Call for Early-Career Photographers

Commissioned opportunity to photograph Open House Festival 2025

About the Opportunity

Open City is looking for 8 early-career photographers to photograph open days and events during this year’s Open House Festival (13-21 September) — London’s annual celebration of architecture and community.

With over 750 free events across every London borough, the Festival opens up landmark buildings and hidden gems not usually accessible to the public. Photographers will help document:

  • Visitors experiencing the Festival

  • Volunteers and staff who make it possible

The images will be used by Open City for social media, press, and promotional purposes, with full credit given wherever possible.

Deadline to Apply: Sunday 31st August

Who can apply?

  • Photographers in the early stages of their career (aged 18-25)

  • Trainees or alumni of The Photography Foundation

  • Must have own equipment suitable for indoor/outdoor and natural lighting photography

  • Comfortable photographing people and busy public events

Why should you apply?

  • Gain professional experience photographing a major London festival

  • Learn practical skills for architectural and event photography

  • Expand your portfolio and increase your visibility

  • Receive professional credit on images used by Open City in print, press, and digital channels

  • Expand your network within the arts/architecture/heritage field, and open doors to new opportunities

  • Join a network of peers and creatives involved in the Festival

Fee & Commitment

  • £300 per day (£150 per half-day)

  • Each commission is for 2.5 days total (£750)

  • Commissions will take place across the two Festival weekends; 13-14 & 20-21 September (morning and afternoon shifts)

  • All selected photographers must attend a workshop with one of our regular Festival Photographers at the Design District, North Greenwich on Monday 8 September (morning)

Key Dates

  • 31 August — Application deadline

  • w/c 1 September — Successful applicants contacted

  • 8 September — Intro & Development Workshop (Design District, North Greenwich)

  • 13/14/21/22 September — Festival commissions

What happens next?

  • Only successful applicants will be contacted directly

  • Selected photographers will then receive a briefing document with full details about the commission, workshop, expectations, and delivery process.

See last year’s Festival

A selection of images from our 2024 cohort of early-career photographers.

Please complete the form below to apply