By Adefoyeke Ajao

After a gruelling selection process, 25 aspiring female photographers have been shortlisted to attend GTBank’s Days of Dorcas Photography Workshop. The participants were selected after an online competition where each of them submitted a portfolio of 3 images depicting the elegance of African people.

At the workshop, which will hold from 28th May 2018 to June 2nd 2018 at the Art635 Hub located within the Herbert Macaulay Library, Yaba, participants will learn from 5 accomplished artists: Benedicte Kurzen, Jumoke Sanwo, TY Bello, Uche Okpa-Iroha and Yetunde Ayeni Babaeko.

The workshop will cover topics including the best use of existing conditions and the art of mastering low, mid and high tones; principles of visual storytelling/photo essay; understanding exposure and making exposure decisions; how lighting directions affect images; Lines: (A) Exploring the association of lines (B) Analyzing lines (C) Forming lines; and cropping: Altering and changing the content.

The shortlisted participants are Mofeoluwa Bamuyiwa, Anita Okonweze, Gloria Ukata, Sonayon Thomas, Grace Ekpu, Sogbesan Adenike, Foluke Sowunmi, Precious Chinedu, Emem Akinyemiju, Favour Ogundimu, Olayemi Olarinde, Esther Adamu, Funmilola Odun-ayo, Oreoluwa Ibitayo, Aguhnfi Faith Balanku, Annabelle Ayangbade, Glory Nwah, Amarachi Joel, Ebunoluwa Akinbo, Olajumoke Olatinwo, Atinuke Ibrahim, Nengi Nelson-Ogbari, Olubukola Ajayi, Shola Oke and Akinkuade Olukemi.

In the course of the workshop, a winner will be selected for the competition prize which is in the form of camera equipment worth N500,000, while the runner-up will receive photography equipment worth 250,000. All other participants automatically have the opportunity to participate in Art635 events, as well as the privileges accorded to artists enrolled on the Art635 platform.

The Days of Dorcas Photography Workshop is a CSR initiative of GTBank created to promote the work of female photographers. The competition was open to female African photographers aged between 18 and 39 whose entries were received from 23rd April 2018 –17th May 2018.