BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//The Los Angeles Center of Photography//NONSGML PDA Calendar Version 1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
BEGIN:VEVENT
UID:a3259d8e6532e50ecd914f04b8345be8
ORGANIZER:info@lacphoto.org
DTSTAMP:20260613T012204Z
LOCATION:
SUMMARY:Horizon: Editorial & Entertainment Mentorship with Kwaku Alston (Hybrid Learning)
DESCRIPTION:Hybrid Learning\nHorizon is an eight-month\, industry-focused photography mentorship program at the Los Angeles Center of Photography designed to help emerging photographers build high-end portfolios\, gain real-world experience\, and confidently transition into professional\, client-facing careers.\n\n&nbsp\;\nEditorial &amp\; Entertainment with Kwaku Alston\nThe Editorial &amp\; Entertainment track is designed for photographers pursuing work in editorial\, publicity\, and entertainment-driven environments. This track focuses on creating compelling images within real-world constraints—tight timelines\, specific creative briefs\, and collaborative teams. Participants develop skills in lighting\, directing talent\, and adapting their visual approach to different subjects\, publications\, and platforms.\nUnder the guidance of an industry-active mentor\, photographers learn how to prepare for shoots\, work efficiently on set\, and communicate with editors\, publicists\, and creative collaborators. Emphasis is placed on consistency\, professionalism\, and developing a strong\, recognizable style that aligns with editorial standards. Through assignments\, critiques\, and practical exercises\, participants build a focused portfolio suited for editorial\, celebrity\, and entertainment contexts while gaining insight into navigating the business and expectations of this competitive field.\nThe first session for this track is scheduled online (virtually) for Tuesday\, September 15\, 10 am - 12 pm.  All subsequent sessions will be scheduled by the Kwaku and the group.\n\n&nbsp\;\n\nKwaku Alston is a photographer and director whose work bridges still and motion storytelling through a distinct visual language shaped by light\, composition\, and emotional nuance. He has photographed some of the most influential figures of our time—from Oscar and Grammy Award winners to President Barack Obama and the First Family—creating portraits that feel both intimate and iconic\, balancing documentary sensibility with classic portraiture. His clients include The New York Times Magazine\, The New Yorker\, and Harper’s Bazaar\, along with global brands such as Apple\, Coca-Cola\, and Verizon\, and studios including Netflix\, Amazon\, and Disney.\n\nBeginning in photography and evolving into directing\, he brings a frame-driven approach to motion. His work spans commercials\, music videos\, and short films\, including ALONE\, which screened at PSFF Paris\, MoMA New York (ASVOFF)\, and VAFF Virginia. Most recently\, he produced\, wrote\, and directed the short film Feeling This Way\, starring Gary Dourdan\, currently entering festivals for Summer 2026. His experience behind the camera also includes work as Director of Photography on the documentary In Search of Voodoo\, with multiple trips to West Africa further shaping his visual language and global perspective.\n\nHe is the founder of Open Light Productions\, supporting work across both photography and motion. His collaborations with organizations such as DesignACure\, the Black AIDS Institute\, and Project Angel Food reflect an ongoing commitment to storytelling with purpose. In 2025\, he received the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Rochester Institute of Technology\, where he also delivered the commencement address for the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.\n\nView instructor profile here.
STATUS:CONFIRMED
CATEGORIES:Classes
URL;VALUE=URI:https://lacphoto.org/events/horizon-editorial-and-entertainment/
DTSTART:20260915T170000Z
DTEND:20270516T030000Z
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR