Mondays, 3 to 24 November at 18.30–20.00 GMT
Join photography specialists Brandei Estes (curator and former Head of Photographs at Sotheby's) and Hannah Watson (Director of Trolley Books and former gallery TJ Boulting) for an in-depth exploration of the art and business of collecting photography.
This course traces the medium from its origins to the most current developments, offering insights into early processes, key moments in photography’s history, and the debates shaping it in today's digital age. Along the way, you’ll discover traditional and contemporary prints, hear directly from leading voices in the field, and develop the knowledge and confidence to start — or refine — your own collection.
Course format
Each week combines lectures, group discussions and presentations. Participants will receive lecture slides, resource lists for further reading and tailored advice from Brandei Estes and Hannah Watson’s own experiences in the market.
Who is this for?
Open to all who are interested in photography and art – whether you are curious about starting a collection, looking to deepen your knowledge of the medium, or eager to expand your appreciation of photographic processes and markets. No prior knowledge necessary.
Schedule
Week 1 | The history of photography on Mon 3 Nov
We begin with a deep dive into the history of the medium. From early innovations to photography’s evolving position in the art world, this session sets the foundation for understanding both the creative and commercial contexts for collecting. Led by Brandei Estes.
Session 2 | Making photography art on Mon 10 Nov
In our second week, we have a studio visit with photographers Karen Knorr and Anna Fox to explore both the practical and artistic factors that shape photography’s value. We’ll cover types of print, editions, formats and presentations. By understanding these elements, you’ll gain an insight into the decisions behind making photography as an artwork and build a practical framework for assessing photographic works.
Led by Hannah Watson.
Session 3 | The Photography Market on Mon 17 Nov
This week focuses on the primary and secondary market in detail. The about the influence of art fairs, galleries and museums, and develop strategies for navigating auctions – whether buying or selling. We’ll also discuss how trends, provenance and rarity affect demand. Led by Brandei Estes.
Session 4 | Living with photography on Mon 24 Nov
What does it mean to collect and live with photography? This closing session brings in a special guest speaker to share their experience of building a collecting. We’ll explore the motivations, choices and challenges that shape collecting today, and how collectors develop relationships with artists and galleries over time. Led by Hannah Watson.
Paris Photo with The Photographers' Gallery on Thu 13 and Fri 14 Nov
As part of the course, participants will have the chance to put their learning into practice at Paris Photo, the world’s leading international art fair dedicated to photography.
The visit includes a tailored programme of activities designed to give you insider access to the fair and beyond. On Thursday, photographer Hoda Afshar leads a tour of her exhibition Performing the Invisible at Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac followed by a drinks reception. On Friday morning, you will head to Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson for special tours of Radio Blast and Sibylle Bergemann; in the afternoon you’ll take part in a guided visit with Brandei Estes that highlights how to navigate the fair, what to look for when buying, and the latest trends shaping the market. Along the way, you’ll meet experienced collectors and photography patrons, gaining firsthand insight into the dynamics of collecting in an international context.
Open to course participants, please write to info@tpg.org.uk with subject line Collecting Photography at Paris Photo for more information. Booking available here.
Biographies
With over twenty years experience in the art world, Brandei Estes was the former Head of Photographs at Sotheby’s (Europe, Middle East and Asia) following an extensive career of working in photography and contemporary art galleries in London and Paris including Michael Hoppen Gallery, Brancolini Grimaldi and Nelson Freeman. Estes was instrumental at Sotheby's in the growth of the Photographs sales in Europe and further afield, and was the lead business getter for the department. Her comprehensive role at Sotheby's also included professional writing, research and all aspects of auction estimates, fair market value, charitable donation, and insurance appraisals.
Since late 2024 Estes has worked independently, curating photography exhibitions and advising clients on how to build their photography collections. Estes also lectures throughout the year on collecting photographs and the photography market for public and private institutions, museums, galleries and fairs in the UK and Europe. Estes is regularly a judge and nominator for numerous international photography awards including the Prix Pictet, the Louis Roederer Photography Prize for Sustainability, and served for five years as the Chair of The Photographers’ Gallery Associate Patrons committee. In addition to sitting on the Curatorial Board of the The Phair in Torino, Estes has been a member of Photo London's Curatorial Board since 2023.
Hannah Watson is Director of independent publisher Trolley Books and formerly Director of contemporary art gallery TJ Boulting. Since 2001 Trolley have published a diverse range of award-winning titles presenting unique stories in photography and contemporary art. Recent awards include finalists at the Paris Photo–Aperture Foundation PhotoBook Awards for Siân Davey's Looking For Alice (2016) and Maisie Cousins's Rubbish, Dipping Sauce, Grass Peonie Bum (2019) and winner of the Kraszna-Krausz PhotoBook Award 2023 for Sorry I Gave Birth I Disappeared But Now I'm Back by Andi Galdi Vinko. For 13 years she was the Founder and Director of TJ Boulting in Fitzrovia. TJ Boulting’s programme supported and represented emerging and mid-career contemporary artists across all mediums including those working within photography Juno Calypso, Maisie Cousins, Poulomi Basu and Haley Morris-Cafiero. From 2015 – 2022 the gallery hosted The British Journal of Photography International Photography Award whose winners include Dominic Hawgood, Daniel Castro-Garcia, Jack Latham and Hajar Benjida. From 2016 - 2022 she was trustee and chair of The Fitzrovia Chapel Foundation and curated their exhibitions of Gideon Mendel, Leigh Bowery, Caroline Walker and Lee Miller. Hannah is also currently chair of the committee for The Photographers’ Gallery Associate Patrons and a board member for the Artists’ Collecting Society.
Details on how to access the event will be confirmed upon registration. Please check your junk folders if you haven't received an email from TPG staff confirming your place.
Ticketing
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