Young Photographers' Alliance
Inspiring, educating, and empowering the next generation of photographers
The Young Photographers' Alliance (YPA) was created to help young photographers aged between 18 and 29 bridge the gap between their passion for photography and professional success.
Throughout Britain, there are thousands of young people who have the talent and desire to become professionals. While digital technology has made the mechanics of taking pictures easier, the industry itself, already complex and competitive, is becoming ever harder to break into
Initially founded in New York in 2009, YPA is now established here in the UK. Led by industry professionals, YPA nurtures young talent, helping them to develop both the photographic skills and business acumen required to build successful and sustainable careers. We provide access to practical industry knowledge, resources and contacts. Our focal activities are:
- Mentoring programmes
- Folio reviews
- Educational opportunities
YPA Membership
In order to reach and support the largest number of aspiring, young photographers, we have developed a unique membership scheme for just £10. At its heart is our Members'-only site. It is a gateway to crucial industry standards information as well as technical, creative and business advice from accomplished photographers, editors, art buyers and agents. With a chat-room and message board, our Members' Area also acts as a forum for young photographers to network and ask questions. As YPA Members, young photographers are given access to apply for places on our prestigious Mentoring Programme and Folio Review.
You can help. Support us.
To fulfil our mission, we rely on assistance from individuals and organizations, both within the photographic industry and beyond. Supporting YPA gives you the opportunity to play a key role in the future of professional photography.
Contact us:
Visit us at: www.youngphotographersalliance.org.uk
Sponsored categories
| Category | Prize | ||
|---|---|---|---|
New Talent |
 |
Diary of a Destination |
A place on the YPA Mentoring Programme for the Emerging Talent winner (Portfolio Review if unable to attend) |
Young TPOTY |
 |
Green |
A place on the YPA Mentoring Programme for the Emerging Talent winner (Portfolio Review if unable to attend) |
The Prize In Detail
2010 Young TPOTY & Emerging Talent winner will join the 2011 mentoring programme © Kat Waters
The YPA Mentoring Programme links young, emerging photographers with leading photographers and picture editors. Working in small teams, the young photographers are coached as they work towards a creative brief. Our mentors offer support and guidance from the initial conceptual stage through to the final editing process.
This programme runs in conjunction with the charity's North American programme, creating teams in over ten cities across the US, Canada, and Britain. Having been assigned the same brief, these teams create photographic projects that offer unique, international perspectives on one common theme. The work from our 2010 inaugural programme was exhibited in New York in January of this year and the programme was featured widely in the photographic press.
2010 mentees, Olmo Reverter Fernandez and Magnus Arrevad, reviewing work during one of their mentoring sessions. © Justin Sutcliffe
This summer, the joint winners of the TPOTY YPA Emerging Talent in 2010, Kat Waters (UK) and Ivar August Bull (Norway), will take up their places on the YPA mentoring programme. The winner of the 2011 Emerging Talent award, as selected by the TPOTY judges, will win a place on the 2012 programme.
The YPA Mentoring Programme gives young photographers the opportunity to work closely with industry leaders, enabling them to fine tune their craft, create images for their portfolios, and develop business skills while simultaneously providing them with a platform to show their work. With a balanced education from both a photographer and picture editor, our mentees learn how to work to a brief while honing their technical skills and pushing the boundaries of their creativity. The YPA Mentoring Programme teaches young photographers crucial, practical skills, setting them up for a successful future.
