The Photography Foundation

The
Photography
Foundation

Two individuals are close together against a pastel pink backdrop with fluffy white clouds in a photography studio. The person on the left has voluminous curly hair and wears a black outfit, while the person on the right has a shaved head, prominent white spiral earrings, and wears a light-colored top.
Two women engaged in crafting at a table. One woman wears a butterfly-patterned hijab and denim shirt while the other assists with weaving a small basket. The table is scattered with colorful yarn, ribbons, scissors, and other craft supplies.

Diversifying and improving access to photography careers through education, building creative connections and sharing knowledge.

Our mission is simple: we use photography as a tool for positive change. As for many, a lack of financial resources, opportunities or industry connections means that a career in photography is out of reach. We do this mainly through our core six-month programme, which you can find out more about by following the link below!

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Mission

We use photography as a tool for positive change. For many, a lack of financial resources, opportunities or industry connections means that a career in photography is out of reach.
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Impact

We've helped over 30 young Londoners gain better access to careers in the photography and creative industry, and are continuously expanding our reach into the wider community.
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Alumni

We have many amazing photographers who have graduated from our core training programme.  Learn more about their journeys and portfolios.
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The Photography Foundation in Review

2020 was The Photography Foundation’s first year, and what a year it was! In between navigating the many obstacles created by COVID-19, we managed to deliver our inaugural training programme and our first five trainees graduated in December 2020. Since then we’ve grown far quicker than expected with our reach into the industry as a whole expanding all the time.
150

Applications

175

Applicants

29

Trainees

17

Mentors

Testimonials

Abiola

During the programme I have learnt studio photography techniques and how to work efficiently in studio environments and beyond as a professional photographer. The programme had a positive impact on me to pursue my photography aspirations further. A lot of opportunities have opened for me through being part of the programme and I continue to build on the things that I learnt from the programme.

Daniel

I started joining different websites and platforms for creatives and seeing what was out there which was when I stumbled on TPF. It really stuck out to me as it seemed to really focus on starting people’s careers in the creative field who haven’t had much experience and may need some support and direction to be able to kickstart their careers. The fact that it is free was really important to me, coming from a low income background, it meant that I wouldn’t have to worry about my biggest trouble whilst being on the course.

Sergio

The key takeaway from the programme for me was lighting. I learnt the essentials of how to work and shape lighting to create intricate images which led me to being more skilled when looking for assisting jobs. I now freelance as a Gaffer for both stills and motion. Also, mentorship was key in that transition for my career, from learning how to assist on location jobs, to connecting me with my first studio job.

Sophie

Completing the course in November 2021 has opened up so many opportunities for me and I am now half way through an intense creative advertising course with The BBC. I have even got some job interviews coming up for apprenticeships with the BBC following the course.

Sophie Parnell

The Photography Foundation’s first year, and what a year it was! In between navigating the many obstacles created by COVID-19, we managed to deliver our inaugural training programme and our first five trainees graduated in December.