Doug Pensinger Photography Fund

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION: The second biannual DPPF Sports Photography Gathering was held in Denver CO in September 2024, and photographers who won grants in 2023 and 2024 were invited to attend with expenses paid. Community is a core value of the DPPF, and the Gathering honors the legacy of Doug Pensinger and his talent for connecting people and freely sharing professional knowledge. Presentations were given by members of the DPPF Advisory Board, with seminar topics including the 2024 Olympics & Paralympics, Lighting & Portraiture, Building Your Brand, 30 Years of Tennis, and Work/Life Balance. Mentorship program participants who concluded their mentorships in 2023 and 2024 shared stories and photos from their experiences. Attendees also received valuable multiple portfolio reviews from the members of the DPPF Advisory Board. Ongoing education was also provided in the form of career-building webinars offered exclusively to the DPPF's former grant recipients.

MENTORSHIPS: Three recipients of 2024 grants also received year-long mentorships with three members of the DPPF's Advisory Board. The 2023-2024 mentorships ended in September, and the 2024-2025 mentorships began in October. Mentors and mentees collaborate to form a personalized plan for the mentees. This plan includes but is not limited to: development of a personalized photo project or photo story; structuring a more efficient work flow; perfecting portfolio, website and resume; networking and introductions to other established professionals on the DPPF advisory board; instruction on equipment or technical photographic skills; assistance with the entrepreneurial aspects of the industry; advice on real work experience: assisting jobs, credentials, and live event coverage.