L. Renee Blount wrote an article discussing the role of photography and brands in promoting outdoor inclusivity in response to Peak Design’s recent request challenging outdoor brands to “lower the barrier” if they wanted to see more people of colour in outdoor photography. Peak Design then got in touch with Sony and BorrowLenses to create gear grants for up to three Black U.S.-based photographers or filmmakers. In a statement, Peak Design explains that the grant is limited to black photographers:
“Black people are certainly not the only population underrepresented in the photography, filmmaking, and outdoor industries. But the history, contexts, and systems that created inequity for Black people in these industries are specific, unique, and not shared by all underrepresented people. At Peak Design, we believe that to promote inclusivity is to not be colourblind, but rather understand and counteract the barriers faced by specific groups of people. These grants are exclusive to Black photographers and not all photographers for the same reason we say ‘Black lives matter’ and not ‘all lives matter.'”
Peak Design states that although they a global brand, they can only ship the prizes within the U.S. They are encouraging all black photographers to enter an application notwithstanding their type of portfolio, whether it is unique or polished enough because a body of work will only be one part of the consideration for the grant. The successful candidates will be receiving a gear grant with consist of:
- Sony Alpha a7III Mirrorless Camera with 28-70mm Lens
- Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
- 2 Peak Design Everyday Bags of choice
- Peak Design Tech Pouch
- Peak Design Slide Lite, Leash, and Cuff straps
- Peak Design Capture Clip
- BorrowLenses $250 gift card
Click here, to apply for the grant. The application started on August 18th and ends September 1st, the winners will be announced on September 7th. Soon after the winners are announced, the qualified applicants will receive emails from Sony and Peak Design with unique one-time-use discounts.
Original article by Jason Parnell-Brookes of Fstoppers
Featured image by Andrea Piacquadio pexels.com
