A virtual village raising fresh photo talent BY HEATHER MORTON
THE BIPOC PHOTO MENTORSHIP PROGRAM (BPM) began in Toronto in 2020 as a way to address systematic barriers that face Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour entering into professional photographic practice. There is significant lack of diversity in all areas of the industry but, through mentorship opportunities, BPM can help to fast track inclusion, and offer crucial support to emerging photographers. The premise is simple: connecting established professionals with emerging talent. Mentors offer what they can and mentees comb through the master list to find a fit that is right for them. Since the program began over 200 mentorships have been facilitated, connecting more than 100 mentors from all parts of the industry with mentees from Canada, the United States, and all over the world.
Unlike many structured mentorship programs, it’s up to the mentor to think about what they can offer, and for mentees to determine what would be most beneficial to them. Mentee’s reach out according to their particular interest. Our master list of mentors includes professionals who work in all areas of photography, sharing their experience in commercial work, fashion, documentary, photojournalism, and fine art. The program has helped emerging photographers receive grants, gain access to photography studios for the first time, and feel inspired to start new projects or continue projects that have stalled due to a lack of guidance or support. Both mentees and mentors report being invigorated by working with each other. Since the inception of BPM, we’ve heard many stories about how life changing these mentorships have been. Sumi Siddiqa and her mentor Mark Binks.
Sumi Siddiqa is a young fashion photographer and director from Toronto who joined the program in late 2020. She landed a mentorship with Toronto-based fashion photographer Mark Binks, who recalls seeing photo ED 11
