Female Photography Mentorship Scheme

Launched late in 2019, we are delighted that both inaugural winners of our Female Photography Mentorship Programme have now been announced.

●     Eva Watkins graduate of University of the West of England is partnering with Elisabeth Hoff and is sponsored by Simply Be.

●     Rachel Kolb graduate of Arts University Bournemouth has been partnered with Issy Kroker & Holly Pickering and is sponsored by Deliveroo.

Pairing talented graduates with award winning female photographers, both winners receive financial support through a 3 month paid mentorship to help establish the foundations for a career in photography. They will gain insight and hands-on experience of working in a commercial environment and also have the opportunity to create their own social campaign for their place sponsor. 

Eva Watkins describes her style as, '... effectively dictated by my interest in people, their stories, identities, personalities and the locations they are connected with.' Judges praised her work as intelligent, powerful and confident in allowing the personalities of her subjects to shine through. 

Describing her own work, Rachel Kolb says 'I'm a still life photographer. My style is very lighthearted, bright and feminine. More recently I've developed a 1960s retro style to my work. I love to emphasise the gaudy and surreal.' Rachel’s submission was praised for her technical skill and execution of a clear concept as well as her obvious affinity for studio work. Both Issy and Holly are looking forward to helping her broaden her portfolio and venture out of her comfort zone. 

Our motivation for launching the programme was a direct result of recognising that female photographers currently count for less than 25% of photographers commercially represented. That’s despite there being higher numbers of female students at course level. As a female founded company, Another Production are committed to supporting female creative talent, so alongside the Mentorship programme we have also been interviewing established and renowned female photographers to share their experience of working within the industry. From dressing differently to feeling pressure to play a part on set, there are many common threads and more importantly for those women just starting out or contemplating a photographic career - much advice and hindsight they would like to share.

We’re sharing these interviews along with their advice for young photographers just starting their careers across our social channels. We will continue to interview professional female photographers to demonstrate the wealth of creative talent and breadth of possibilities with the aim of inspiring the next generation of female photographers.

●     ‘Be selective. Build those foundations, identify those publications and directors/editors you’d really like to work with. Drive your own creative engine.’ Photographer - Suki Dhanda

●     ‘Try to challenge yourself. Get your work out as soon as you can even if not perfect, it’s all about Improving. That’s crucial.’ Photographer - Tori Ferenc

●     ‘Think about the type of work you want to do – experiment, test, run it yourself. Then take your ideas to the right people to enable you to execute it.’ Photographer - Em Cole

●     ‘Step out of your comfort zone as much as possible. Keep trying new experiences. Don’t say no automatically, be open to new things and opportunities. And definitely get more mentors! Female ones.’ Photographer - Kate Abbey

●     ‘Join a professional organisation like the Association of Photographers (AOP). They have been incredibly supportive to their members throughout the pandemic, and have recently formed f22 – women photographers at the AOP.’ Photographer - Wendy Carrig

No-one could have envisaged all that 2020 had in store and we are grateful that despite restrictions and lockdown each mentorship has still been able to run, and run safely.

Helen Parker, Co-founder of Another Production said, ‘We have been blown away by the calibre of talent shown and wish we could have placed even more female graduates. Fingers crossed for next year! Now more than ever we need to ensure that female photographic talent receives the opportunities and recognition it deserves.’ 

2020 programme Sponsored by Deliveroo and Simply Be.

If your brand is interested in sponsoring a future Mentorship place, please get in touch.

See more of their work;

Eva Watkins  https://www.evawatkins.co.uk/         @evawatkinsphoto Rachel Kolb    https://rachelkolb.co.uk/                     @rachelkolbphotography

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