The Houston Center for Photography and Magnum Photos are excited to present their first collaboration — a free two-day photography masterclass with Yael Martínez.

© Yael Martínez / Magnum Photos

Houston, the 4th largest city in the United States, is a city whose stunning growth and high-volume immigration have turned it into the most racially and ethnically diverse major metropolis in the country, surpassing New York in 2010. The “On Communities” masterclass invites 10 photographers living in Houston and its proximity to each create a photographic response to this theme which will be used as material for discussions, feedback, critiques, and debate during the two-day workshop.

We would like to congratulate the following photographers (presented in alphabetical order) for being chosen to participate in this masterclass:
Brian Bui
Joseph Bui
Sol Diaz
Jake Eshelman
Mark Felix
Ryan Hollaway
Valentine Ollawa
Jeff Paxton
Briana Vargas
Dranat Vazquez

This diverse cohort of photographers committed to telling stories about their communities will create 10 varied responses to the question ‘What are Houston’s communities?’ By collaborating with and learning from Martínez and their peers, participants will develop their personal photographic practice, improve their storytelling skills, foster lasting professional connections, and create a network of like-minded photographers with converging interests and photographic approaches. Participants will be encouraged to actively take part in group discussions and should be open to receiving feedback both from Martínez and their peers.

By the end of the masterclass, participants will have learned how to respond to a photographic brief, improve their editing and sequencing skills, engage in constructive criticisms, and develop a clearer idea of who they are as storytellers.

Dates: January 13-14, 2024
Meetings: Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST
Location: Houston Center for Photography
Cost: $0 (Full Scholarship; Application Based)
Instructor: Yael Martínez, Magnum Photos
Skill Level: Advanced-Professional
Participants: 10

Prerequisites / Eligibility
Applications are open to photographers between the ages of 18 to 36 living within a radius of 50 miles from Houston’s city center only. We encourage applications from those who are underrepresented in the photography industry including women (female-identifying), people from lower socio-income backgrounds, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and those from ethnic minority backgrounds. We also welcome applicants from a range of educational backgrounds and therefore do not require a minimum formal qualification.

This opportunity is open to HCP members and non-members alike.

Schedule
Applications Open: Thursday, November 16
Applications Deadline: Thursday, December 14 at midnight CST
Successful applicants notified: Friday, December 22

Course Prep
Upon being selected, participants will receive a detailed brief on the theme of the masterclass and will use the following weeks to produce new work toward collaborating with Yael Martínez at the Houston Center for Photography.

The Jury
Yael Martínez, Magnum Photos, Photographer and Masterclass Leader
Natan Dvir, Houston Center for Photography, Director of Education
André Ramos-Woodard, Houston Center for Photography, Exhibitions & Programs Coordinator
Sonia Jeunet, Magnum Photos, Education Director

Houston Center for Photography’s mission is to increase society’s understanding and appreciation of photography and its evolving role in contemporary culture. We strive to encourage artists, build audiences, stimulate dialogue, and promote inquiry about photography and related media through education, exhibitions, publications, fellowship programs, and community collaboration.

Note: This masterclass is part of a special residency program organized by the Houston Center for Photography and Magnum Photos. Yael Martínez will be in Houston between January 11-21, 2024.