Young photographers often don't have a great budget to buy a lot of equipment when starting out, let alone high-end lighting gear such as Broncolor's flashes and light shapers. Unless the equipment in question is given away, which is exactly what Broncolor offers to talented photographers under 30.
Two years ago Broncolor introduced Gen Next. The concept behind it is quite simple; the Swiss brand wishes to help talented young photographers in their quest for amazing images by giving $24,000 worth of gear and giving them more visibility. It's a chance to be working with some of the best lighting equipment around at no cost. The only "cost" is that the Gen Next photographers have to write one article each month, give one or two pictures a year to the brand, and help to promote their products. Seeing how great their gear is, I cannot find a reason why becoming one of their brand ambassadors could be an issue.
The first photographer who joined the ranks of Gen Next were Lara Jade, Benjamin Von Wong, Dustin Snipes, Jason Jia, and Manuel Mittelpunkt. Then in 2015, Broncolor opened the Gen Next contest for the first time and the winners were Anita Anti, Lauri Laukkanen, Yulia Gorbachenko, Gonzaga Manso, and Cristina Otero.
So if you are under 30 and want to join them: pick your three best images out of your portfolio, and head over to Broncolor's website to register before March 2nd, 2016. The winners will then be selected internally by Broncolor.
Good luck to everyone entering the contest!
Is this an annual contest?
Annual contest with a two year commitment from the photographer.
It's the second year Bron organizes the contest, but it's not written on their website they'll run it again in 2017… So, most likely, it is an annual contest (with a 2-year contract for the winners) but we cannot be certain :)
Well, I know what I'll be shooting for this year to enter in 2017! (Given they run it again next year) Thanks!
Why wait? You still have until the 2nd of March to shoot and participate :)
Fantastic opportunity. Its just a shame its openly open to people under 30.
*checks the life-clock crystal in the palm of his hand* Darn it, I'm over 30 :(
under 30... damn... that must mean I'm done if I'm not on top of the industry right? ;-)
If you're over 30, you should be able to afford the necessary gear to get the job done.
Not everyone over 30 is making $60k a yr from their day jobs... that's wishful thinking. Granted it is expected by society but its not reality. I hope to change this, by end of year to be a full time photographer though with my business.
Should.
Ironically, I had plenty more money to throw at gear (and cars, bicycles, etc.) when I was single in my 20's, and shooting film. But the market and my competition were much different then.
Why under 30 years old?
I'm assuming they would want to see photos where their lighting would be useful? So probably portraits not nature? I'm not sure I'd use the lighting as much as some people, but I wouldn't mind having it ;)
Terms & conditions indicate the following:
" *Images from any field of photography can be submitted (portrait, fashion, sports, still life, experimental, etc.).
*Submitted images should preferably be taken using flashlight, and upon winning the photographer should be aware that flash photography is the only focus."
So you can submit any image, but I doubt street photography or landscape picture will cut it :)
Hmm, not sure if I'm the one then. Most of my photos aren't dependent on flash
Do you think composite images will be accepted as long as you shot the models and stock with your own lights etc? Or is this more of an on site kinda deal? I dabble in both but wasn't sure if doing a composite would work or not.
Von Wong, Gonzaga Manso as well as Lauri Laukkanen have done (and seems to still do) some compositing as well. As I couldn't see a reason why this would be an issue :) Try to email bron if you want to be sure ;)
Thank you for your reply!! :)