Free Juice Secures Professionals from Big Tech Companies to Mentor Emerging Photo Creatives
The organization, created to accelerate diversity within the photography industry, has earned support across sectors, with employees at major sports institutions, Big Tech companies, advertising, and media organizations signing on to help facilitate the inaugural mentorship program
Houston TX (October, 1, 2022)- Free Juice invited students, recent graduates and aspiring creative professionals who have a passion for photography to join a one-day virtual event intended to change the trajectory of their careers. The virtual event featured eight industry professionals working across various areas within the creative industry to provide insight specific to eight core career trajectories: photographer, photo editor, retoucher, producer, photo rep, photo/art/or creative director.
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) mentees participated in the online event, which was sponsored by top photo retailer B&H. Founder Allison Retina opened the event detailing her expertise in the industry, reintroducing the evolution of the organization, and engaging attendees with its restored mission. Guest speaker and commercial + editorial photographer Jassie Uo then spoke to the pros and cons of maneuvering through the industry while agency representation.
Cootchill Nelson, a Google image expert, discussed his journey and the qualifications necessary to attain a highly sought-after position and Nicole Motta, Art Director at Meta, shared her perspective and emphasized the value of artists retaining copyrights and carefully reviewing and negotiating contracts, during a panel around finding your niche in the industry — moderated by Madeleine Budd. Awa Dia, Fred Agho, Ryen Williams, Celina De Jesus, and Evan Yu, along with the other mentors, joined to emphasize the value of budget discussions, being aware of your worth, and other skills required for landing a job.
Participants discussed the significance of the keynote speaker Gerald Spitzkoff, who participated to underline the possibilities photographers have as independent contractors and the filing obligations for taxes. Breakout workshops on how to pitch to a photo editor and how to select the best equipment and lighting for you and your project were led by board members Madeleine Budd, Chaya Howell, and Allison Retina Stewart (s). Free Juice continues to move forward with its goal of accelerating diversity in the photography industry through mentoring, providing early career professionals with the knowledge and capacity to negotiate reasonable budgets and salaries in the sector.
"The secure environment we established at the Mentorship Day Party really inspires me. The chance we've created to transform the industry excites me.” The event's founder, Allison Retina Stewart, noted that in the end, "we opened the floor for dialogue and allowed participants to express the type of support and knowledge they needed most, mostly focused on finances and negotiations; this will better help us create the next event."
“I am extremely grateful to have been a part of the Free Juice Mentorship Day Party. It was such an intimate and impactful experience for both the mentees and mentors. Everyone left feeling incredibly inspired. It is important for organizations like ours [B&H] to be involved with events like this. We can find out what the industry wants and needs from both those that are established and individuals who wish to be working photographers in the future,” said Madeleine Budd, Marketing at B&H Photo Video.
To donate or learn more about Free Juice, visit freejuice.info and support the organization’s mission to provide education and resources to emerging photographers where they are.
About Free Juice
Free Juice is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color professionals following the dream of advancing a passion for photography into a thriving career. Through networking, resources, and guidance, Free Juice collaborates with rising talent to create opportunities and maximize possibilities.
https://www.freejuice.info/