Canon Student Development Programme: meet the 2023 finalists

The Canon Student Development Programme (CSDP) is a gateway into the competitive world of documentary photography, offering mentorships with industry legends, practical guidance and the chance to forge career-shaping relationships.

The 2023 selection process started with an open call for applicants from Europe, the Middle East and Africa, 100 of whom advanced to the mentoring stage, receiving guidance from professionals to help refine their portfolios. In September, the top 30 gathered in Girona, Spain, and Perpignan, France, for workshops, portfolio reviews and seminars, culminating at the Visa pour l'Image international festival of photojournalism. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity enabled the participants to meet and connect with some of the biggest names in the industry, including acclaimed photographers and Canon Ambassadors Aïda Muluneh, Brent Stirton and Paolo Pellegrin, Assistant Editor for International Photography at the New York Times, Gaia Tripoli, and Picture Editor and Head of Photography at The Guardian, Fiona Shields.

Finalist Fatma Fahmy said being invited to this exclusive workshop was a career-defining moment. "Building connections and networks is crucial in this field," she explains. "Working on your photography style and connecting with people who appreciate your work is essential for success."

The programme came to a close with the top five students invited to attend the Hamburg Portfolio Review in Germany. As part of their prize, the finalists also received up to €9,000 of Canon equipment and a €2,000 grant to support their professional journey.

We spoke with the five 2023 finalists to hear their thoughts on the programme and their advice for 2024's applicants, as well as hearing from CSDP judge, photojournalist and Canon Ambassador Marco Longari to discover what he found most compelling about each candidate's portfolio.

What advice would you give to those applying for next year's CSDP?

"Be prepared for rejection, but don't lose hope! I experienced rejection from the programme last year. Seize every chance to enhance your skills."

What Canon kit did you choose?

"I decided to go with the Canon EOS R5 as it aligns with my needs. For the lens I chose the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM for its exceptional quality, durable materials and the added benefit of a customisable ring. This lens significantly enhances the overall shooting experience and provides the flexibility I need."


Judge's comments

Marco Longari: "Ahmed presented a solid portfolio. Right from the start he was identified as someone with huge potential. His body of work won because it was multifaceted, contemporary, engaging and showed a deep commitment to the medium and to a personal and authorial vision of photography. My advice to Ahmed is to nurture the powerful nature of his vision."

What advice would you give to those applying for next year's CSDP?

"Ask yourself – do you want a better future and more opportunities? If the answer is 'yes', then apply!"

What Canon kit did you choose?

I tested the Canon EOS R6 Mark II on the programme and found the autofocus system, weight, processing and battery to be really amazing, so I chose that. I'm a documentary photographer so I like the zoom flexibility of the Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM lens. It gives me so many shooting options all in one lens, so it's an amazing fit with my work."


Judge's comments

Marco Longari: "Ebrahim's entry was powerful and tragic. A powerful testimony and a powerful engagement. He won because his images are poignant, and the stories are honest, told with direct and unwavering commitment. My advice for Ebrahim is to preserve this vision, develop it and use the connections he made on the programme to broaden his perspective on photography."

What advice would you give to those applying for next year's CSDP?

"My advice is to work hard, follow your dreams, and apply not just once but multiple times until you improve your work. Don't hesitate to apply even if you don't have a good idea; mentors can help you start and improve it."

What Canon kit did you choose?

"I'm considering either the Canon EOS R6 Mark II or the EOS R5 because all my previous work was done with a cropped-frame camera. I'm eager to upgrade the quality of my work in my project and be able to shoot at night without any limitations."


Judge's comments

Marco Longari: "Fatma's application immediately resonated with the judges; her work is nuanced and informed. She won because she worked hard to build her portfolio, and this was recognised and encouraged. My advice for Fatma is to keep her head down and keep the inner engineer at bay!"

What advice would you give to those applying for next year's CSDP?

"It's an intense, but safe space to discuss your doubts about your work. It was the most important professional experience I've had in years. I think this can single-handedly kickstart your career."

What Canon kit did you choose?

"The story I'm working on now relates to animals, so Canon's telephoto lenses are my go-to choice. Canon's RF mount options and EOS R System camera bodies have my interest."


Judge's comments

Marco Longari: "Michał is a well-rounded photographer who is talented and informed. He won because his work was articulate, polished, well thought out and well-executed. My advice to Michał is to keep exploring what's around you with the same inquisitive and curious attitude."

What Canon kit did you choose?

"I went for the Canon EOS R5 and Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM lens because not only is it the perfect combo for shooting commercial work, but it will help me with my personal projects too."


Judge's comments

Marco Longari: "Mohamed's images were fresh, interesting and compelling. The story of the commuters resonates universally; his approach is one of an experienced photographer. My advice for Mohamed is to leave the comfort zone of his patch."