Converting Personal Projects into Opportunities

Anna and Jordan Rathkopf are Brooklyn-based commercial and editorial photographers focused on stories of personal discovery and what it means to be part of a community. This talk will focus on how The Rathkopfs leverage personal projects into exhibitions, media coverage, and award-winning client campaigns. By approaching each project with sincerity and curiosity, they have created a body of work that is both personal and universal. In addition to sharing their process, the Rathkopfs will also offer practical advice and tips for building a strong portfolio. This talk is ideal for anyone interested in pursuing a career in photography or using their personal projects to build meaningful connections with the world around them.

This event will be held in person at Soho Photo Gallery, 15 White Street, Tribeca.

***COVID Masking Required: Covid masks, worn correctly over both nose and mouth, are required to enter the gallery, and for all events in the gallery.

Bios:

Anna and Jordan Rathkopf are an award-winning photography/video team, adept at bringing stories of community and culture to life. Jordan grew up amidst the character and charm of Brooklyn, surrounded by people from all walks of life. Before teaming up with Anna, he worked as a media relations specialist for social impact organizations, partnering with influencers, media outlets, and organizations. Anna was raised in Prague, in the shadows of historic architecture and world-class museums. She learned about composition, the use of light, and how to capture rare moments from her uncle, a renowned Eastern European photographer.

Anna and Jordan’s work has been included in numerous recent exhibitions, such as #ICPConcerned: Global Images for Global Crisis at the International Center of Photography, Brooklyn Resist at the Brooklyn public library, and the Photoville FENCE. They were awarded in the Personal projects category on CommArts Photo 62nd Annual Photography Competition, AI-AP’s 2022 American Photography 38, and recognized in the 2021 APA Awards. Thir work has been published in MSK, The Guardian, and Click Magazine, and their personal story has been featured on Daily Mail, Click, MSK, and Susan Komen’s Master BrandCampaign “Moments”, as well as on Good Morning America. Their video work was part of the permanent exhibition at the Simon Wiesenthal’s Tolerance Museum for 10 years, while their photographic work is a part of the Brooklyn Public Library’s permanent collection and the Smithsonian Institutions US and Vaccines permanent online exhibition. 

As a husband-and-wife production team, the Rathkopfs share a love of empathy, resilience and creativity. Through their ability to connect with their subjects quickly, they capture authentic moments that get to the essence of a story. They exceed at building long-term relationships with large non-profit and commercial brands, by carefully and collaboratively planning and executing every aspect of their production, and delivering creatively inspired stories with a distinct visual style. Their vivid and authentic imagery builds trust for their client’s “brand” by creating an impact, fostering empathy, and encouraging conversation.