The Photography Foundation X UKBFTOG – Black History Month Panel Discussion (SOLD OUT)

October marks Black History Month, one of the most important dates in the calendar. This year’s compelling theme is Reclaiming Narratives.

The Photography Foundation (TPF) is inviting the UK Black Female Photographers (UKBFTOG) for a special evening panel discussion at The Firepit Gallery.

In this panel discussion you will be hearing from a group of Black female photographers about their career journeys, their experiences of navigating the creative industry, and their stories & tips – whilst opening up a space for a wider conversation centred around wellbeing and community. There will be time for a Q & A and social networking following the panel discussion.

About the Organisers

The Photography Foundation (TPF) was created to provide pathways to professional photography for less advantaged young adults in London by offering education, practical experience, and routes to a career in the creative industries. The Photography Foundation acknowledges that commercial photography can be a stressful career and feel isolating at times. Our events are intended to promote wellbeing and the importance of making time for inspiration and creativity in your practice in order to maintain a sustainable career.

The UK Black Female Photographers (UKBFTOG) community was created to help Black women find other Black women in the photography industry. The Photography industry is dominated by men, so it was extremely difficult to find individuals like ourselves, who can relate to our experiences as Black women. Being the only Black female photographer in the room of your peers can feel very lonely and intimidating but we no longer have to feel like this because of the UKBFTOG community. December 2022 marked 5 years sine the UKBFTOG community was created by Jemella Ukaegbu and it is getting bigger and bigger.

Firepit Art Gallery and Studios CIC is a creative hub located in Greenwich Peninsula, London. Dedicated to showcasing innovative and diverse art forms. With a strong commitment to community engagement, Firepit provides a platform for artists from all backgrounds to share their work and connect with audiences. A great space with a gallery, studio spaces and a slightly sunken room, surrounded by wood, with a firepit, where the exhibition will take place.

Speakers

• For over a decade, Jemella Ukaegbu has run her own photography company Mellz Photography LTD and has captured unforgettable moments dedicating her life to making sure her clients exist in print for generations and holds a 1st Class Degree in BA Photography. In 2017, she founded the award-winning UK Black Female Photographers Community (UKBFTOG), uniting and uplifting over 600 UK-based Black female photographers in an industry that often overlooks them. From hobbyists to professionals, this empowering community offers connection, growth, and celebration in a space where every story matters. Jemella’s photography journey has been featured in The Evening Standard, Huffington Post, and ITV. 🥰 Instagram: @jemellabw. Website:www.mellzphotography.co.uk Uk Black Female Photographers community Instagram: @ukbftog. Website: www.ukbftog.com
• Capri McPherson-Noel is a London based Photographer, specialising in portrait photography. She started her photography journey 3 years ago and juggles with her work in Television. Capri’s photography is about telling stories of any character and portraying them through an image. Grasping their essence and having it shine through her work, is an essential key. She wants to continue bringing stories to life, especially people of colour. This led her to “Black & Unique”, a photo series highlighting the voices that are sometimes unheard. Instagram: capri_mcpherson. Website: cmnphotography.com
• Ruth Samuels is a London-based portrait and documentary photographer whose professional career started in 2023. Her work has been featured as part of Portrait of Britain and the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize exhibition, and she is a finalist in this year’s AOP Emerging Talent Awards. Ruth is motivated by a desire to learn about different experiences of life, and highlight issues requiring compassion or a renewed perspective. She aims to empower underrepresented groups, amplify their voices, and evoke a sense of shared humanity between sitter and viewer. She is particularly passionate about providing a platform for women and global majority cultures, and sharing stories from a broad variety of communities. Instagram: @ruthsamuelsphoto. Website:www.ruth-samuels.com

Please Note

• Our Public Programmes are aimed at anyone aged 16+.
If you are an adult who wishes to join with someone younger than 16 years old, please contact us in advance at [email protected]

• Doors open at 6pm. Drinks will be available for purchase at the Firepit bar. We reserve the right to check for a valid ID.

• Please note that photography will be taking place during this event. Should you wish to not be photographed please speak to a member of the staff on the day.

Ticket Information

• Spaces are limited. If you can no longer attend, please get in touch at [email protected] to cancel your ticket with at least 48hrs notice ahead to the event.

How to get to Firepit Art Gallery:
• The nearest tube is North Greenwich on the Jubilee line. The Gallery is a 5 minute walk from the tube station, located right by the Thames Clipper stop. The Gallery is listed on google maps, please search for Firepit Art Gallery, London

Accessibility

• If you have any accessibility requirements or questions please email [email protected]

• Please note that the Firepit Gallery is on ground level & has accessible WC facilities.

Images @Firepit & @UKBFTOG