STUDENT

Introducing the 2024 finalists of the Canon Student Development Programme

The CSDP aims to nurture the talent of future photojournalists. Through mentoring, expert guidance and building meaningful industry relationships, young photographers have the opportunity to grow and develop in the most immersive way. The finalists of the 2024 programme share how they've benefited from this invaluable opportunity.
A group of people gather around a Canon camera mounted on a tripod outdoors, closely watching as photographer Paolo Verzone explains something while holding a lighting rig, with trees and flowers in the background.

The Canon Student Development Programme gives up to 100 students exclusive online mentoring sessions with an industry professional, offering tailored insights to refine their photography portfolios plus any new project proposals. From there, 25 students are selected for a four-day workshop in Girona, Spain and Perpignan, France, participating in practical sessions, portfolio reviews and talks hosted by world-class photographers, videographers and editors.

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Every year, up-and-coming photographers have the opportunity to partake in a journey that will propel their photojournalism careers. The Canon Student Development Programme (CSDP) serves as a gateway into the competitive and challenging realm of documentary photography. From mentorships with industry legends, to hands-on advice, and the chance to forge career-defining relationships, the programme exists to nurture talented photographers of tomorrow.

How does the Canon Student Development Programme work?

100 Students from across the EMEA region were granted the exclusive opportunity to take part in the 2024 Programme, the eighth consecutive edition of the Canon Student Development Programme.

Each participant was partnered with a professional mentor during the summer, who supported them in refining their presentation portfolio. These mentors included big names in the industry from French Magnum Photographer Jérôme Sessini to Yagazie Emezi, Nigerian artist and self-taught photojournalist.

The top 25 students were then invited to take part in a four-day workshop. This entailed practical photography sessions on such things as lighting techniques, as well as portfolio reviews, guided exhibition tours, and lectures on various photography related topics. These included the impact of AI on photojournalism, to communicating grief and memory through imagery. Students had the opportunity to showcase work and gain feedback from international experts from the photography community during both group and 1-2-1 sessions. These four days also afforded the students networking opportunities to talk with renowned photographers, gaining insight into their own journeys.

They then attended Visa pour l’Image, the Festival of Photojournalism in Perpignan, France, which culminated in a closing dinner and screening, during which the three finalists of 2024 were announced: Eleni Albarosa, Emeline Sauser, and Simona Supino. Each finalist was awarded a €2,000 grant and Canon equipment – an EOS R5 camera and RF 50mm F1.2L USM lens – to help carry out the photography project they had proposed as part of their submission to the programme.

A group of people around a wooden table looking at portfolio photographs.

One of Simona Supino's favourite parts of the program was the portfolio reviews, which she described as "something I've never experienced before – there was so much engagement and feedback."

A group of people indoors taking pictures with a Canon camera of a woman in a blue shirt, photographer Paolo Verzone adjusting a lighting rig above her.

All 25 students participated in exclusive workshops in Girona, Spain, led by top industry professionals such as photographer and Canon Ambassador Paolo Verzone, pictured here.

For a photographer in the early part of their career, this kind of opportunity is invaluable.

Finalist Eleni describes the experience as “truly inspiring”. Speaking about the role of mentors on the programme, Eleni says: “through the pictures, this person is seeing something in me, they’re pushing me”. She commends the efforts from the mentors in challenging her whilst teaching, in order to help her become a better photographer.

Following the programme, the finalists were also invited to the 2024 Hamburg Portfolio Review. For this, three additional students were also granted a place to attend: Aubin Mukoni from DRC, and Maria HøyHansen and Thea Tønnesvang, both from Denmark.

Here’s what Eleni, Emeline and Simona had to say about the programme and how it has shaped them as photographers.

Two women looking at photographs on a table.

The students enjoyed individual portfolio reviews and advice from leading professionals in the industry.

Three women stand together posing for a photo in a room with framed pictures on the wall behind them.

This year's Canon Student Development Programme finalists – from left to right: Simona Supino, Emeline Sauser, and Eleni Albarosa.

CSDP 2024 Finalist: Eleni Albarosa

Why did you apply to the CSDP?
A friend of mine had taken part in the programme the previous year, and said she had a great experience there. I always wanted this to be my job, but I thought it would never be possible. Then I realised I had to accept the challenge.

When she encouraged me, I knew I had to try. If I step out of my comfort zone, who knows what could happen? At least I’ll have the chance to showcase my work to great photographers, which is something I never imagined would happen.

How has the programme helped you?
The mentors helped us more than I could’ve expected. Every day they were giving their time. They were available 24 hours to give us feedback, and this was really appreciated.

Paolo Verzone and Massimo Nicolaci, two of our mentors, were theory teachers and held workshops on lighting in photography and video, but they also put themselves in the position to help us every day in everything.

Through the programme, I managed to reconnect with myself. They managed to create a really safe environment for human emotional growth, and that's very special.

We were, in theory, in a contest and the world of photography can be very competitive, yet we still had the opportunity to express ourselves in the most beautiful way. Rather than having 24 competitors, I found 24 comrades who were sharing the same dream.

A headshot of photographer Eleni Albarosa.

Eleni Albarosa

Eleni was born in Athens and grew up in Italy, where she obtained her degree in Cultural Anthropology at the University of Bologna. She has exhibited in Italy, UK, USA and France, and since 2021 has been carrying out work on counter-cultures and LGBTQ+ movements in Athens.

Website: https://eleni-albarosa.format.com/

Social media: eleni.albarosa

Which photographers do you take inspiration from and why?
My mentor has been Nikos Economopoulos. I did a workshop with him, and it changed so much. He’s not a person that will tell you to work like him, but he’ll support you to become as visual as you can in your own way. I really respect him. I’m also totally in love with the work of Koudelka.

A family standing in a field looking down the lens of the camera. Photo by Eleni Albarosa

In her series La Ternura Es Radical, Eleni documents the life of Ismael Corona, a family man dedicating his life to his son and helping inmates renew their lives through theatre, contrasting with his early gang life in the marginalised barrios of southeastern Mexico City. © Eleni Albarosa

A man kneeling on a stool with his arms stretched out behind him. Photo by Eleni Albarosa

Ismael, photographed here by Eleni, found his love of theatre undergoing workshops while incarcerated, giving him the psychological, emotional and social tools that were absent during his upbringing. © Eleni Albarosa

What advice would you give to those applying for next year's CSDP?
Be honest and be yourself. It’s also important to be professional – understand the requests being made and fulfill them. Even if something takes you out of your comfort zone, take up the challenge. You never know what it could lead to.

How did you find working with the EOS R5 and the lens?
My first thought was how much lighter this camera is compared to my last one. I wanted to buy this camera. So, honestly, I can't wait to use it!

Where would you like to be in 1, 3 and 5 years’ time?
Larry Towel is one of my favorite photographers. His work changed my life. I don't have the expectation to change the life of everyone, or even anyone, but I think that would be nice. I don't want to do photography just for doing photography and for earning money, but I would like to have the opportunity to tell stories that deserve to be told, to share these with people and to be paid for this. That's the dream.

My hope is to be more organized and to find the time to photograph. But also to go to festivals, to show my work, to do portfolio reviews and all the other things that I never did until now.

This programme has given me the tools. So, it's time I put myself in the chair and study. For example, learning how to do a pitch, how to present my work and things like that.

A group of people in a circle in a function room, hugging.

The programme gave participants the opportunity to network and form relationships, both with leading practitioners in the industry and with each other, which they will carry forward in their careers.

CSDP 2024 Finalist: Emeline Sauser

Why did you apply to the CSDP?
One of my best photographer friends (Ophélie Loubat) took part in the programme last year, and she strongly advised me to apply. She insisted on it because she loved it so much.

How has the programme helped you?
Showing my work to international photographers was crazy, and forced me to think about how I talk about my work and the inspiration behind my work. You really get to share your passion, and this was so helpful for me.

Four years ago, I discovered the work of Evgenia Arbugaeva. Coming into this programme, I managed to have a mentor session with her online to speak about photography, life and creativity, and it was like a dream to me.

And then seeing her at the second part in Girona was completely crazy, but it elevated my work and creativity so much.

Emeline Sauser

Emeline studied History in Santiago, Chile, then photojournalism and documentary photography in Paris. Besides academic pursuits, she has a passion for adventure, literature, cinema and the mountains. In 2023, she received the Laurent Troude grant and the Mark Grosset-SAIF prize for the first chapter of the Funambules series.

Website: https://emsauser.com/

Social media: em_sauser

Which photographers do you take inspiration from and why?
Evgenia Arbugaeva. Her photography shows a sense of the connection between dreams and reality. There’s a child-like sense to her work too. She was born in Sibera and has taken many photos there, capturing the history. There’s a real tenderness to her work and I love the feelings she portrays. There’s something magical about it.

I also love Bieke Depoorter, a Magnum Photographer. She undertook a fascinating project called Ou Menya (which means "with you" in Russian). She took a train and every at every station she’d stop and ask people if she could sleep at their home just for one night and take one photo of them.

It's kind of travel photography, but it's really intimate and you can see the true emotion of people. This is really inspiring. I think the relationship she created between them and her is fascinating. People really trust her.

A woman with her eyes closed with red material draped across their body and head. Photo by Emeline Sauser

In her captivating series Sanctuaries, Emeline beautifully portrays Bastien, a young woman who, after years of bullying, has crafted a whimsical world in her caravan on the family farm, seeking self-confidence and liberation from the opinions of others. © Emeline Sauser

A man lying in long grass, laughing, head thrown back, holding a chicken to his chest. Photo by Emeline Sauser

Emilie also met Philippe, a farmer facing legal troubles and addiction, who finds solace in his garden alongside his daughter Elisa. In this moment, captured with one of his chickens, he embodies pure happiness amidst their shared struggles and loneliness. © Emeline Sauser

What advice would you give to those applying for next year's CSDP?
Aside from getting as much sleep as possible before the programme begins, I’d say there’s a real value in printing your photography. It makes a big difference when showing people your work.

The whole process goes so fast, you’re never really prepared for what’s going to happen, so go with an open mind. You’ll be wowed by everything that comes out of the programme.

How did you find working with the EOS R5 and the lens?
When I tried it, I was really surprised at its light weight. It seems like it would be easy to hold in one hand when shooting.

Where would you like to be in 1, 3 and 5 years’ time?
The ultimate goal one day is to do a big exhibition. On every wall of the exhibition, there would be the story of someone I’ve met. Imagine a big room with many corridors, and on every wall you could stop and there would be stories of people with writing and photography. Like its own world, a unique atmosphere. People would stay for hours.

A photographer sets up a shot of a man playing a piano in low light, with another person shining a torch on a reflector and a third person taking a shot with a smartphone.

Workshops and tutorial sessions in Girona, Spain, gave participants the opportunity to learn new skills under the guidance of experienced professionals.

CSDP 2024 Finalist: Simona Supino

Why did you apply to the CSDP?
I signed up for the programme because I believe that people should keep learning throughout their lives. Conversations and feedback from other experienced photo editors and mentors are the most valuable thing you can receive to continue growing. Besides, I felt a bit lost with my work and needed some guidance and conversation to check if I was on the right path.

How has the programme helped you?
It was really great experience to meet all these people that I probably would’ve had no opportunity to meet in any other situation. Having conversations with the other people on the programme that are sharing similar experiences to you, really pushes you forward and motivates you whilst being there. It’s just unique having so much time and contact with people that are really important in the photography world. It was seriously educational and also engaging.

Simona Supino

Simona is a Polish documentary photographer based in Warsaw. She has degrees in History of Art, Graphic Design, and Photography. Her photos have been published in newspapers and magazines including Le Monde, Liberation, Der Spiegel, La Grazia, and Newsweek. In 2023, she participated in the New York Portfolio Review and Eddie Adams Workshop.

Website: https://simonasupino.com

Social media: simsupino

Which photographers do you take inspiration from and why?
I have two. One is Jason Eskenazi because of his ability to capture the complexity and nostalgia of life in post-Soviet countries, which he documented in his project Wonderland. His approach to photography, blending raw reality with poetic storytelling, offers a unique insight into the lives of people on the edge of historical change. I'm fascinated by how he creates visual narratives that are both universal and deeply personal. His work expresses subtle emotions and often leaves the viewer with questions rather than offering simple answers.

Anush Babajanyan inspires me primarily through her commitment to documenting life in often-overlooked regions, such as the South Caucasus and post-Soviet areas. Her photographs highlight human strength and resilience, which aligns with my own approach to capturing life in difficult conditions and in the face of conflict. I am especially inspired by how she manages to find deep, emotional stories within broader socio-political contexts, while still focusing on individual experiences and fates. This combination of empathy and raw reality in her work resonates with my own creative ambitions.

A green car is parked near a quiet intersection at dusk, with two passengers visible inside looking out the back window. In the background, a building with neon signage and a small crowd of people can be seen. Photo by Simona Supino.

For years, Simona has been documenting the war in Ukraine. Instead of focusing solely on the frontlines, she followed the everyday lives of those affected by the conflict, stating: “I've witnessed significant political and social changes, revealing the remarkable resilience and determination of the people.” Here she captures a woman in a car outside the Azovstal factory in Mariupol. © Simona Supino

A desolate wooden trench stretches into the distance under a cloudy sky. Snow patches and a lone plant are visible on the dirt embankments lining the trench. Photo by Simona Supino

Here, in the trenches of Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, Simona perfectly captured the desolation and loneliness of war. © Simona Supino

What advice would you give to those applying for next year's CSDP?
Anyone thinking about it should definitely apply for the programme. It’s the best thing that could happen for your professional career.

It would also be good to think about the deeper meaning behind your work. Why do you do what you do? Why is it important for you? And why is it important for the world? That will inform your experience and how you navigate throughout the programme.

How did you find working with the EOS R5 and the lens?
My initial reaction using this camera for the first time was "I’m in love." The autofocus speed is incredible. You can also turn off the sound of the shutter, which is great for interviews or generally shooting in public. The images look great, almost as if they’re already edited. It’s super easy to work with.

Where would you like to be in 1, 3 and 5 years’ time?
I want to be in a position where I’m able to tell the stories that are important. It’s one thing to work on assignments given to you, but it’s totally different to create work that really means something to you.

Working for a newspaper now and having the opportunity to pitch stories that are important and mean something to me is great. As I build a name for myself, I hope to do this more and more.

A large group of CSDP students posing with Canon cameras held to their faces.

Simona encourages everyone to join, noting that the experience served as a foundation to push her forward and motivate her. She concluded, "It's the best thing that can happen in your professional career."

If you're looking to be part of the Canon Student Development Programme in 2025, sign up now to receive the latest updates and discover more about this year’s talented finalists.

Mabinty Taylor-Kamara

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