One central goal of PhotoVogue is to create an ever-growing community where individuals can find connections and inspiration, and can feel less lonely inside a business that can be extremely competitive. This interconnectedness is nourished not only within the PhotoVogue community, but it also serves as a way to engage with the broader world and creative endeavours: mutual exchange and kindness are spread outside PhotoVogue and can help build new relationships and opportunities. That s why PhotoVogue has joined forces with CondéFuture for a day of learning and experimentation in photography.
CondéFuture is an enrichment and mentorship program launched by Condé Nast in New York City in 2021 in partnership with Spring Studios and the non-profit organization Educational Alliance. This program is dedicated to high school students coming from underrepresented communities and offers them the opportunity to explore their passions in photography, video, social media, fashion, digital design, and more in a free two year program. The students can meet with industry professionals from various Condé Nast brands taking initial steps toward higher education and careers in the media sector. PhotoVogue and CondéFuture are part of Condé Nast s Education and Editorial Initiative, sharing the common aim of promoting visual literacy and advocating for more inclusive and just media representation.
It was only natural to create a collaborative event in which PhotoVogue artists could share their work and expertise with young students eager to learn more about media and photography. On March 14th two outstanding members of our community, Ramona Wang and Sophia Wilson, were invited to take a panel discussion with the CondéFuture students and give them some practical photography insights. Both Ramona and Sophia are Spotlight photographers on our platform: their work is among the best we receive every Monday when the PhotoVogue submissions are open. Over time, they have honed their unique styles, with PhotoVogue providing them with a platform to express themselves and showcase their work organically within a portfolio. While hailing from different backgrounds, with Ramona born in China and later relocating to New York for studies, and Sophia growing up in the city, they are united by a shared commitment to intimately exploring their roots and capturing delicate portraits of their families and friends. Their work embodies a nuanced exploration of identity within social spaces, each infusing their distinctive visual styles with a sense of authenticity and introspection.
You can have a look at Ramona s portfolio and Sophia s work on PhotoVogue, and read how they experienced this initiative.
1. PhotoVogue is a platform dedicated to fostering the growth of artists. How did it feel to be on the other side, seeing that you can help young people grow professionally?
I felt very inspired and grateful for the chance to be connected to younger people. I always believe that there isn t only one way that fits everyone to grow professionally, but I was glad to be able to answer questions and provide ideas.
2. What advice would you give to a young person aspiring to become a photographer?
I learned this mindset recently as well, which is to not be afraid to ask for support and guidance when you are working on an idea, even when you thought the idea might be insignificant.
3. Were you involved in a program like CondéFuture when you were a teen? If so, what was that like and how did it impact you as a creative? If not, how could a program like this have impacted your development?
Unfortunately I wasn t, but I wish I had. I would have liked a program like this that exposes me to the professional world and helps me navigate.
4. Why should PV artists volunteer their time to connect with the next generation in programs like CondéFuture?
I think programs like CondéFuture provide a space and opportunities for communication to happen between generations. I think it is valuable for both the PhotoVogue artists and younger generations that we are able to exchange ideas and inspire each other.
1. What s the most memorable moment you ve experienced with the students?
After the lecture one of the students pulled me aside and asked me a bunch of questions on how much to charge people and how to make money off of her work, because she had just started a photography business. It was really precious and reminded me of myself when I was younger.
2. When you were at the same age of the young students you met, what were your dreams? Did they come true? And what fears did you have back then that you later realised weren t justified?
When I was the same age as the students, I definitely dreamed of doing a lot of the things I do now. I dreamed of getting to travel the world for my art, to create everyday, and to make a living off my work -- all of which I am really grateful to have fulfilled. As far as fears go -- I was a pretty fearless kid. I was, however, a pretty lonely kid as I didn t have many friends growing up, so I definitely was afraid of not ever finding my "people", and thank God I did.
3. How would being a CondéFuture student in high school have impacted you as an up and coming creative in NYC?
I wish I had CondéFuture when I was in high school! It would have given me many of the resources and tools at a much faster pace, and placed me with other like-minded kids growing up.
4. If you could run another session with CondéFuture, what would you teach and why?
I would love to teach a class specifically on the business side of things. A lot of people think that you can t make good money as an artist which is completely false. I had to learn everything from square one and I would love to teach younger kids how to have financial stability whilst following their passions, because you can definitely have both at once.
We also wanted to look at the experience from the side of the students so we gathered some quotes from them: they remind us how it was like to be young, taking the first steps towards the realisation of your dreams, and how certain encounters or advices can have a powerful impact.
Caleb:
“Something that I enjoyed from our session was the photo shoot workshop where we took photos in studio and natural lighting. Something I learned was how to encourage and make a model comfortable while taking their picture. Hyping up the talent or even asking them everyday questions can make them less tense. Meeting a PhotoVogue artist was very cool, to see how they started and where they are today. Specifically meeting Sophia Wilson and hearing how she started uploading her photos to the PhotoVogue website before she was 18.”
Annika:
“I really enjoyed working with PhotoVogue because I got to learn new lighting, camera, and even modeling techniques that I didn’t know previously. I don’t have much experience with photography, but Ramona and Sophia made it seem so accessible by showing us how to get professional-looking photos just by using our iPhones.”
Scarlett:
“With photography being an interest for me, I really enjoyed talking and learning from these two artists, especially given the fact that we were able to connect in so many ways. They were extremely insightful and helpful in teaching me about certain skills within photography, and what to expect from the future.”
Jayden:
"My experience with the photography session led by Ramona and Sophia was great! I enjoyed learning about each of their respective journeys into the photography world especially coming from a photographer myself. They taught me how to speak to your client/model and how much of a difference that can make when in the process of a photoshoot. Small things like asking them about their day or who’s their favorite artist and playing their music in the background, was something that I needed to learn. Meeting the PhotoVogue artist elevated this experience, you can learn so much from interacting with a person face to face and with equipment that you need to know how to work. Additionally it was also nice to share my input with other professionals and see what they think about it. All around it was just a great learning experience for me, I am very grateful to have both Romana and Sophia share their journey and share their knowledge with photography.
Thank you PhotoVogue!"
Winnie:
"Being part of the photography session with Ramona and Sophia was an absolute joy. Their visit not only sparked inspiration but also broadened my understanding of photography in ways I never anticipated.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have learned from such esteemed artists, and I am excited to incorporate their teachings into my future photographic endeavours.
Learning directly from PhotoVogue artists allowed me to explore different techniques and styles, pushing me out of my comfort zone and encouraging me to experiment with my own creativity."
Baya:
“The Photo Vogue photography session with Ramona and Sophia was a greatly impactful experience for me, as an aspiring photographer. Learning from their expertise and hearing about their creative processes was incredibly enlightening. Meeting a PhotoVogue artist provided a fresh perspective on photography, sparking new ideas and approaches that I m excited to explore further. Overall, this experience has deepened my love for photography and encouraged me to push my creative boundaries.”
This occasion has nurtured both communities and demonstrates that mutual exchange enriches all parties involved, fostering new creative directions, dialogues, and a renewed sense of self-worth. It also extends an invitation to all PhotoVogue artists who wish to engage with CondéFuture students and share their expertise: when knowledge is shared, it doesn t diminish but rather becomes layered, paving the way for new opportunities.
If you are interested to take part of a similar event please write to james_doyle@condenast.com.
