Develop 2023 — Diversify Photo

Thanks again to everyone who shared the opportunity and to those who applied. We received more than 200 applications making the selection process very difficult.

(Applications are closed)

DEVELOP 2023 is a mentorship program from Diversify Photo, supported by Fujifilm. Aligning Diversify Photo’s mission to decolonize the visual media industry by fostering community for BIPOC and non-western visual storytellers through educational, networking, and professional development opportunities, and Fujifilm’s vision of creating value from innovation, we are proudly partnering to launch this innovative community-based mentorship program to bring value to underrepresented artists.

FAQ

Who is eligible to apply?

This program cycle is open to all Full and Up Next members of Diversify Photo based within the continental US, Alaska, or Hawaii. We hope to expand the program globally in the future.

When and where will the program take place?

The program is seven months long, running April – October 2023, and will require an average commitment of 3-5 hours per month from participants. Meetings will occur virtually over Zoom, and participants will also have access to a private Slack community.

How many photographers will be selected to participate?

Twenty participants will be selected and placed across three tiers.
Tier 1: Five of our most highly accomplished Full Members will each mentor one Tier 2 member.
Tier 2: Five mid-career Full members will each mentor two Tier 3 members.
Tier 3: Ten early-career Up Next members.

How does the selection process work?

Our Tier 1 mentors are invited by Diversify Photo, who will then review applications and match the remaining participants based on their skills and goals.

How will participants benefit from the program?

Mentorship & Community: You’ll get monthly 90-minute virtual meetings and space to connect directly with your cohort to share resources and learnings.
A Real World Brief & Budget: You’ll experience what it’s like to take on a commercial client. Fujifilm will provide all participants with the rental of a GFX50II camera kit for up to two weeks and each Tier 3 participant with a production budget of $1000 to fulfill a brief during the program.
Programming: You’ll hear from monthly guest speakers on business, treatments/pitches, marketing, and other topics critical to career success to prepare you to fulfill Fujifilm’s brief.
A Platform For Your Work: Select submissions will be featured on the Fujifilm website.
New Gear: Three participants will be awarded a new FUJIFILM GFX50II camera kit at the conclusion of the program based on their brief submissions.
Honorarium: Full Member mentors will each receive $1,500 for their mentorship commitment – 50% upon beginning and 50% upon program completion.

Important Dates:

March 25 – Application Deadline
April 1 – Program Participants Announced
Week of April 4 – Program Begins
Oct 31 – Program Ends

How do I apply?

Applications closed March 25 at 9pm EST.

A photography mentorship program from Diversify Photo supported by Fujifilm

Full Members

Up Next Members