One day, two assistants of the photographer Platon came to him and said, “We’re lost. Can we show you our work?” Platon, who has gained fame with bold, graphic portraits for the covers of Time, the New York Times Magazine, Rolling Stone and portraits for the New Yorker, reflects on that moment today: “There is a whole world of underground photography,” he says. “I was amazed at how good the work was. And it’s inspiring for me to talk to them about it.”

A month later four photographers showed up to discuss their work, then six. “I had to formalize it. Now we have a whole organization in place.” To that end, the Nutopia Forum was created. Although the group’s manifesto says “Nutopia has no lands, no boundaries, and no passports, only people,” membership is by invite only -- and if Platon doesn’t feel you’re working hard enough, you’re kicked out. There are currently 20 core members (and a long waiting list to join) who meet once a month at Platon’s Soho studio.

Platon’s intent for Nutopia is to change the photography industry’s lack of nurturing young and emerging talent. “I feel there is something wrong with our industry, where no one celebrates up-and-coming photographers. Those who are established, are celebrated like rock stars,” he says. Trying to break into an industry that, as Platon says, “will abuse you if you let it” can seem impossible, especially at a time when clients are taking little risks and are less inclined to give jobs to new talent: There is no better time, then, to impart wisdom and knowledge to those starting out.

So, we asked him: how do you establish yourself as a photographer? “One of the things you need more than anything is a sense of confidence. Raise the bar, and work your ass off. I know my strengths and my weaknesses and what I’m capable of giving. That’s the greatest philosophy I can give the members, “ says Platon. “If you’re going to say you can do it all, then you have to back it up. I’ve spent my whole career fighting out of pigeonholes.”

Forum member Andreas Laszlo Konrath, 27, who has been a member since 2005 and a former Platon assistant, has gone on to shoot for Interview, New York Magazine, and Wonderland. The London native credits the collective with helping him gain confidence in his work. “The Forum is a testing ground and an intimate setting. Whatever path you want to take, fine art or advertising, you have to show your work to the world.” Although Konrath put in time in as an assistant, he doesn’t believe it’s required (Platon himself never assisted). Of assisting, he says, “I think it can be detrimental. They may be assisting a big name and get flown across the world and get trapped in this rut. They get used to that kind of lifestyle… You end up assisting one guy for 7 years and taking one picture. I always found time to shoot my own stuff. You just have to be clever about it.”

While Platon and the noted industry agents and art directors he invites to speak with the group stress knowing what you want and where you want your career to go, Konrath has other ideas: “You have to practice and experiment, as long as you’re not lazy. My advice is to not feel too much pressure. Some people really want to chase fame. The industry can take away the naïve, innocent feeling that you have when you first pick up a camera. You have to say, ‘This is about me and the camera and the subject. I just want to take good pictures. That’s when I’m happy.’”

Platon sees Konrath as an example of someone who has made great strides in the Nutopia Forum, and how it can benefit others. “Andreas has flourished in the Forum. He’s given so much back. I believe he’s going to be a superstar.” Probably not the only one Nutopia will nurture.

- Sara Costello