On the Road (OTR) is a new two-day photography workshop perfect for photo students and emerging photographers seeking greater technical expertise and sharper entrepreneurial skills to get their business off the ground, as well as professional photographers pursuing new markets. Brought to you by WPPI, PDN, ASMP and Kelby Training, this year’s OTR location stops include Chicago (May 20 – 21), Atlantic City (June 3- 4), Los Angeles (July 15 – 16) and Las Vegas (August 5 – 6).

The program features two tracks of learning on day one, with workshops on weddings, portraiture and commercial/advertising photography, as well as great business intensives and classes on workflow topics, such as Lightroom and Photoshop. On day two, we’ll feature a “Hands-on experience,” where you’ll be able to watch, learn and put into practice things you’ve learned, with an instructor at your side to guide you.

At the end of day one there will be portfolio reviews where you’ll have the chance to have your work critiqued by industry leaders. It’s a great opportunity to get honest feedback about your work by those who can help you get to the next level!

What’s more, there will be giveaways, with raffles from our sponsors throughout the day, offering you the chance to take home some nice gifts! Two full days of learning, plus a lot of fun networking with your peers, industry experts and world renowned photographers should prove to be a very worthwhile career investment!

Here’s a preview describing some of the great offerings:

In Chicago, ASMP’s Blake Discher
 will offer a Photo Business Boot Camp, covering everything from insurance and taxes to licensing, pricing and paperwork. Building a successful photography career takes more than great pictures, and Discher’s seminar provides the needed tools, knowledge and resources to be successful as an independent creator.

In Atlantic City, Pete Collins will teach The Basics of Professional Portrait Retouching. You’ll learn step-by-step methods for fixing, enhancing and finishing your portraits in Photoshop. You’ll also learn the best techniques for enhancing eyes, eyebrows, eyelashes as well as subtle body-sculpting to make your subjects look their best.

In Los Angeles, Lindsay Adler will show us How to Conquer the Ten Most Challenging Lighting Situations, Easily. She’ll cover the tools and techniques required to handle direct sunlight, florescent light, low light with no flash, low light when you can’t bounce the flash, mixed light and much more!

Also, Jared Platt
 will cover Post-Production Speed in Lightroom and Photoshop CS6, demonstrating a lightning-fast and effective strategy for using Lightroom and Photoshop to make short work of the overwhelming task of post-production. He’ll also show off some of the powerful new features in the beta version of Lightroom 5.

In Las Vegas: Amanda Reed will be All Up In Your Business, discussing the importance of a business plan and how to modify a plan to suit your needs. It’s all about customer connection and how you relate to your community. She’ll show you how to put your name in the mouths of your potential clients. If you’re at a crossroads in your business Reed can help take you to the next level.

That’s just a taste of the great educational experiences awaiting attendees in each city. To learn more about the speakers and schedules, Click Here and, while you’re at it, make sure to register for one of the upcoming stops. We look forward to seeing you on the road!

The Young Photographers Alliance (YPA) has finalized locations for its 2013 summer mentoring program, and is setting up nineteen teams in the following international locations:

• Anchorage, Alaska
• Los Angeles, California
• Orlando, Florida
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Kansas City, Missouri
• New York, New York
• Columbus, Ohio
• Portland, Oregon
• Dallas, Texas
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Seattle, Washington
• Ottawa, Canada
• Toronto, Canada
• Beijing, China
• Glasgow, United Kingdom
• Bristol, United Kingdom
• London, United Kingdom
• Mumbai, India

This program picks up where school leaves off by providing emerging photographers and talented students with the opportunity to work with some of today’s most successful professionals.

Over a ten-week period from June 1 to August 15, mentors in each city provide encouragement and assistance to a team of young photographers entering the field, during eight two-hour sessions, (days and times to be determined by each team at the first meeting).

All teams will photograph a common theme, this year titled “Escape”. We invite you to explore what the word means to you, using the power of photography to communicate, document and inspire.

Results will be featured in a New York exhibition and will be prominently displayed to a worldwide audience.

Exhibition at Calumet Gallery © 2012 Robert Herman

Participants in YPA’s mentorship program will:
• Fine tune their craft
• Create images for their portfolios
• Gain experience and insights from leading industry professionals
• Explore markets for the program and their work
• Be included in a global program (including US, Canada, China, India and the UK)
• Have their work prominently displayed to a global market
• Push themselves to expand their boundaries and potential

“This experience was one of growth and learning for me. I have no doubt it can help others my age too. So I highly encourage more to come. It was a fantastic experience all around.”

Kelly Lazendorfer – 2010 Mentee PA Team

Program requirements:
• You must be between 18 and 29, a recent graduate or currently enrolled in a photography course.

• YPA21 membership ($21) is required, which includes access to mentoring program and other valuable resources.

To apply:
Upload 5 to 8 of your best images
A letter of recommendation from an instructor or mentor
A written description of your photographic experience to date (classes, competitions, etc.)
A short statement of how you might approach the theme of escape

Heads’ up, the deadline for applications is Friday, May 10. All applicants will be notified about their status in the program by Friday,May 31. Don’t miss this great opportunity to make professional connections and expand your photographic experience.

For more details and to apply, click here.

© Natalie Halford (UK), 2011 Mentee

“This experience has taught me a lot and I am glad I was able to be a part of it. The skills I have learned will be put into all the work I do in the future.”

Shelby Fry – 2012 Mentee Chicago team

The Palm Springs Photo Festival (PSPF) starts on April 28, however there’s still a time for graduate students and emerging photographers to apply for a $500 scholarship towards a four-day PSPF workshop. But you’d better act fast, the extended deadline is Monday, April 22. To apply, click here.

On Monday, April 29th, all PSPF attendees will benefit from the free PDN30 panel “Transitions: Strategies for Young Working Photographers” at the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Annenberg Theater. PDN editor Holly Hughes will moderate presentations by PDN30 honorees Jessica Sample, John Francis Peters, Ian Allen and Sony Artisan of Imagery Andy Katz, for multiple viewpoints on how to get started in the photo industry. Learn how both rising stars and an established pro got to where they are today, including how they got their first jobs and structure their promotional efforts. Panelists will each share what they learned in school as well as what they wish they’d been taught, for career advice you won’t hear anywhere else. Make sure to come early for a 4 pm reception with panelists and other festival attendees. Both events are a sure bet for young photographers seeking inside perspectives on today’s competitive marketplace.

1) Photo District News (PDN), the award-winning monthly magazine for professional photographers, is looking for an editorial intern this spring/summer. The intern will help with general organizational tasks and assist the editorial staff on all aspects of editorial production for the magazine and PDNOnline.com. This position offers an opportunity to learn about print and online publishing as well as photo editing. Help editors in researching, proofreading, fact-checking, reporting and writing about news from all aspects of the professional photography world. Other opportunities may include researching and writing blog posts, proofing magazine layouts and attending editorial meetings. An interest in photography is appreciated, but not required. Experience with HTML and content management systems is a plus.

2) Our Custom Media division is seeking an intern to assist with a wide range of editorial tasks. Responsibilities include researching, proofreading, fact checking and writing for a variety of Custom Media publications including PDNedu, Emerging Photographer magazines our trade show properties, associated Web sites and Blogs. Assist with photo research and trafficking art for publication, converting and sizing image files.

Prerequisites: Well organized, detail oriented, self-starter with past photography experience and good communication skills. Computer literacy, familiarity with ftp image delivery systems, proficiency in PhotoShop, InDesign and various content management systems. Knowledge of Flash, HTML, CSS and photography gear a plus. General assignments will rely on the use of various Mac-based programs (MS Word, Entourage, Photoshop, InDesign, RedDot, WordPress).

Qualifications:
• Student studying in the fields of photography and/or journalism.
• Some experience in writing about photography for school assignments, blogs or other types of publication.
• One-page essay about what the student hopes to gain from this internship and sample writing tearsheets.
• Basic interest in media and/or photography.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.

3) Our marketing department is seeking an intern to conduct research and help promote Nielsen Photo Group properties to hobbyists, students, educators and professional photographers and image makers through web, print, social media and live events while learning skills related to marketing, advertising and promotion.

Primary responsibilities include:
• Creating and updating marketing materials used to outreach to current and prospective customers/members
• Assist with writing copy for social media, emails and web pages
• Help renew and execute marketing plans for upcoming events; Outdoor Photo Expo, PhotoPlus Expo, contest/gallery exhibitions and others as needed
• Conduct demographic research, develop and proofread marketing materials
• Assist with and perform any other duties as needed or assigned by the Marketing Director

General assignments will rely on the use of Nielsen Software and MS (Office Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).

Qualifications:
• Student studying in the field of marketing/communications
• Some experience in developing marketing plans and targeted marketing campaigns
• One-page essay about what the student hopes to gain from this internship
• Basic interest in media and/or photography
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills

4) Our sales department is seeking an intern to provide vital support to our advertising sales team, playing a pivotal role in ensuring that the revenue generating side of our business runs smoothly. This intern will work closely with the Associate Publisher providing vital administrative and project support, working with sales representatives and clients. This position is a terrific opportunity for an outgoing, energetic individual who wants to learn about publishing, advertising sales and marketing.

Job Responsibilities:
• Assist in Print, Online, and Sponsorship sales process.
• Assist with Tradeshow booth preparations.
• Coordinate sales meetings, schedule conference rooms and appointments for sales team.
• Conduct follow-up to sales team meetings.
• Assist accounting with collections, TMM input, invoicing.
• Assist with preparation of Nielsen Photo Group parties and events
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work well alone and as part of a team
• Professional demeanor
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• MS Office, CRM database experience a plus

These are paid internships, which will be a unique opportunity to experience the Nielsen environment, culture and team while enhancing your professional and personal skills.

Work schedule: Monday – Friday – Days/Hours are flexible, with an expected work week of approximately 24 hours per week. Position is located at our 85 Broad Street, New York, New York office. Local candidates are preferred. No relocation or housing assistance is provided.

All applicants must be currently enrolled in school or a graduating senior to qualify for an internship. For consideration, please send a resume and short cover letter explaining your interest in magazine, online publishing, marketing, sales and/or photography to jill.waterman@nielsen.com.

Nielsen promotes and enforces a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for all individuals.
EOE/AA/M/F/D/V

Mark your calendars for next Wednesday, April 10th and join us at 6:30 pm for the free PDN’s 30 panel at the SVA Theater in New York City, where select photographers from PDN‘s 2013 PDN30 issue will offer their perspectives on getting started in the photo industry. Learn how these rising stars got to where they are today, including how they got their first jobs and structured their first promotional efforts. Panelists will each share what they learned in school, as well as what they wish they’d been taught, for career advice you won’t hear anywhere else. After the panel, enjoy refreshments while networking among the assembled photo community at a reception from 8 to 9 pm. This event is a must for all young photographers looking to make it today’s competitive marketplace.

Photo students and emerging photographers seeking an exotic experience this summer should consider registering for SVA’s Shanghai Photography Workshop.

As workshop instructor Abby Robinson described previously on the PDNedu blog, both her 2012 and 2011 Shanghai Workshops offered participants sufficient time and opportunity to work on in-depth projects as well as to share ideas and forge relationships with Chinese photographers, curators and gallery owners.

Students can receive four studio credits for completing the four week-program, with classes scheduled from Monday to Thursday. Participants also attend insightful seminars on historical and contemporary Chinese photography and receive portfolio reviews by members of Shanghai’s flourishing photo community.

The April 1 deadline to register for the 2013 Workshop is quickly approaching, so act fast. For further details click here or contact SVA program coordinator Kimberlee Venable at kvenable@sva.edu.

PDNedu‘s Spring 2013 issue debuts today at the Society for Photographic Education’s 50th annual national conference in Chicago, now through March 11th. We’re anxiously awaiting the opening of the exhibits fair where we’ll be handing out copies of the print issue on Friday and Saturday. The conference is sold out, but the exhibits fair is open to the public, so if you’re in Chicago please stop by to say hello and pick up a copy at our booth #13.

Beside the magazine in print, starting with our Fall 2011 issue, PDNedu‘s digital edition can be accessed from any computer, tablet or mobile device—free of charge and with a global reach.

In our Spring 2013 Data issue, digital edition content is enhanced with streaming videos and hotlinks. Our cover story It’s a Living profiles NASA Astronaut Donald Pettit. Learn what goes into Pettit’s otherworldly star trail images and watch him practice Yo-Yo tricks in space.

In One to Watch photographer and educator Bruce Myren talks about his recently completed project The 40th Parallel. Step behind the scenes to see Myren in the field with his mega successful Kickstarter fundraising video.

Our Business Smarts article A Part-Time Future addresses the growing trend of adjunct teaching with case studies of three successful educators. After reading the story, click on the PDF for results of the 2012 Photography Education Survey conducted by our friends at the MAC Group.

Step X Step features an excerpt from PhotoShelter’s Guide to Google Analytics. All this and much, much more are packed into the issue, including the winners and select honorable mention images from our tenth annual student photography contest.

The print issue is currently shipping to photography programs nationwide. We hope you’ll enjoy it, and, by all means, please let us know what you think!

When considering the many opportunities available to photographers, the W. Eugene Smith Grant in Humanistic Photography is among the most prestigious. For more than 30 years, this highly competitive award has made a huge impact on the careers of winning photographers such as Peter von Agtmael (2012), Krisanne Johnson (2011), Darcy Padilla (2010), Lu Guang (2009), Mikhael Subotzky (2008), Stephen Dupont (2007) and Paolo Pellegrin (2006).

In preparation for the 2013 competition, this coming Monday, March 4, 2013, the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund and the Aperture Foundation will team up to host the panel Strategies for Photographers: Thoughts On How To Apply For Fellowships and Other Competitions.

This is a unique opportunity to get expert advice from a number of current Smith Fund board members, who will share their experiences in judging top competitions, ranging from Smith to World Press Photo, World Photo Organization, Getty Images, PDN, Le Journal de la Photographie and American Photography, to name a few.

Panelists include David Friend (Vanity Fair) W.M. Hunt (Dancing Bear), Marcel Saba (Redux Pictures), and Lauren Wendle (PDN), all of whom have served as head jurors.

Attendees at this free event will gain insight into what takes place in the judging room, how to assemble a submission to impress and, most importantly, the pitfalls to avoid when applying for competitions and grants.

Beginning at 6:30 pm, this panel is free and open to the public and follows an afternoon press conference announcing the opening of the 2013 Smith Fund Fellowship call for submissions. Both events will be held at the Aperture Foundation, 547 West 27th Street, 4th Floor.

The deadline for the 2013 Smith Fund competition is Friday, May 31. Click here for more information.

Image: Times Square, Day to Night(TM) © Stephen Wilkes

Student photographers listen up, you have one last chance to submit to the coveted PDN Photo Annual, our biggest opportunity of the year. But the clock is ticking, all submissions must be received by midnight tonight, February 25.

All student finalists have an added opportunity to win the Marty Forscher Fellowship Fund for Outstanding Achievement in Humanistic Photography, which awards substantial cash prizes to one student and one professional during a ceremony held at the PDN Photo Annual party in New York.

Each contest winner receives an invite to our exclusive winner’s party and gets his or her work published in June’s PDN Photo Annual issue, in addition to being considered for other valuable prizes. Students get a discounted price of $35 for up to six images, with no limit to the number of entries received.

For an overview of last year’s winning student work, click here to view the 2012 Winners’
Gallery.

For your chance to win, drop what your books, register here and upload your best pictures, before midnight tonight!

If you missed a chance to enter the PDNedu student contest, there’s still time to enter your best work in the student category of the coveted PDN Photo Annual, our biggest opportunity of the year.

All student finalists have an added change to win the Marty Forscher Fellowship Fund for Outstanding Achievement in Humanistic Photography, which awards substantial cash prizes to one student and one professional during a ceremony held at the PDN Photo Annual party in New York.

Each contest winner receives an invite to our exclusive winner’s party and gets his or her work published in June’s PDN Photo Annual issue, in addition to being considered for other valuable prizes. Students get a discounted price of $35 for up to six images, with no limit to the number of entries received. But here’s the drill, all submissions must be in by Tuesday, February 19.

For an overview of last year’s winning student work, click here to view the 2012 Winners’
Gallery.

For your chance to win, register here and upload your strongest pictures, before it’s too late.