The Photography Foundation Trainee Programme (Winter 2024)
The Photography Foundation
For many young adults in London, a lack of resources, opportunities or industry connections means that a career in photography is out of reach. We believe that talent and motivation should be more important than who you know or where you come from, and it's our mission to make this a reality.
Our intensive six-month commercial photography training programme exists to support young adults (18-25) from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds to overcome barriers to entering the photography and wider creative industries.
Throughout the six-month programme, you will join us at our studio in North Greenwich once a week, for a full day of workshops and skills-based training.
During the first three months of the programme, you will have plenty of time to deepen your understanding of the commercial photography industry; developing your skills in digital photography, editing software, and business & freelance skills.
In the lead-up to the second half of the programme, you will identify a commercial photography pathway that interests you before creating a finished project with a business, start-up or charity for your professional portfolio.
This involves reaching out to a relevant organisation, pitching a commercial brief to promote their product, service or brand, and delivering a completed project.
You will develop the hard and soft skills needed to pursue a career in the creative industries through:
Professional & skills-based workshops covering studio photography, editing, assisting, commercial photography pathways, business skills, website design, and more.
Portfolio development to give you the best chance of securing commercially focused work in the future.
Mentorship with an industry professional who will meet with you on a monthly basis throughout the duration of the programme.
Work experience through the development of a self-led commercial project and volunteering opportunities at our events.
We offer a range of resources during your time on the programme, including:
Access to a co-working space & mac computers in North Greenwich.
Camera kit & editing software for the length of the programme.
Access to a bookable studio & kit in Greenwich.
We provide both heavily discounted places (paid) as well as full-fee bursaries that cover all expenses and fees relating to the programme (free + expenses covered). For more information about fees & bursaries, please visit our website.
How To Apply
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.
We want to see that you are enthusiastic, have a desire to develop, and that you have thought about how the programme will support you to reach your goals and boost your career. You will have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively and to manage your time to achieve self-led outcomes. You will be motivated to grow and to make the most of the learning and opportunities on offer to you.
For more details and to apply, please visit our website – you can access the application form through the link there.
Please read our General FAQs for more information about the programme and the application process.
If you have any accessibility requirements in support of your application, please do not hesitate to email [email protected]. We will do everything we can to ensure the process is adapted to your specifications.