Our Story

Our vision

We work to create a world where sustainable photography and creative careers are possible for everyone, free from barriers and full of opportunity.

Our mission

We create pathways into photography careers and the wider creative industries by providing quality education, opportunity, and a supportive community for diverse audiences. Our work is driven by the belief that everyone deserves a fulfilling creative career, and that creativity thrives
when barriers to opportunity are removed.

See Annual Report

How we were founded

The Photography Foundation was created in 2019 by two friends, Dom and Mikael. With Mike's entrepreneurial background and Dom's extensive experience in the photography industry, they recognised the importance of merging their skills and dedication to making photography and the industry more accessible and representative.

Establishing our charity

In 2019, they received the keys to the Shoreditch studio and began putting a team together while kitting out the new space. By the summer of 2020, the TPF team had five members of staff on board and welcomed its first cohort of trainees.

Finding a new home

Throughout 2021, the team continued to grow, welcoming more new members of staff and more sets of trainees. In early 2022, the Foundation made the decision to begin a new chapter and relocate from our beloved Shoreditch studio to the Design District in North Greenwich, a new permanent home for creatives south of the river.

Growth in the community

Since September 2022, we have delivered a diverse range of workshops, talks, and events while steadily growing our cohort of trainees. We have also expanded into delivering outreach workshops to other organisations, including Youth Groups and other charities. Our goal is to keep expanding and to forge partnerships with like-minded organisations and individuals.

Our offerings

At the Foundation, we provide a variety of opportunities for our creative community to participate in. Our four main offerings include our core photography training programme for young adults, our public events programme, our photography competition, and our photography grant. Additionally, we offer volunteering opportunities, which you can learn more about by heading to our volunteering page!

Core Training Programme

We run a six-month photography training programme that provides a supportive and inspiring environment for 18-25-year-olds with limited to no experience in the industry to take their professional photography to the next level.
Public Programme

We host regular events, including talks, workshops, and networking events that are open to all ages. Through our public events programme, we aim to create a safe space that encourages creative learning, ensuring that photography and creative careers are accessible to everyone.
Grants

For our grant, we partner with Limi London, a grant-giving charity, to offer an annual photography grant for a social documentary project lasting up to 12 months. One grant of £2,500 will be awarded each year, and the application is open to anyone who wishes to apply.
Awards

Our photography awards provide prizes to professional and amateur photographers across various categories. Through these awards, we aim to support both emerging and established photographers while also raising funds for the work we do.