The organization, dedicated to empowering BIPOC photographers through mentorship, will host an opening reception on December 8th, celebrating culture, expression, and identity.

Houston, TX (November 24, 2024) – Free Juice, a nonprofit designed to empower emerging BIPOC photographers, is thrilled to announce its 2024 Graduation Exhibition, taking place from December 1, 2024, to February 3, 2025, at POST HTX, located at 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77201.

Highlighting the culmination of its signature 8-week mentorship program, the exhibition will showcase powerful digital artwork and photography that delves into culture, expression, and identity. This year’s exhibition is curated in collaboration with Marginalized in Mind, an art advisory dedicated to uplifting underrepresented voices in the creative space.

The Free Juice University mentorship program pairs BIPOC photographers with industry professionals to refine business skills, expand networks, and build confidence. Proceeds raised from this exhibition will go towards funding future mentorship cohorts, furthering the organization’s mission to diversify the photography industry.

Attendees are invited to the Opening Reception on Sunday, December 8th, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at POST HTX. The event will offer a chance to explore the artwork, meet the artists, and celebrate their creative journeys.

Free Juice founder Allison Retina Stewart shares: “The Graduation Exhibition is a meaningful celebration of our mentees’ talent and growth. We’re honored to provide a platform where they can share their stories through art. This collaboration with Marginalized in Mind makes this year’s exhibition even more special, as we collectively shine a light on the power of mentorship and representation.”

The Graduation Exhibition is more than an art display—it’s a space for dialogue, connection, and the celebration of individuality and community. Free Juice warmly invites art lovers, supporters of diversity, and the Houston community to experience this vibrant event.

Admission to the exhibition is free.

To learn more about Free Juice University, donate, or support its mission, visit freejuice.info.

About Free Juice
Free Juice is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color professionals pursuing careers in photography. Through mentorship, networking, and resources, Free Juice fosters opportunities for rising talent, helping them turn their passion for photography into thriving careers.

https://www.freejuice.info/

The organization, created to accelerate diversity within the photography industry, will host a mixer at Main St. Studio HTX on October 1st where photographer Fred Agho will be on site taking portraits.

Houston, Tx (September 21, 2023)- Free Juice, a nonprofit designed to shift representation in the photography industry will host a portrait pop-up event on Sunday, October 1st from 12-3pm in Houston at Main St. Studio HTX. Recognizing the photography industry’s shortcomings and passionate about mentoring the next generation, Free Juice invites people to join them for a social mix and mingle with a portrait pop-up featuring local photographer Fred Agho. The work of Free Juice’s up-and-coming photography mentees from the inaugural Free Juice University cohort will be displayed at the event, and all proceeds raised will go towards the 2024 Free Juice University Mentorship Program, set to kick off in January; granting emerging BIPOC photo workers direct access to industry professionals, resources, and insight. 

Attendees can have their portrait taken by photographer Fred Agho. Agho is an accomplished commercial and portrait photographer based in Houston. Fred's impressive list of clients speaks to his talent as a photographer. With clients like FUJIFILM, Publix, SNKR App, Amazon, and Premium Goods, he has proven himself as a skilled and versatile photographer. 

This event follows on from the successful Photo Booth held in Brooklyn in May featuring photographer Steve Sweatpants where established and aspiring photographers networked. 

Free Juice founder Allison Retina Stewart explains: “The Free Juice Photo Booth portrait pop up event has proven to be an impactful way to connect with people who are also passionate about diversity in the photo industry in a welcoming and fun environment. We are so excited to have Fred Agho on hand to take portraits as he’s an incredible photographer. His portrait of me is one of my favorites.” 

A $20 donation is requested for portraits, libations, and nibbles. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite, at the door tickets are $25. Main St. Studio HTX is at 108 Main Street. 

Thank you to our sponsors Main St. Studio, JuiceLand, Tether Tools, Flats, SanDisk, Stewart Consulting Services, and Topo Chico. At the event there will be giveaways of a Tethertools starter kit and a photo processing lesson from Flats. 

To donate, learn more about Free Juice or this event, visit freejuice.info and support the organization’s mission to provide education and resources to emerging photographers where they are.

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About Free Juice 

Free Juice is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color professionals following the dream of advancing a passion for photography into a thriving career. Through networking, resources, and guidance, Free Juice collaborates with rising talent to create opportunities and maximize possibilities.

https://www.freejuice.info/

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The organization, created to accelerate diversity within the photography industry, will host a mixer at Boerum Studios on May 7th where photographer Steve Sweatpants will be on site taking portraits.

Brooklyn, NY (April 25, 2023)- Free Juice, a nonprofit designed to shift representation in the photography industry will host a photo pop-up event on May 7th from 12-3pm in Brooklyn. Recognizing the photography industry’s shortcomings and passionate about mentoring the next generation, Free Juice invites people to join them for a social mix and mingle with a portrait pop-up featuring photographer Steve Sweatpants. The work of Free Juice’s up-and-coming mentees from their inaugural Free Juice University cohort will be displayed at the event. 

For a small donation attendees can receive their portrait by photographer Steve Sweatpants. As a founder of Street Dreams Magazine, he has helped democratize photography and given voice to countless underrepresented creatives and communities whose work was first published by him. He has also published his own photos in the New York Times, New Yorker, New York Mag, i-D, Juxtapoz, Forbes, and more. 

Free Juice founder Allison Retina Stewart explains: “The Free Juice Photo Booth portrait pop up event is going to be an amazing way to connect with people who are also passionate about diversity in the photo industry in a welcoming and fun environment.” Free Juice board member Madeleine Budd is also excited about the event, “We’re so lucky to have Steve Sweatpants on site taking portraits of our guests. He’s an incredible photographer.” Budd continues, “Thank you so much to our event sponsors who have made this possible: Sony, Sandisk, Boerum Studios, and Green Table Catering. With such an amazing team of brands supporting the event we know our attendees are going to have a great time.” 

Entry to the photo pop up is free, though a $20 donation is requested for portraits, libations, and nibbles. 

To donate, learn more about Free Juice or this event, visit freejuice.info and support the organization’s mission to provide education and resources to emerging photographers where they are.

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About Free Juice 

Free Juice is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color professionals following the dream of advancing a passion for photography into a thriving career. Through networking, resources, and guidance, Free Juice collaborates with rising talent to create opportunities and maximize possibilities.

https://www.freejuice.info/

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The organization, created to accelerate diversity within the photography industry, has earned support across sectors, with major sponsors the latest to sign on to help facilitate the inaugural mentorship program

Houston TX (March 29, 2023)- Free Juice, a nonprofit designed to shift representation in the photography industry, received $6,500 of corporate support from photography industry leaders Sony, Sandisk, and B&H Photo for its inaugural cohort of Free Juice’s mentorship program. Recognizing the photography industry’s shortcomings and passionate about mentoring the next generation, Free Juice continues to build momentum thanks to these corporate sponsors.  

Created to deliberately and relentlessly disrupt the industry, Free Juice aims to create opportunities for aspiring photographers, photo editors, photo directors, creative directors, producers and art directors. By providing comprehensive, culturally relevant mentorship that prioritizes both the tactical skills needed to improve your craft in tandem with the soft skills imperative for creating a sustainable career, emerging artists will have access to a new pool of resources.

These donations from Sony, Sandisk, and B&H Photo have enabled Free Juice to accept its first cohort of Mentees in its Free Juice University. This is a 12-week intensive mentorship program that is currently underway. Free Juice founder Allison Retina Stewart reflects: “The first class of Free Juice mentees are incredibly talented. We hope these and future mentees will help shift the lack of diversity in the photography industry. We couldn’t do this work without the support of the brands who believe in us and we are so grateful to Sony, B&H and Sandisk.” 

To donate or learn more about Free Juice, visit freejuice.info and support the organization’s mission to provide education and resources to emerging photographers where they are.

About Free Juice 

Free Juice is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color professionals following the dream of advancing a passion for photography into a thriving career. Through networking, resources, and guidance, Free Juice collaborates with rising talent to create opportunities and maximize possibilities. 

https://www.freejuice.info/

The organization, created to accelerate diversity within the photography industry, has earned support across sectors, with employees at major sports institutions, Big Tech companies, advertising, and media organizations signing on to help facilitate the inaugural mentorship program

Houston TX (October, 1, 2022)- Free Juice invited students, recent graduates and aspiring creative professionals who have a passion for photography to join a one-day virtual event intended to change the trajectory of their careers. The virtual event featured eight industry professionals working across various areas within the creative industry to provide insight specific to eight core career trajectories: photographer, photo editor, retoucher, producer, photo rep, photo/art/or creative director. 

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) mentees participated in the online event, which was sponsored by top photo retailer B&H. Founder Allison Retina opened the event detailing her expertise in the industry, reintroducing the evolution of the organization, and engaging attendees with its restored mission. Guest speaker and commercial + editorial photographer Jassie Uo then spoke to the pros and cons of maneuvering through the industry while agency representation.

Cootchill Nelson, a Google image expert, discussed his journey and the qualifications necessary to attain a highly sought-after position and Nicole Motta, Art Director at Meta, shared her perspective and emphasized the value of artists retaining copyrights and carefully reviewing and negotiating contracts, during a panel around finding your niche in the industry — moderated by Madeleine Budd. Awa Dia, Fred Agho, Ryen Williams, Celina De Jesus, and Evan Yu, along with the other mentors, joined to emphasize the value of budget discussions, being aware of your worth, and other skills required for landing a job. 

Participants discussed the significance of the keynote speaker Gerald Spitzkoff, who participated to underline the possibilities photographers have as independent contractors and the filing obligations for taxes. Breakout workshops on how to pitch to a photo editor and how to select the best equipment and lighting for you and your project were led by board members Madeleine Budd, Chaya Howell, and Allison Retina Stewart (s). Free Juice continues to move forward with its goal of accelerating diversity in the photography industry through mentoring, providing early career professionals with the knowledge and capacity to negotiate reasonable budgets and salaries in the sector. 

"The secure environment we established at the Mentorship Day Party really inspires me. The chance we've created to transform the industry excites me.” The event's founder, Allison Retina Stewart, noted that in the end, "we opened the floor for dialogue and allowed participants to express the type of support and knowledge they needed most, mostly focused on finances and negotiations; this will better help us create the next event."

“I am extremely grateful to have been a part of the Free Juice Mentorship Day Party. It was such an intimate and impactful experience for both the mentees and mentors. Everyone left feeling incredibly inspired. It is important for organizations like ours [B&H] to be involved with events like this. We can find out what the industry wants and needs from both those that are established and individuals who wish to be working photographers in the future,” said Madeleine Budd, Marketing at B&H Photo Video. 

To donate or learn more about Free Juice, visit freejuice.info and support the organization’s mission to provide education and resources to emerging photographers where they are.

About Free Juice 

Free Juice is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color professionals following the dream of advancing a passion for photography into a thriving career. Through networking, resources, and guidance, Free Juice collaborates with rising talent to create opportunities and maximize possibilities. 

https://www.freejuice.info/

Leading Photo Professionals Throw Support Behind Industry Non-Profit Free Juice

The organization, created to accelerate diversity within the photography industry, has earned support across sectors, with employees at major sports institutions, big tech companies, advertising, and media organizations signing on to help facilitate the inaugural mentorship program

Houston, TX (May 9, 2022) - Having launched its first ever fundraising campaign on March 15th that will run through June 15th, 2022, Free Juice has earned support from leading professionals throughout the photography industry, strengthening the organization’s inaugural mentorship program scheduled to launch later this year. Following the campaign kickoff in March, Free Juice has had mentors from major technology, media, and photo companies come forward offering their support. Recognizing the industry’s shortcomings and passionate about mentoring the next generation, Free Juice continues to build momentum within the community. Currently on-board for the premier mentorship program are photo professionals from Meta, the Wall Street Journal, the NBA, and Go2Pix. 

Created to deliberately and relentlessly disrupt the industry, Free Juice aims to create opportunities for aspiring photographers, photo editors, photo directors, creative directors, producers and art directors. By providing comprehensive, culturally relevant mentorship that prioritizes both the tactical skills needed to improve your craft in tandem with the soft skills imperative for creating a sustainable career, emerging artists will have access to a new pool of resources.

“Working across sports, media, and advertising showed me that the photo industry did not reflect the diversity of the society we live in. The outpouring of support we’ve received over the last several weeks from industry insiders that work in every role and category of our field solidifies Free Juice’s necessity. As we continue to assemble a team of experts to mentor rising talent, we’re honored to have the support of so many incredible professionals,” said Founder and Director of Free Juice Allison Retina Stewart. 

The organization was founded by Allison Retina Stewart, known for her work with major cultural institutions across industries including the NBA, Refinery29, Jordan, Glossier, and Godfrey Dadich Partners. To support Free Juice and influence equity in photography, please visit https://ifundwomen.com/projects/influence-equity-photography-fund-free-juice through June 15th. 

About Free Juice

Free Juice is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support Black and POC professionals  following the dream of advancing a passion for photography into a thriving career. Through networking, resources, and guidance, Free Juice collaborates with rising talent to create opportunities and maximize possibilities.

Photography Industry Non-Profit Free Juice Launches Fundraising Campaign to Support BIPOC Industry Professionals

Originally launched in 2018, Founder and Executive Director Allison Retina Stewart has resurrected the organization to provide comprehensive mentorship and elevate the careers of diverse photo industry professionals 

Houston, TX (March 1st, 2022) - Photography industry non-profit Free Juice Inc announced today the launch of their fundraising campaign, marking a significant milestone for the organization created to propel the careers of diverse talent. Originally launched in 2018 as a networking collective for people of color, Free Juice in its current iteration is revamped and reimagined to specifically serve those looking to pursue careers in the photo industry. The campaign will run from March 1st to May 1st, 2022 with a goal of raising $200,000. Donations from the campaign will give Free Juice the necessary capital to design a networking experience for Black and POC individuals interested in finding their niche within the industry.

Founded on the premise that it is time to deliberately and relentlessly disrupt the industry, Free Juice aims to create opportunities for aspiring photographers, photo editors, photo directors, creative directors, producers and art directors - imperative roles that traditionally lack diversity. With the power of visual storytelling at their fingertips, leadership roles such as these require diversity to ensure campaigns and content are inclusive. The organization was founded by Allison Retina Stewart, known for her work with major cultural institutions across industries including the NBA, Refinery29, Jordan, and Glossier.

“Through my own career, I recognized that while my hard work and talent were crucial to my success, it was amplified by my network and advice from industry experts. It dawned on me that to increase diversity, BIPOC candidates needed access to mentors that could share their knowledge, resources, and networks to advance their careers. Free Juice’s events and programs will level the playing field, giving rising talent transparency and visibility into the skills needed to secure their dream jobs,” said Retina Stewart. 

Funds raised will help launch the inaugural networking session. The mentorship program will pair aspiring creatives who are eager to learn with seasoned veterans whose curriculum vitae is filled with global clientele. Free Juice will provide participants with a deeper understanding of the business, real-life ideas they can implement into their career strategies, and an expanded network of contacts across the industry. 

To support Free Juice and influence equity in photography, please visit https://ifundwomen.com/projects/influence-equity-photography-fund-free-juice>

About Free Juice

Free Juice is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support Black and POC professionals following the dream of advancing a passion for photography into a thriving career. Through networking, resources, and guidance, Free Juice collaborates with rising talent to create opportunities and maximize possibilities.