Participants selected for 2007 Joop Swart Masterclass Twelve young photographers will come together with a group of masters for the 14th annual World Press Photo Joop Swart Masterclass to be held from 3 to 8 November 2007 in Foam_Fotografiemuseum, Amsterdam.
The 12 participants were selected from a total of 113 international candidate portfolios. During the masterclass meeting, the participant photographers will interact with seven prominent experts, discussing technical, journalistic and ethical aspects of their work.
The following 12 photographers were selected to participate in the 2007 masterclass:
• Ghaith Abdul-Ahad, Iraq • Olivia Arthur, United Kingdom • Christoph Bangert, Germany • Kate Brooks, USA • Alexandra Demenkova, Russia • Agnes Dherbeys, France • Cédric Gerbehaye, Belgium • Rafal Milach, Poland • Munem Wasif, Bangladesh • Sirio Magnabosco, Italy • Irina Werning, Argentina/Germany • Xin Zhou, People's Republic of China
The purpose of the masterclass is furthering young and talented photographers' insight in photojournalism. In preparation for the meeting, the participants will execute a photo essay on one single theme, which for this year is: ‘Fragile'. The essays will be discussed during sessions with the masters and edited into a publication.
The participants were selected by an independent, international selection committee consisting of Carolyn Cole (USA), photographer Los Angeles Times, Frédérique Deschamps (France), picture editor Le Monde, Susan Meiselas (USA), photographer Magnum Photos, Adriaan Monshouwer (the Netherlands), commercial director Hollandse Hoogte and Aidan Sullivan (UK), Vice President Photo Assignment Getty Images North America.
Committee members commenting on the experience: "In the coming years, I look forward to seeing the progress of these promising photographers from around the world." (Carolyn Cole) "An amazing and enriching experience to see so much quality, diversity and passion for photography." (Adriaan Monshouwer) "Knowing how important it is for these extraordinary photographers to be part of this prestigious event, makes our role tough, but so rewarding." (Aidan Sullivan)
The Joop Swart Masterclass is supported by Delta Lloyd Group, Stichting Democratie en Media and Canon, who provides all participants with a grant. World Press Photo receives support from the Dutch Postcode Lottery and is sponsored worldwide by Canon and TNT.
--------------------------- Editors please note: For more information about the Joop Swart Masterclass, please contact Chermain Pubben at press@worldpressphoto.nl or +31 (0)20 676 6096.