Highlights from Photoville 2018

Highlights from Photoville 2018

It’s no secret we love Photoville. And after six years of our involvement, it’s starting to feel like home to us.

Not only is it a great opportunity for the public to see the work of some of the most talented photographers worldwide, it offers a unique glimpse into diverse communities and raises awareness for social issues that color our world.

This year we hosted the Luminance Professional Development Day, which included six panels covering everything from archiving to how to get noticed (and paid!). The sold out day included insights from photo editors, professional photographers, and industry leaders who shared tips for getting the most out of your photography and photo business.

Check out some of our favorite moments below.

The Importance and How To’s of Archiving Work and Legacy
With Mary Engel and Suzie Katz, moderated by Julie Grahame

Photo by Anne Carlin

“If I can’t get to a photo, what’s the point of having it? You need to think about how you’re organizing and archiving your images both now and for future generations.” – Mary Engel, President and Founder of the American Photography Archives Group

Plus, check out Mary’s 10 Tips to Prepare your Archive

“Photography changes the way we see the world over and over again. Images change in meaning over time.” – Suzie Katz, President and Founder of PhotoWings

How to Impress Photo Editors, Land a Job, and Negotiate your Best Deal
With Amy Wolff, Drew Gurian, Lyne Lucien, and Ray “Neutron” Spears, moderated by Kari Anderson

Photo by Anne Carlin

“A photo editor’s job is to get you as cheaply as I can, your job is to push back.” – Lyne Lucien, Photo Editor at New York Magazine’s The Strategist and The Daily Beast

Amy Wolff, Director of Photography at Hearst Enthusiast Group overseeing both print and digital content for Runner’s World and Bicycling magazines, notes she’s always looking for the person up for an adventure.

“Can you shoot while riding a skateboard? Can you shoot from the back of a car?”  

“Getting hired is the culmination of a consistent effort.” – Drew Gurian, commercial photographer. He also recommends looking into the Freelance Isn’t Free Act if you’re a New York photographer looking for ways to ensure you get paid on time.

On expenses: “Ask for what you want” but “check your tone” and “know your worth. They might meet you in the middle.” – Ray “Neutron” Spears, commercial photographer and co-founder of the magazine TYPICAL

Nonprofit Storytelling: How Photographers and Marketers Inspire Change
With Bayeté Ross Smith, Patrick Egan, and Sarah Matheson, moderated by Andrew Fingerman (PhotoShelter CEO)

Photo by Anne Carlin

“Because of technology, we are all media makers.” – Bayeté Ross Smith, photographer and Associate Program Director for the Kings Against Violence Institute (KAVI)

“Don’t underestimate the power of an image.” – Sarah Matheson, documentary photographer, photojournalist, visual storyteller and Digital Asset Strategist

Matheson described the power of Mahmoud Raslan’s image of Omran Daqneesh, 5, which went viral and became a symbol of Syria’s suffering in 2016. That image outraged the public so much so that it helped to hold legislators accountable for what was happening in Aleppo. “We have a humanity button, find yours,” she said.

Changing the Game: Creative Ways to Get Noticed and Make Money
With Aundre Larrow, Delphine Diallo, Erick Urgiles, and Karston Tannis, moderated by Allen Murabayashi (PhotoShelter Chairman and Co-Founder)

Photo by Zac Santanello

“Stay true to yourself no matter where the market goes.” – Erick Urgiles, photographer

“The industry is already full of photographers. Everyone can play the game, but what makes you unique?” – Delphine Diallo, photographer

“Sometimes the brand isn’t trying to get over on people, it’s the agency.” – Karston Tannis, photographer

Karston also recommends using Wonderful Machine for pricing resources.

The Art of the Pitch: Preparing and Writing Proposals, Grants, and More
With Laura Roumanos and Emma Raynes

Photo by Zac Santanello

“Photo departments don’t have money. Marketing departments do.”- Laura Roumanos, Co-Founder of United Photo Industries and Photoville

When it comes to pitches: “Always look to answer the question ‘Why now?’ People want to support relevant issues.” – Emma Raynes, Director of Programs at the Magnum Foundation

An Afternoon with Jamel Shabazz

Photo by Zac Santanello

A native New Yorker, Jamel Shabazz has been documenting his life and the African American community through photography for decades. With over two dozen solo exhibitions spanning the last 10 years, Shabazz sat down with us to discuss his career and how he sees photography as an opportunity to bring people together.

On navigating life while using his camera as his compass: “The photograph is evidence of a conversation.”

Shabazz also discussed his twenty year career as a corrections officer, noting that photography provided a balance, helping both him and the prisoners he encountered on a daily basis.

Photo by Caitlyn Edwards

After the panels, everyone headed over to the Photoville beer garden to enjoy some much deserved beer and wine under the Brooklyn Bridge. There we had our interactive food photography pop-up known as Camera Eats First (#CameraEatsFirst), where we encouraged everyone to grab a drink or meal from a food truck and post it on social. Check it out here!


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This article was written by

Caitlyn Edwards is the Senior Customer Marketing Manager at PhotoShelter. Passionate about visual storytelling and ethics, she covers photo news, events and offers educational tips.

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