Creating connections both inside and outside our reality is a fundamental belief for PhotoVogue. Last month, we talked with PhotoVogue artists Ramona Wang and Sophia Wilson about the lesson they gave to CondéFuture students, discussing their careers and giving practical advice. This time, we wanted to revisit the origins of CondéFuture and its relationship to PhotoVogue. We spoke with Zeinab Keita, a former CondéFuture student, and Samuel Trotter, a PhotoVogue artist who exhibited his work at the Festival in 2022. Their paths crossed during a photoshoot for Zeinab s final project at CondéFuture.
CondéFuture, in partnership with Educational Alliance and Spring Studios, is an NYC-based pilot program targeting high school students from underrepresented communities. Led by Condé Nast’s creative and editorial teams, it offers a two-year enrichment and mentorship program. The program aims to inspire and nurture future creative talent, with plans to expand globally using the NYC program as a model.
CondéFuture provides access to Condé Nast staff s skills and talents, helping students awaken and nurture their creativity as they prepare for college and careers. Students engage in weekly lessons on photography, fashion styling, creative writing, talent booking/scouting, digital/video/social media, and creative direction, taught by Condé Nast staff and supported by teaching professionals. CondéFuture s goals are to discover and cultivate future multimedia talents, provide mentorship and industry access to students, support their college and career readiness, and strengthen community engagement through volunteer opportunities for Condé Nast employees.
Cultivating future and present talents is also PhotoVogue s mission, so it was natural to unite these two Condé Nast entities, allowing students and artists to interact and help each other. Samuel Trotter conducted a lesson with CondéFuture students, sharing his artistic journey, which is when Zeinab met him for the first time. As she told us, she didn t expect to see him again, but she casually expressed a desire to have him on set while working on her project, to get his advice. Trotter, who lives in Detroit, happened to be in New York that day and agreed to help Zeinab. We asked her to describe her experience.
How did the session with Sam Trotter help in the development of your project?
In the session with Samuel Trotter, I learned a lot about his photo sessions that focused on the Black experience and his journey to becoming a working artist. I was inspired by his work because I was on the same path of creating culturally relevant work, using stereotypes to highlight Black history for my senior capstone. I also enjoyed learning about his journey to his current work, as I was navigating my post-high school life and worrying about getting into the “best college” and what it would mean if I didn t. Hearing his story put my mind at ease because I knew that whatever was on my path was meant for me. Trotter wore many hats after high school and ultimately didn’t go to college, yet he thrived by working his way through the industry. Our paths were similar, and I understood what his work stood for more than I realized. Throughout the development of my project, Trotter was a source of inspiration for storytelling in pictures and served as a virtual mentor.
What is your best memory from the photoshoot with him?
My best memory was when I was reviewing some pictures from my project at the studio and was ecstatic about how well they were turning out. Tai walked in with Trotter and two other ladies, and my mouth immediately dropped. It was one of the best days of my entire two years with CondéFuture. After the initial session with Trotter, I raved about him and his work to the Condé folks for at least a month. I joked to Tai that we needed to find a way to bring him in, but I never thought it would actually happen because he lived in Detroit. When he showed up to see my work, I was so happy because we could discuss the meaning behind my project and the history of the denim and gold I used. I also met the two ladies with him, Jantae and Nkiru, who were models. As an aspiring model myself, I loved talking to them because they made me feel confident in myself and the work I had done for my capstone. I managed to get some photos of Trotter in his denim to add to my project, which I appreciated immensely. To this day, that remains one of my best days at Condé. Both interactions with Trotter helped my project grow in ways I didn t know were possible. Hearing feedback from my peers was valuable, but it was an even greater accomplishment to receive praise from a working artist I aspire to be like.
It s always beautiful to see how simple encounters can inspire and give confidence. This year, Zeinab applied to our global open call ‘The Tree of Life: a Love Letter to Nature,’ which saw many professional photographers participate. Applying to a big open call is never easy and cannot be taken for granted, and meeting Trotter surely strengthened her trust. Having participated in the PhotoVogue Festival in 2022 with the project ‘Nosesso,’ Samuel Trotter was able to share professional tips with Zeinab. We asked him a few questions about his project and the lesson at CondéFuture.
You took part in the PhotoVogue Festival in 2022. Could you tell us more about the project you exhibited there?
The photo series submitted was an editorial highlighting a couture brand in Los Angeles named Nosesso. They re an extremely creative organization. It was awesome creating what was their first magazine cover shoot.
What was something you didn’t expect to find or see when you met Zeinab during the photoshoot?
I appreciated their use of note-taking for their projects. I remember them having quite a few tests and sketches.
You had a session with CondéFuture students, and since we believe that every encounter is mutual, we’d like to ask what you took home with you after the session.
I appreciated the time spent connecting with the youth. It was cool to learn a bit about what influences their interests and how these interests shape their personalities and outlooks.
What advice would you give the students if you were to conduct another session at CondéFuture?
Build community among yourselves and across your peer group. Organizations are not responsible for building our communities. These commercial entities have a bottom line and private interests that may supersede what s happening today.
I would also share the importance of following their dreams and building their own spaces. I ve recently created a space, Someday, which functions as an art gallery and bakery. We are a minority and woman-owned organization working to develop a stage for various people from all backgrounds. We are independent and operate without large commercial support.
This event has brought both communities together, showing that the power of connection enhances everyone involved. By fostering new creative directions and dialogues, it has renewed a sense of self-worth in all participants, an occasion for both parts to create dialogue and expand their creative practices.
