Who are The Photography Foundation?
Who are we and what do we do exactly? Find out more about TPF and the work we do in our first ever blog post below! 👀
Who we are…
We are The Photography Foundation, also known as TPF, and we’ve been around since 2020 (making us 3 years old now!)
We are a charity organisation with the main mission of creating pathways to professional photography careers for less advantaged young adults in London through education and work experience.
We use photography as a tool for social change, community connections and positive social interactions. Through our work and existence, we strive to promote the art of photography and bring photography to new, wider and more diverse audiences.
“This is a place where young people can find inspiration, technical knowledge and an understanding of the creative industry in a space that offers them the freedom to experiment and find their creative voice” - Jess Bonham, Photographer
Listed below are the core things we do at the Foundation.
1. 6 month photography training programme 📸
Our intensive 6-month commercial photography training programme exists to support young adults (aged 18-25) from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds to overcome barriers to entering the photography and wider creative industries.
Through our programme, we offer professional & skills-based workshops, portfolio development, mentorship, employability support and coaching, work experience and goal-orientated personalised support.
You don’t have to be a professional photographer to apply, the purpose of the programme is to nurture your potential. To thrive on the programme, you will need to show that you already have some practical experience of producing photographic, or similar work.
2. Public facing events, talks and workshops 🎤
Outside of the training programme, we run a series of activities and events for the public for people of all ages and backgrounds.
TPF TALKS
TPF TALKS is our series of monthly talks delivered by industry professionals. We aim to create a space where creatives at any stage in their career can connect, learn and collaborate.
Each month, our talks have a different focus – this could be freelancing skills or centred around important dates such as Black History Month & Pride Month.
Find out more about TPF TALKS here.
TPF LABS
TPF Labs are a series of workshops with a hands-on and interactive approach to learning and networking. Each session is focused on different themes ranging from wellbeing, creative careers, professional skills and portfolio development.
TPF Labs provides a holistic approach to career development in the creative industries!
Find out more about TPF LABS and book onto a session here.
Coming soon - Commercial photography workshops
We also have a series of professional commercial photography workshops on the way which we are SUPER excited about. Watch this space and keep up to date via our socials and newsletter!
3. Grants and competitions 💰
We also host a yearly photography grant and competition! Our social documentary photography grant is delivered in partnership with charity LIMI London, providing £2,500 towards the production of a social documentary photo essay. Find out more here.
Our social documentary photography competition is to highlight and show hidden realities, injustices or celebrations, and to award the best social documentary photographers out there! Find out more here.
4. Community for photographers and creatives 🫂
Overall, we aim to be a resource for support and inspiration, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community for photographers and creatives in London.