In this column, François Cheval, former director of the Nicéphore Niépce Museum in Chalon-su-Saône, presents, not without provocation, a model letter for photographers wishing to promote their photographic works to institutions and in photo competitions.
It’s time for letters of recommendation. Photographers who don’t have any choice are subject to conditions laid down by the institutions. In applying for awards, residencies etc, they must attach to their request a number of letters from officials, from “endorsers” recommending them. From my own experience, I know this is useless. Today I’ve decided no longer to give my backing to the Cartel’s whitewashing. So, I’ve drafted a standard letter that every photographer can use as he or she sees fit. Feel free to insert the name and biography of the “endorser”.
