jewellery, there really is no limitation to where their interests lie. I would say what unifies their work is that they often show an interest in working with brands that resonate with their background, culture or worldview. They're naturally conscientious about the brands they want to work with and platform, which is great to see.
What do you hope to see more of in the coming years?
The industry is facing many challenges with the evolution of AI and uncertainty about how the professional landscape for creatives will change. Over the next few years, I hope to see more authentic stories emerging that embrace personality over perfection as I think this approach will become more and more important as we face unprecedented technical innovation.
What are some of the biggest hurdles young photographers face entering the industry?
Young photographers need access to knowledge, community and physical resources to take their first steps into the industry. Training, shadowing, and entry-level opportunities are all needed to challenge some of the hurdles young people face.
Mentorship is so important, as is access to communities and forums where they can seek out information and advice. The industry has a responsibility to carve out space where young people can learn and grow, and to resist a culture of gatekeeping.
Many people reach out to us with professional opportunities for our trainees and alumni, which has been amazing! So many young photographers are incredibly talented, they just need more people to give them a chance to show what they can do.
Why is amplifying emerging voices important?
We focus on commercial photography because it equips our trainees with the professional and technical skills they need to build viable careers in industry, regardless of what route they choose to go down once they leave. That said, the commercial space has a massive influence on culture, so it's vital that it both reflects and is shaped by an authentic representation of our society.
Amplifying emerging voices is so important because it keeps culture dynamic and relevant, challenges the status quo, and brings diverse perspectives into the public imagination.
Are there any particular elements of the programme that stand out as the most popular?
We support trainees to be self-reflective, and to figure out what they want to get out of their time on the programme. Trainees all start with varying skills and ambitions, and we provide the space for them to grow at their own pace and towards their own goals.
This creates an environment where they learn to hold themselves and each other accountable, and where they learn as much from each other as from TPF staff and industry facilitators. I think this model lends itself to building a strong and supportive community, which is definitely one of the highlights of the programme.
Can you share any success stories from The Photography Foundation’s programme?
After leaving the programme, we've seen trainees go from strength to strength. Many secure roles in the industry, working in studios, assisting established photographers, or setting up their own businesses as freelance photographers. We've seen some of our alumni go on to work in varying roles in the industry, including in marketing and advertising, picture desk editing, galleries, and in production. We've seen many of our alumni go on to win awards and to secure grants for their photography.
Would you have any piece of advice to share with young photographers?
There's no one road to finding success in the industry. Build your community, listen to others, embrace opportunities, stay humble, but don't be scared to follow your instincts and find your own path.
Etienne Bruce is the Education & Training Manager at The Photography Foundation. She oversees the educational provision including their 6-month core training programme, mentoring, and outreach.
The Photography Foundation provides a variety of opportunities for their creative community to participate in. Their four main offerings include a core photography training programme for young adults, a public events programme, a photography competition as well as a photography grant.
