The VII Mentor Program is calling for applications.
“I’m very thankful to have been a part of this prestigious program. It has been very rewarding, valuable and inspiring from everyone…I’m excited to know about and to hear who might come next. Super appreciative of the opportunity and the generosity. THANK YOU ALL!”– VII Mentee, 2025
The VII Mentor Program provides a structured professional environment for emerging new talents in the industry, focusing on those from the majority world and under-represented communities. Launched by VII Photo Agency in 2008, it is managed by The VII Foundation’s education department.
Many of the program’s mentees have built successful careers in the media. Some of them are now members of prestigious photo agencies and are working on assignments for publications like The New York Times, TIME, and National Geographic. Mentees have been recognized with awards from World Press Photo and Pulitzer, among others.
In 2025, our mentees were paired with the following contributing photographers to The VII Foundation: Ashley Gilbertson, Ed Kashi, Maciek Nabrdalik, Ilvy Njiokiktjien, the late Sara Terry, and Adriana Zebrauskas.
The 2026 program will last one year with an assessment at six months. During this time, mentees will have regular contact with the program leaders (Sarajevo Director Ziyah Gafic and Director of Communications Amber Maitland) and will join expert sessions exploring critical topics that may include ethics, business practice, grant writing, branding, design fundamentals, story pitching, entrepreneurship, legalities, hostile environment awareness training and more. Mentees will work with editors, curators, and other media professionals, and be assigned to a contributing photographer to The VII Foundation who will provide professional guidance and mentoring. For those who desire agency representation, Redux will represent their work for the duration of the program; mentees will also be eligible for eventual commissions through The VII Foundation.
APPLYING TO THE PROGRAM
Please click here to apply through our application platform through November 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.
The application requires a portfolio of no more than 30 images consisting of stories (not single images) that should demonstrate the breadth of your photographic experience; proof of at least six published pieces of work; and information about background and experience. All answers to application questions must be submitted in English and should be written without the use of AI. A shortlist of successful applicants will be interviewed virtually. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
VII Mentor Program Selection Criteria
The VII Mentor Program invites applications from the following:
- Promising and talented emerging and mid-career professional visual journalists from diverse backgrounds, especially those from underrepresented communities within the industry;
- Visual journalists who are already trained and have a minimum of 3 years of professional experience (some allowances will be made for advancement/skills training for working photographers who have had no access to formal education or training);
- Visual journalists who can demonstrate a cohesive personal aesthetic vision and are generating interesting, unexpected and mature story ideas.
- Candidates should be engaged in both news reporting and long-term project storytelling, and should have one or two major projects for which they seek guidance and advice; these can be book or story development, investigations, or even short films.
- Note: Some applicants may be considered too advanced for the program.
Application deadline: November 30, 2025, at 23:59 EST.