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Canadian Photographers got Talent!

Tips from the InFocus Photo Curator

The InFocus Photo Exhibit & Award call for submissions deadline is Sunday, October 30 at midnight. As the curator of InFocus, this is one of my favorite times of year. It’s like Christmas. Throughout the fall, submissions flow in for InFocus and when the deadline passes, I get the honour of viewing and experiencing so much amazing photography. It truly is a great gift.

 

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I want to give a little insight into what makes up a successful submission. Everyone does things a little differently, but here are a few helpful tips:

  • I look for photographers that have something to say. When you are thinking about what images you will be submitting, ask yourself: What would the first reaction be from someone who has never seen this photograph before? What am I communicating through my aesthetic and technical choices?
  • Your vision as a photographer must come through in your photographs. “Art talk” never sways me if the work itself is not strong. Your artist statement and descriptions play second fiddle to the photographs. The work must be able to stand alone.
  • That said, I read all artist statements and will especially be turning a keen eye to the answers to the theme “The Future” this year. I do appreciate thoughtful responses. If your words provoke deep reflection, this is a good thing.
  • If you worry your photography is too weird/ordinary/conceptual/abstract/etc. – please DON’T FRET : ) You don’t have to fit a mold. I am looking to experience your unique perspective on the world. That is going to be totally different from the next photographer – and that’s OKAY.
  • Submitting three or more images from totally different styles or subjects is fine – if those are your strongest images. If you don’t have a cohesive group of related photographs, only enter your best work.
  • On the other hand, as the curator, I get a much better sense of your vision if you enter three (or more) photographs that relate. It is often in these instances where I may choose one or two or even three of the images you have entered. These would be displayed together.
  • If you have more than one body of work you want considered, I would recommend entering twice, for example. The first three images in submission 1 will be from your first body of work. The second three images in submission 2 will be from your second body of work. This way I can get the best sense of each grouping. Out of the two entered, only one group of images may be chosen, but this is more likely to result in a successful entry than trying to fit both bodies of work within one submission of three images.
  • It is very important that you know the size of your photograph and the finished framed dimensions as well. I look at the sizing when selecting the images. Knowing the dimensions of the gallery, I make sure I choose the right amount of work so the show does not feel too squishy or too sparse. This is why I would really appreciate you considering these dimensions carefully before entering.
  • I do not have a preference for large pieces over small, or vice versa. When people ask me about the size to print their photos, I always advise that you must first look to the work itself. Does it demand a grand scale? Or would it present better smaller, drawing viewers to step closer? There is not right or wrong answer.

 

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If you have other questions, I would love to answer them for you!

 

Just a few days ago I had a great phone call with a student photographer from Ontario. She had lots of relevant questions (many I have answered above) and she is very eager to enter. Her love of photography shone through during our conversation. That is what I am looking for: people who love this creative medium and are exploring it – and the world around them – in their own special ways.

 

With just a few days till the deadline, pop me an email if you have something you’d like to run by me infocus@alexismariechute.com I look forward to hearing from you!

 

Happy submitting!

 

Sincerely,

 

Alexis Marie Chute, InFocus Curator

15 Reasons to Submit to InFocus Photo

The deadline for Canadian photographers to submit to InFocus Photo Exhibit and Award is October 30, 2016! That is only 9 days away! Now is not the time for procrastination; SUBMIT TODAY!

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The mission of InFocus is to promote and exhibit innovative, thoughtful, and provocative photography created by Canada’s contemporary image makers.

The call for submissions is open to professionals, armatures and students alike. We want to see forward thinking photography that capitalizes on the strengths and subtleties of the medium and takes image-making to a new level.

The goal is to exhibit the best photography from the country!

 

Here are 15 reasons you should submit to InFocus:

 

1. See your photography hung in The Front Gallery, one of Edmonton’s most important artistic hubs. Read more about The Front Gallery by clicking here.

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2. Your work will be featured in Exposure Photography Festival, a critical festival of photography in the country.

Exposure Photography Festival Alexis Marie Chute art BLOG

3. Participate in the InFocus Photo People’s Choice Award competition, with the chance to win the cash prize from VISTEK.

 “Eye of the Storm” © Aidan Guerra, InFocus Photo People’s Choice Award winner 2016


“Eye of the Storm” © Aidan Guerra, InFocus Photo People’s Choice Award winner 2016

 

4. PhotoEd Magazine will be publishing a feature on InFocus and you could see one of your images included in the spread.

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5. Sell your work during InFocus. The gallery and InFocus Team will encourage art patrons to support photographers and our creative community in this way.

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6. Become a part of the InFocus Alumni and network with other photographers and professionals during exhibit and afterwards.

InFocus 2015 Alumni Photographers

InFocus 2015 Alumni Photographers

 

7. Snatch up a volunteer opportunity with InFocus Exhibit 2017 to gain experience mounting and running an exhibition. Email Alexis Marie to find out how to help info@alexismariechute.com

 

8. Add this noteworthy exhibition to help grow your creative CV.

 

9. Attend a rockin’ reception party on Thursday, February 9, 2017 at 6-9pm with live music and yummy snacks (and invite your family and friends!).

The Front Gallery, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

The Front Gallery, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

10. Have your work discussed for its merits and inclusion in the show by curator Alexis Marie Chute. This takes place during the Curator Talk on Thursday, February 9 at 7pm in the gallery.

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11. Immerse yourself in photography, discover other image-makers from across the country, learn from them AND take your own work to the next level.

12. Each photographer’s Artist Statement and CV will be displayed at the exhibit to educate the visitors about your work.

13. Have something cool to talk about on Facebook and Twitter other than what you had for breakfast (although we’re sure it was delicious!).

14. Take advantage of InFocus’s national platform to bring more attention to your hard work.

15. Finally, just like the InFocus theme (THE FUTURE), your participation in InFocus will set you apart as a noteworthy photographer to watch.

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Submit to InFocus Photo Exhibit by clicking here. Deadline October 31, 2015!

Like InFocus Photo Exhibit on Facebook.

Follow InFocus Photo on Twitter.