InFocus Exhibit 2016 Photo Submission Q&A

Do you have questions about InFocus Photo Exhibit 2016? We have answers. If you don’t find the answer you are looking for below, please send us an email to infocus@alexismariechute.com, with the subject line: “Question about InFocus 2016.”

InFocus Exhibit 2016 Photo Submission Q&A

Is there a theme for the InFocus Exhibit?

There is no theme or categories for the exhibition. It is an open-theme show which means you may submit photographs of any subject you like. The goal of InFocus is to exhibit the best work by Alberta photographers.

Is there a limit to the number of photographs I can submit?

No. You can submit as many photographic images as you’d like. The cost to enter is $25 per three images. If you want to enter more than three, you may do so in a subsequent entry.

Am I guaranteed to be included in the exhibition?

No. As the goal of InFocus Photo Exhibit is to show the best work from Alberta, and also the fact that our space is limited, only a select number of photographs and photographers will be included. Even if your work is not selected, it may just mean we ran out of space and we strongly encourage you to submit again next year.

Who can submit to InFocus?

Anyone living in Alberta may submit. The competition is open to professionals, amateurs, students and young people.

How will the photographs and photographers be selected?

InFocus is curated by Alexis Marie Chute, BFA, MFA. She will select the images for inclusion from all submissions. She is looking for high quality photography that exhibits the talent and interests of our creative community. Alexis Marie won the prestigious John Poole Award for Promotion of the Arts in 2015 for her work with the inaugural InFocus Exhibit that same year.

Where will the photographs be displayed?

InFocus will be hung in the Edmonton based commercial gallery DC3 Art Projects.

Why is it important that InFocus is a part of Exposure Photography Festival?

2015 was the first year Exposure Photo Festival was province wide. In the past, Exposure only included Calgary, Banff and Canmore. Celebrating the creativity of our entire province sets the bar high and is a strong platform to promote local talent and launch emerging photographers.

When will the exhibition take place?

InFocus will be open to the public for viewing during the DC3 Art Projects gallery hours throughout the entire month of February, 2016. Gallery hours: Wednesdays 12 – 5 pm, Thursdays 12 – 8 pm, Fridays 12 – 5 pm, and Saturdays 11 – 5:30 pm. Other times by appointment.

What is the deadline to submit to InFocus Photo Exhibit?

To be considered for the featured image to represent InFocus in the Exposure magazine, the deadline is OCTOBER 15, 2015. The call for submissions for InFocus will officially close on OCTOBER 31, 2015. Please submit early.

What is the schedule of when photographers will be notified, and when I would need to drop off my work and pick it up?

Please see the official call for submissions page for the InFocus Photo Exhibit schedule.

Do I need to resize my files for submission?

Yes. Please see the InFocus Photo Exhibit technical details on the official call for submissions page.

Does my photograph(s) need to be framed to be accepted?

Your images must be prepared in a professional manner for exhibition. What that means is that they need to be printed at a high quality and either professionally framed or printed on canvas and stretched. No decorative or multi-coloured frames will be accepted. All photographs must be wired for easy hanging. Any work accepted for the exhibition but then delivered without the above listed standards, will be disqualified from the exhibition.

What do you recommend for framing?

Professional framing is always best but professional quality consumer frames will also be accepted. There must be real glass or non-glare Plexiglas, not plastic, used in the framing. Simple black/white/wood frames with mated images are a classic way to present your photograph(s). Please note the type of framing/presentation method chosen when submitting your work.

How much mating should I have around my photographs?

The size of the mat is personal preference and also a consideration of style and impact. It can be visually catching to have a smaller image with a large mat, or no mat around a photograph in a simple frame, for example. Generally, a minimum of two inches of mat around an image will give the photograph room to breathe.

Do you accept mixed media art?

We will accept mixed media art as long as the primary medium is photography. If you have questions about your specific piece, please email Alexis Marie Chute: info@alexismariechute.com

What size should I make my photographs for the exhibition?

This is up to you. If you are flexible regarding the size you print your image(s) for the exhibition, please note this in your submission form. Depending on space factors and the number of works to be shown, extremely large photographs may not fit – but this is where the curatorial magic comes in. At the end of the day, size your images to match your vision. Please state the image printed size and the final framing size in your submission.

Why do I need to submit my CV and artist statement?

This information will be printed and available for viewers of the exhibition. This information is often of interest to visitors wishing to purchase a photograph. Things to list on your artist CV that relate to you as a photographer: education, classes, exhibitions, publications, collaborations, memberships, volunteering, grants, etc. If you do not have anything to list in these categories – that’s okay! Maybe InFocus will be your first accolade on your new photography CV. If you do not submit a CV, that is totally fine. Please remember to put your NAME on all word or pdf documents submitted.

What is important to include is your artist statement: This can be as short as a few sentences to a few paragraphs. In your artist statement you can talk about how you got interested in photography, how you take your photographs, why photography is important to you and the meaning behind your work.

Can I submit a series of photographs?

Yes. The whole series may be accepted or only one image, depending on space.

Why is there a fee to submit?

InFocus Photo Exhibit is a volunteer effort and labor of love by the InFocus Team. The fee to submit your photographs goes to the practical aspects of mounting the exhibition. Such expenses include: listing the exhibition in the Exposure magazine, advertising the show, marketing & PR, printing invitations and posters, venue insurance, reception party snacks and wine, small printed programs for the show, web and domain hosting, and competitions.

How do you accept payment?

Payment is made by PayPal, either by a PayPal account or through their system using a credit card. You do not need a PayPal account to pay by PayPal.

Can I sell my photograph(s) displayed during InFocus Photo Exhibit?

Yes! One of the goals of InFocus is to support our local creative talent. All photographers will earn 50% from their sale of their work, as per standard commercial gallery commissions. Gallery staff and InFocus volunteers will strive to sell the photographer’s work and will provide interested buyers with the photographer’s contact information and purchase details.

How can I volunteer for InFocus Photo Exhibit?

InFocus has many volunteer opportunities including: hanging and striking the show, distributing the call for submissions and exhibition posters, manning the show, and setting up for and clean up after the reception, for example. If you would like to sign up to volunteer, first of all: THANK YOU! Please contact Alexis Marie to be added to our volunteer list: info@alexismariechute.com

How should I price my photograph(s)?

This is a personal decision. Some things to consider: printing costs, framing costs and your own value as a photographer (your worth should never underestimate yourself). Think about what price you are comfortable selling your work. Please do not value your work too low. If your photography is accepted into InFocus, you may discuss the price with the curator at that time.

What should I list for the date and medium of my photographs?

The date should be listed as the year the image was made. The medium can be something to the effect of “Photograph” or “Photograph on aluminum” or “Mixed-medium Photograph” or “Giclée print” for example.

What is the Curator Talk?

At 7:30pm on Thursday, February 4, 2016, curator Alexis Marie Chute will discuss the ideas and importance behind InFocus Photo Exhibit and Alberta photography, as well share about the images and photographers selected for the show.

When is the reception party taking place?

The InFocus Photo Exhibit opening reception (party!) is on Thursday, February 4, 2016, from 7 – 10pm. There will be live music, snacks and drinks. If you would like an invitation to the reception party, please send your mailing address to info@alexismariechute.com. RSVP please to help the InFocus Team. All photographers are encouraged to attend and invite their family and friends. It is going to be a great night!

If you have questions not addressed here, please email infocus@alexismariechute.com and you will receive timely answers. Odds are that if you are wondering, others are as well.

Best wishes for submitting to InFocus Photo Exhibit! We look forward to seeing your work!

Click here to read the InFocus Photo Exhibit Call for Submissions.

Click here to Submit to InFocus Photo Exhibit.

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