Market Postworkshop's New Accredited Foundation Course in Photography

The Market Postworkshop offers a new fully-fledged accredited Foundation Course in Photography starting in January 2024

It’s been a decade long struggle of research and curriculum design which has finally borne fruits for prospective students at the Market Photo Workshop (MPW) in Newtown, Johannesburg. The school is proud to announce its new fully-fledged accredited Foundation Course in Photography starting in January 2024.

The Media, Information and Communication Technology (MICT) SETA has accredited the 5-month long Foundation Course in Photography. According to the head of the Photo Workshop, Bongani Mahlangu, this will be a game-changer even in terms of accessibility:

“Even though things have changed since the foundation of the Photo Workshop in the late 80s photography education is still inaccessible due to its high costs. But with the accreditation by the MICTSETA we shall be able to apply for funding to assist our students.”

Potential funders are the National Arts Council (NAC), National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and provincial governments.

“Our value proposition is that our students will have access to all the photographic equipment they need. We are also one of the few schools still teaching both digital and analogue photography. We also have a fully equipped darkroom for students as we still teach analogue photography and traditional printing for learners to use chemicals in the processing of their work,” says Mahlangu.

The MPW was founded in 1989 by world renowned photographer David Goldblatt. At the time the emphasis was on the social documentary genre. This was both a strategy and a response to the exigencies at the time of oppression and state repression. It guaranteed some form of employment for the participants but most importantly it exposed the gross injustices of the system in relation to violations of human rights.

Today, the MPW has been integrated into the Market Theatre Foundation (MTF) and is one of four artistic department of the MTF. Almost 30 years into democracy, the MPW is still a relevant and globally respected institution offering a variety of long and short courses to aspirant photographers from largely underrepresented and under resourced communities. The Foundation Course itself

“caters for students who have little or no background in photography. It’s a highly technical course and teaches learners professional skills in the usage of a camera to apply technical briefs,” says Programmes Manager Khona Dlamini.

The comprehensive introduction course includes modules such as: Selecting relationships and contexts for photography which talks to interpretation, analysis of images, pre-visualization techniques, conceptualization and image capture. The course is on a full-time basis at the institution.

But beyond the basics for entry level photography students are able to build a strong foundation for growth and specialization since it includes an introduction to visual narratives, commercial and fine art photography.

“We move away from the traditional mode of teaching to real life projects which build networks for our students. Recently our students did a fashion shoot with Loxion Kulca at the Kyalami Race course. This allows them to become freelancers and entrepreneurs,” says Mahlangu.

The alumni of the school include World Press Photo winners such as Jodi Bieber (she has won the prestigious prize seven times!), Themba Hadebe and Sydney Seshibedi. Other notables are world-acclaimed art photographers like Nontsikelelo Veleko, Zanele Muholi, Lebohang Kganye, Thembinkosi Hlatshwayo and Phumzile Khanyile. Some former students also end up teaching at the MPW. Others like Muholi assist needy students to enter the courses thus transforming their lives for the better.

According to Dlamini they want graduates who not only look at themselves as photographers:

“They need to look at themselves as persons with skills within the continuum of photographic practice, as persons with a sense of visual literacy and understanding of narrative.”

These are highly sought after skills in the creative economy and students are able to intern at such places as film production houses and media companies.

The school also differentiates itself by advancing a decolonial agenda:

“Our point of departure is lived reality in the Global South. We move away from looking at Europe or the Global North as the centre of knowledge. This is the strength of our students,” says Dlamini.

Other courses on offer next year include the 20-week long Intermediate Course in Photography and two yearlong programmes in Advanced Programme in Photography (APP) as well as the Photojournalism and Documentary Photography Programme (PDP).

The Photojournalism and Documentary Photography Programme was initiated in 2005 with the aim of broadening the availability of photography training for aspiring photojournalists in South Africa, the sub-region and further afield on the African continent.

The good news is that prospective students without a grade 12 education can qualify for the Foundation course. The course is pitched at NQF Level 4, which is equivalent to matric. The cost fee is R14 000 per student.

The Market Photo Workshop is the recipient of the Principal Prince Claus Award 2018. For more information on the Foundation Course email info@marketphotoworkshop.co.za or call (011) 834 1444. Alternatively visit the school at 138 Lilian Ngoyi Street, Newtown, Johannesburg.