Introduction
Each year FotoDocument will commission documentary photographers worldwide to produce photo essays on a social, cultural or environmental theme designed to educate and inspire the viewer. Whilst the stories will expose the hard facts related to the issue, there will be an emphasis on solution-focused projects and positive outcomes.
Through exposure to innovative projects happening in different countries around the world, the viewer will feel part of a growing global community who want to effect positive change. FotoDocument's aim is to create a visual dialogue between the local and the global.
FotoDocument will produce a collection of world-class images with dynamic story lines, which have the power to motivate. The final collective of photo essays will be displayed on-line enabling worldwide exposure. They will also be exhibited in public spaces in the UK and in the country where the photographs have been taken. In addition, the photo essays will be used to create a framework for our extensive education programme.
Brief / Guidelines
FotoDocument's theme for 2010 is the Environment, one of the most pressing issues of our time. As individuals we can feel overwhelmed by the bleakness of the scientific prognosis and powerless to effect meaningful change. With so much negative news coverage, positive stories can too often be dismissed as not newsworthy enough. FotoDocument aims to redress the balance through its exhibitions and education programme which will result from the commissions.
Research
The selected photographers will photographically document projects or green initiatives by individuals, communities, enterprises or governments, which are combating climate change and environmental degradation. This might range from small but impactful grass-roots projects through to national green energy programmes. Our natural and architectural landscapes are slowly altering and the photographs will bring these into sharper focus to create a more positive sense of future.
We would expect photographers to research a project about the environment, which they find inspiring and which they believe will create change. The photo essays must have clear story lines and be accompanied by detailed captions. All relevant details must be captured in the proposal section of the application form.
Networking - exhibitions
Photographers should focus on environmental projects within their own country as they will be expected to network widely. In exceptional circumstances they could propose a country where they have a proven special connection. In their proposal, photographers will need to suggest possible public exhibition spaces within the country where they are working and demonstrate that initial contacts have been made.
Photographers should list at least four recommendations of potential public exhibition spaces. For example, this might be a railway station or a town square or in some more innovative space as long as the plans are achievable. The important factor is for the spaces to draw in as many people as possible so their location should be accessible.
Networking - educational activity
Photographers should suggest at least one educational activity, which uses the collective of photo essays as a communication tool. This may be, for example, a panel debate or a slide talk in a public place or workshops within an educational setting. These ideas should be researched and explained in the proposal.
Existing work
We are looking for a portfolio of striking documentary photo essays with detailed captions, which will communicate strongly to the viewers. Photographers will be required to submit an existing body of work (on any subject) with their proposal, demonstrating that they can tell a coherent story and produce outstanding images. A minimum of fifteen captioned photographs documenting a single theme will need to be submitted either on CD or via a web address.
Process
Once all the proposals have been received, our panel will select the strongest submissions and successful photographers will be contacted directly. The deadline for application proposals is 31st March 2010. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
As this is our first year, there will be a gap between selecting the photographers and starting the commissions whilst photographers are matched with suitable sponsors. It is likely that the commissions will begin in the spring/summer of 2010.
Successful photographers will receive a grant of £2,500 to carry out their project. This award will cover all their expenses and represent a fee for their work. £500 will be paid at the start of the commission and the balance of £2,000 will be paid on satisfactory completion of the project.
Photographers will have a period of three months to complete their project. The photo essays with detailed captions will be submitted on the agreed date and an editing process will be undertaken with the photographer. The chosen images will be printed and mounted for exhibition and will form part of the touring collection. The photographs will also appear as a slideshow on the website.
Copyright of the photographs will remain with the photographer. The photographer will license to FotoDocument the exclusive reproduction rights worldwide for two years from completion of the project. After two years, FotoDocument will retain reproduction rights alongside the photographer.
In addition to their commission fee photographers will receive 50% of any reproduction or sale profits arising from their photographs.
A contract with full terms and conditions will be issued on selection.
Eligibility
Photographers must be at least 18 years old to apply. Photographers must have a valid bank account. Photographers may apply from any country in the world.
If you would like an application form, please Contact Us to register your interest and an application form will be sent to you. We look forward to working with you.
link
http://www.fotodocument.org/commissions.htm
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