Publisher's Description
The Joop Swart Masterclass has been organized by World Press
Photo every year since 1994 and has established itself as one of the
most prestigious events of its kind. It has played host to some of the
finest young photographers from around the world, bringing them
into contact with some of the most established members of the
profession of photojournalism. The masterclass owes its name to
World Press Photo’s late chairman, who was a passionate supporter
of young photography talent. Since its inception, the masterclass has
provided a springboard for participants destined to become the
cream of the crop of photojournalists. To name just a few: Giorgia
Fiorio, Kadir van Lohuizen, Jodi Bieber, Paolo Pellegrin, Olivier
Culmann, Stephan Vanfleteren, Joachim Ladefoged, Balazs Gardi,
Jonas Bendiksen, Pep Bonet, Tim Hetherington, Justin Jin, Lynsey
Addario, Alexander Gronsky, Martin Kollar, Gillian Laub, Simon
Roberts, Naomi Harris, Benjamin Lowy, Pieter ten Hoopen,
Samantha Appleton, Alfredo D’Amato, Rena Effendi, Lana Šleziæ,
Stephanie Sinclair, Mikhael Subotzky, Newsha Tavakolian, Olivia
Arthur, Christoph Bangert, Kate Brooks, Alexandra Demenkova,
Cédric Gerbehaye, Rafal Milach, Peter van Agtmael, Kathryn Cook,
Dominic Nahr…
At the beginning of each year, 18 independent selection committees
nominate over 170 young photographers from across the globe as
candidates for the masterclass, inviting each to submit a portfolio of
work for consideration. After the selection by an independent
committee, the twelve finalists are asked to produce a photo essay in
which they give their interpretation of the theme chosen that year by
the selection committee. An edit of all twelve participants’ photo
stories is made and published in the Masterclass book.
During the 6-day long masterclass, six internationally known
professionals from the world of photography dedicate a week of their
time sharing their personal experience and expertise with the
students. Each year, the programme of the Joop Swart Masterclass is
tailored to the specific learning needs of the students but in general
includes: review sessions serving to evaluate the participating
photographers’ work and their approach; interactive group sessions
on specific topics related to the experience and expertise of the
masters; one-on-one sessions; editing exercises and the launch of
this book.
For the first time, the book has been co-published by World Press
Photo and Schilt Publishing. Schilt Publishing also produces the
World Press Yearbook, which is published in seven different
languages.