UK Black Female Photographers – UKBFTOG – and FUJIFILM proudly present Living the Dream, a group exhibition of a vibrant and diverse community. The showcase celebrates culture, creativity, and womanhood through the lens of Black female photographers and will be available to view at the FUJIFILM House of Photography from Thursday 9th March – Sunday 7th May.

For centuries women gather to care, defend, and support each other to freely grow to become the best version of themselves. While continuing to strive for fairness and equality UKBFTOG members also recognise they are their “ancestors’ wildest dreams”. In Living the Dream, 51 artists present various genres covering topics such as identity and heritage as well as conceptual photography. With the display, the imagemakers seek to stimulate next generations and to pay tribute to inspirational women, and supportive men, from past and present. Visitors are invited to enter the gallery space with an open mind envisioning their own dreams whilst engaging with the artists’ boldly captured images.

In support of Living the Dream, The McKenzie Heritage Collection generously offered several archival pieces on loan that will also grace the exhibition. Drawing parallels between the past and the present, socially conditioned biases can be challenged. Through the display of Black life in Britain back then, juxtaposed with life in Britain through the lens of UKBFTOG members, inextricable connections will be highlighted and commemorated.

Dominique Nok, Curator of Living the Dream, said: “This exhibition is a response, reminder and acknowledgement that we are ‘Living our ancestor’s wildest dreams’ coined by American visual artist and activist Brandan Odums. I believe that having female role models from the Global Majority sharing their images with the world is vital for imagining specific futures. I would love the viewer, no matter race, no matter gender, no matter social status to find within themselves common ground with the imagemakers and their works.

I stand and agree with what abolitionist Harriet Tubman once said: “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars, to change the world”.

Theo Georghiades, General Manager at FUJIFILM UK said: “At FUJIFILM, our passion and heritage lies in photography, so naturally, we love nothing more than encouraging people to capture photographs of the world around them. However, it is a fact that much of the photography we see doesn’t actually reflect the diversity of our communities. We are proud to partner with UK Black Female Photographers on the Living the Dream exhibition to continue our support of creative communities in helping increase representation and diversity in photography”.

Visitors to the Living the Dream exhibition are also welcomed to attend and take part in a variety of events across the duration of the gallery that will offer tips and advice on photography and the wider industry.

Workshop and Portfolio Review with Cultura Creative (Wednesday 15th March, 4pm – 8pm)
Cultura Creative specialises in creating and licensing premium imagery for the global advertising and design market with a strong focus on Diversity in Imagery both in front of the camera and behind the lens. Led by Cultura’s Founder, Christina Vaughan, this informative workshop will reveal the secret of successful stock photo production to ensure photographers can both create and sell your images in the global stock licensing imagery and will offer pointers on how to turn passion in to income. Tickets are priced at £5* per person.

Dream Big Vision Board Event with UKBFTOG (Wednesday 29th March, 6pm – 8pm)
Every year UKBFTOG offers their members a vision board workshop helping them to visualise their goals. With this event UKBFTOG invites members and non-members to gain a clearer direction into achieving their dreams in a fun, relaxed and safe space. All materials will be provided, however feel free to bring your own pictures. Tickets are priced at £5* per person.

Fashion and Beauty Photography Masterclass with Jade Keshia Gordon (Wednesday 12th April, 4pm – 7pm)
Jade Gordon is a London/Kent based self-taught Fashion and Beauty photographer and speaker. With more than 10 years’ experience in the photography industry she became an expert in working with all skin tones and effective use of different light sources, reflectors, and backdrops. In this Masterclass Jade Gordon will share her invaluable knowledge in Fashion and Beauty photography. After a brief introduction Gordon will cover key points for camera settings (suitable for all camera brands) as well as lighting setups, tethering, working with a model and more. Tickets are priced at £5* per person.

How Dreams Come True Panel Discussion led by Dominque Nok (Wednesday 26th April, 7pm – 9pm)
Living the Dream Curator, Dominique Nok, will hold an interactive conversation with an all-female panel who are respected in the photography industry. They will discuss topics that will help Black female photographers navigate the world of photography and print and aspire to offer tools to realise their goals. Tickets are free of charge.

The Living the Dream exhibition will be available to view at the FUJIFILM House of Photography, 8-9 Long Acre, London, WC2E 9LH, from Thursday 9th March – Sunday 7th May. For more information and tickets, please visit www.ukbftog.eventbrite.com.