ATLANTA, Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/
-- Diversity Photos today announced the launch of its
signature initiative, the Creative Empowerment Program, to
diversify the selection of stock photography images by increasing
the pipeline of minority photographers. From August 2020 – February
2021, the program conducted its pilot phase during which
four diverse photographers participated in over 35 photoshoots,
creating more than 4,000 multicultural images. Creatives for the
official program kickoff will be selected this Spring.
"We are excited to launch this first-of-its kind program because
we know that to thoughtfully enact change across industries, we
must have a pool of diverse creatives actively participating and
owning their narratives, their images, and most importantly, their
stories," said Nicole Carter,
Co-Founder and CEO of Diversity Photos. "We aim to economically
empower underrepresented photographers by giving them access to an
additional revenue stream and to diversify their portfolios.
Through the Creative Empowerment Program, we equip them for success
by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and investment needed
to create impactful stock images and video."
The Creative Empowerment Program is a holistic intensive
experience designed from the ground up by Diversity Photos and
Adobe Stock to prepare participants for success in the business of
stock photography. Unique in the field, the program combines
financial investment with education in the form of hands-on
mentorship and instruction —co-created and lead by industry
veterans from Diversity Photos and Adobe Stock and informed by
client experience and data insights. Instruction includes workshops
on the business of stock, and portfolio reviews with experienced,
industry-leading curators.
Each participant in the Creative Empowerment Program is also
allocated funding to implement large-scale photoshoots, and paired
with onsite mentors to ensure their success. Finally, participants
receive guidance about how to submit their work for copyright
protection through the United States Copyright Office, protecting
their creative property.
With the large volume of data accessible to brands regarding
customers' buying preferences, engaging consumers with relevant,
authentic images and messaging is in high demand. In Adobe's recent
State of Creativity study, 71% of creatives surveyed say it is
challenging finding stock content that is diverse and inclusive,
and over half have seen a desire for content that is more
culturally relevant.
"Given the diversity of the American population, it is critical
that images in the media landscape accurately reflect and are
inclusive of all of our communities—and creatives are really taking
notice, especially in the current pandemic reality," said
Sarah Casillas, Head of Content,
Adobe Stock. "Our own research shows that 91% believe the events of
2020 inspired them to incorporate more real-world issues into their
creative work, while 90% agree topics in visual culture are
evolving faster today than ever before. Initiatives like the
Creative Empowerment Program are critical to helping us close the
diversity and inclusion gap in media."
Beyond investing in creatives, the Creative Empowerment program
also invested back in the local economy by hiring diverse models
and caterers, working with local photography rental stores and
shooting at locally owned businesses. The pilot, inclusive of
community support, was made possible by Adobe Stock, the
Empowerment sponsor, and CQ Fluency, the Community Advocate
sponsor. Pilot participants included photographers Melissa Alexander, Mhandy Gerard, B.
Alyssa Trofort-Wilson and
Lynsey Weatherspoon.
For more information on becoming part of the 2021 Cohort or to
become a program sponsor, visit diversityphotos.com/programs.
About Diversity Photos
Diversity Photos is a leader in the creation of visual content that
authentically represents the global community and assists brands in
combating biases in media and data. A collective of world-class
diverse creatives, Diversity Photos develops insightful and
culturally relevant media, with a focus on photography and
videography, for brands and businesses across sectors and
industries.
Media Contact
Nicole Carter, Diversity Photos,
+1 (404) 783-7377, nicolec@diversityphotos.com
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SOURCE Diversity Photos