Encouraging new and diverse approaches to photojournalism, documentary photography and visual storytelling
The Joop Swart Masterclass is World Press Photo’s best-known educational program for emerging photographers in the field of documentary photography, photojournalism, and visual storytelling.
Launched in 1994, the masterclass’ core objective is to develop and guide photographers with 5-10 years experience in their practice, with special emphasis on building skills for long and sustainable careers in photojournalism and documentary photography and beyond.
Format
The Joop Swart Masterclass invites 12 photographers from all around the world to develop a project, and develop the tools to make a viable career in photography, guided by a line-up of industry professionals providing insight into their practice. By engaging in dialogue with their mentors, as well as with their fellow participants, the program aims to build relationships that will help develop and sustain the participants’ careers in the future.
The Joop Swart Masterclass program consists of three components:
Online mentorship. Participants will work on their projects, receive feedback from their mentors, and participate in online thematic presentations.
In-person masterclass. The group comes together in Amsterdam for an intensive week of workshops, talks, and presentations.
Post-masterclass presentations in the participants’ regions.
Curriculum
One-on-one mentorship Four mentors guide the participants throughout the program in the development of their projects.
Story development
Exploring research methods, how to construct visual narratives, multimedia projects, printed matter and much more.
Career Development
Exploring curatorial and editorial practices, paths to publishing, how to present works internationally, and much more.
Safety
Exploring psychological and contract safety, digital security, and risk assessment.
The Joop Swart masterclass has contributed to the development of generations of visual storytellers for almost three decades. Participants have later gone on to have their work published and exhibited in some of the most prestigious publications and institutions around the world.
