REAL WORLD MENTORSHIP FOR EMERGING PHOTOGRAPHERS
THE BRIDGE is a groundbreaking non-profit mentorship program for Emerging Photographers and creatives aged 18-26 in New York City and Los Angeles.
Created in partnership with the American Society of Media Photographers, The Bridge is an immersive 16-week hybrid of professional development workshops, in-studio visits, and dynamic interaction with diverse mentors and seasoned industry professionals. The Bridge is designed to bridge the gap between traditional education and successful industry careers.
We challenge talented young artists to develop their point of view through exercises in creativity and communication, and we provide unparalleled real world experience to help them expand and pursue their goals.
The Bridge is designed to open doors and lift the barriers of time, money, and access. Students build community with their peers and mentors, and take confident steps towards achieving sustainable careers in photography and the arts.
2024 Program Schedule
Classes: Jun 11 - Aug 2, 2024
Mentorship: Aug 5 - Oct, 2024
Exhibition: Oct 5, 2024 (NYC), Oct 12, 2024 (LA)
View Program Outline for The Bridge 2024
The application is free, and the entire 16-week Program is offered at no charge to accepted applicants.
This is made possible through donations large and small given through the ASMP Foundation in addition to the following sponsors: The Freelancers Union, The Brooklyn Arts Council, Sony, Think Tank Photo and Signs365.
The Bridge is FREE thanks to the generous donations of The ASMP Foundation and partners, as well as individual donors like you. If you’d like to make a tax-deductible donation, please click the button above!
The Bridge is the Missing Link
The way we see it, there are 3 common factors to following a creative career trajectory that benefit some and hinder others. Time, money and access. That really got us thinking… how can we begin to address these inequities?
For 75 Years, the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP NY) has served as an advocate for photographers and practical education for operating a professional photography business. We’ve teamed up with the New York chapter to build The Bridge, the missing link between school and work, to help fill the gaps in knowledge, access and experience that prevent many of us from getting our work out there.
This program is designed to be accessible to Emerging Photographers from all backgrounds. And through the support of donors and sponsors, we are able to offer The Bridge without cost to all accepted candidates.
Program Overview
June/July - The Bridge Hybrid Course
Two intensive classes per week. These classes are a mixture of synchronous online learning, offline assignments and in-person visits on location and with special guests.
We focus on more than technical understanding. We offer unique perspectives from numerous angles on professional sustainability and achieving success. At the same time we address important industry issues by working together to inspire insightful dialogue, ideas and creative content.
August/September - Mentorship
Mentorships. In addition to gaining access to an experienced pro for feedback and help developing their Final Project work, studnets get an up-close look at the job of a real working industry vet. Gain insight in professional scenarios and what it takes to keep the lights on and the doors open. This invaluable experience with Real World creative business is a central element in the Bridge program, and will be scheduled on a student-by-student basis to conform to potential school or work schedules.
October - Final Show
The Bridge Final Show is an annual Gallery tradition that draws hundreds of viewers from across the community. This is the culmination of The Bridge program, where our students premiere all-new works to their friends, family, and industry pros.
Photo by SAAD EL-AMIN
How You Can Contribute
To eliminate cost as a barrier, we’ve teamed up with ASMP NY and the ASMP Foundation to build a fiscally-sponsored program that is FREE to all accepted students.
If you would like to support this effort to promote equity and opportunity among emerging creatives of all backgrounds regardless of race, class, gender or orientation, please consider donating. Your tax-deductible contribution will help us build The Bridge in cities across the United States in the years to come.
The Bridge is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors
We would like to also thank our supporting partners who have made previous years of the Bridge possible
LaCie
F-Stop Bags
Capture One
Pixsy
To become a supporting partner, or to learn more about The Bridge, click the link below:
About Us
BKC is a learning-focused creative community proudly serving the New York area and beyond since 2012. We’re dedicated to smart, no- nonsense workshops, events and collaboration in photography and multi-media visual storytelling. We believe creativity is inherent to all, and in communities empowered by education, awareness and shared resources. BKC encourages its members and students to get inspired, stay motivated and Never Stop Learning.
ASMP New York is the largest chapter of ASMP, the country's premier photography trade association with 38 chapters across the United States. For the last 75 years we have been been a catalyst for success in the industry for established photographers working with the world’s top brands or publications, YouTube creators, film or video makers, and the students who are the future of the industry of tomorrow. We advocate for, educate, and provide community for all image makers.
