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12 Reasons for Canadian Photographers to Enter InFocus Photo

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

Perks of Winning the InFocus People’s Choice Award

There are so many awesome perks of participating in InFocus Photo Exhibition in general, such as nation-wide recognition for your work and participation in a group show in a stunning gallery space. But, the exhibition is just one part of InFocus.

How the InFocus People’s Choice Award works:

Every year, InFocus hosts a People’s Choice Award competition. The curator, yours truly, chooses one image from every photographer selected for the show. These images go online for one month. JANUARY. During that time, the public can go online and vote for their favorite. Part of the fun is getting all your family and friends online to cast their votes your way.

Last year, the race to the award title was exciting! We had over 2,000 votes. During the curator talk at the opening reception, VISTEK, the award sponsor, presented the winner with cash to their store.

The winner of the 2016 InFocus Photo People’s Choice Award was Aidan Guerra:

“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

 

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD PERKS:

This year, there are some really great perks for winning the InFocus Photo People’s Choice Award.

  • You win a cash prize to VISTEKVistek_ InFocus Photo Exhibit Peoples Choice Award
  • You will have your winning image featured as a part of the spread on InFocus in PhotoEd magazine

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  • Plus bragging rights of course. The title of “InFocus Photo People’s Choice Award Winner” looks awfully good on a CV.

 

Well, hopefully these awesome perks are more than reason enough to enter InFocus. Truly, this is a wonderful, home-grown exhibition with heaps of national pride and creative flare. Please don’t delay to enter. Here are the details:

ENTER INFOCUS PHOTO:

Enter by October 16, 2016 for regular rate – $25 for 3 images

Extended deadline October 30, 2016 – $35 for 3 images

Enter online at www.infocusphoto.ca/infocus-submission/

Learn more about InFocus at www.InFocusPhoto.ca

Happy submitting!

-AMC

 

Are you the future of photography?

InFocus Photography Exhibition and Award is looking for the next big name in photography in Canada. Why are you one to watch? What are you doing differently? What old technique are you making new? Tell us: what do you have to say?

One of the great things about being a curator of a group exhibition like InFocus, is that I have the privilege of seeing some of the most talented, forward-thinking and exciting artists. I am truly proud to be a part of this great show and cannot wait sift through all the amazing entries.

InFocus is a photography exhibition that welcomes any Canadian photographer to enter their work. You could call yourself an amateur, be a student, or a veteran pro. Whoever you are, whatever your subject; we want to see what you’ve got.

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This year, the theme of InFocus Photo is… THE FUTURE.

This is a broad theme, open to interpretation. We welcome photographers to submit their best photography that relates to this theme in some way. It could connect through:
1. The technique used
2. The message conveyed, or
3. The subject of the photographs themselves

Here are some provoking questions when thinking about “The Future.”

  • What is the future of photography?
  • What makes Canadian photography distinct?
  • As a photographer, where are you going?
  • What do you have to say – and in what unique way are you saying it?
  • How does your photography provoke your viewers?
  • Why are you a photographer to watch – now and in the years to come?
  • What innovative techniques are you using or what old processes are you making new again?

The Future” is an abstract theme. We believe it can speak to all photographers, whatever the subject matter, including fine art, portraiture, nature, urban landscapes, editorial, commercial, conceptual, documentary, journalistic, social commentary, architectural, still life, wildlife, travel, multi-medium, three dimensional, and beyond.


SUBMISSION DETAILS:

Enter by October 16, 2016 for regular rate – $25 for 3 images

Extended deadline October 30, 2016 – $35 for 3 images

Enter online at www.infocusphoto.ca/infocus-submission/

Learn more about InFocus at www.InFocusPhoto.ca


Happy submitting!

-AMC

Show your Photography at The Front Gallery

The Front Gallery is a beautiful creative space located in the heart of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It is the perfect place to host a nation-wide exhibition of the best photography Canada has to offer. This is an exhibition you need to be a part of. InFocus Photography Exhibit and Award strives to present the current cultural climate of photography in the country. This is a major photographic-survey you want to be a part of.

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ABOUT THE FRONT GALLERY:

The Front Gallery is pleased to be able to feature Edmonton’s artistic diversity in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Whether catering to serious collectors or the casual passer-by, The Front Gallery is an inviting environment to engage with art that speaks to people about new ideas and ways of seeing.

The art exhibited at The Front Gallery comes from both Canadian and international artist and extends from traditional landscapes to more challenging contemporary pieces, all of which have the ability to surprise, delight and inspire it’s audiences.

Our passion at The Front Gallery is in providing a relaxed and inviting environment where the first connection between a person and a work of art can open the mind to a dialogue that will last a lifetime.

ENTER INFOCUS PHOTO:

Enter by October 16, 2016 for regular rate – $25 for 3 images

Extended deadline October 30, 2016 – $35 for 3 images

Enter online at www.infocusphoto.ca/infocus-submission/

Learn more about InFocus at www.InFocusPhoto.ca

THE FRONT GALLERY IS THE PROUD HOST OF INFOCUS PHOTO 2017:

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InFocus Photo Exhibit opens February 5

I am so proud of the super talented photographers that will be showcasing their work at DC3 Art Projects at the second annual InFocus Photography Exhibition. The exhibit opens in less than a month, with the whole show kicking off the day before, February 4, at the opening reception.

InFocus Photo Exhibit 2016 Alexis Marie Chute Invite

Kick-off party:

Thursday, February 4, 2016

6 – 10 pm


 

Curator Talk & Announcement of People’s Choice Award:

Thursday, February 4, 2016

7 pm


 

Exhibit Run:

February 5 – 27, 2016

DC3 Art Projects

10567 – 111 Street

Edmonton, AB, Canada


 

Save these dates! Share with your friends! Come out and celebrate great Alberta-made photography with us!

 

That’s our mission: To promote and exhibit innovative, thoughtful and provocative photography created by Alberta’s contemporary image makers. 

 

InFocus Photo Exhibit Invite Alexis Marie Chute

 

This year, on top of our exhibit, we also have an exciting competition – which is happening right now! It is the InFocus People’s Choice Award. Click here to vote right now for your favorite photograph. We have already received over 500 votes. The competition will be live until the end of January. The winner will be announced at the opening reception on February 4 during the Curator talk at 7 pm.

 

Please connect with us:

InFocus on Twitter

InFocus on Facebook

 

Again, congratulations to our 2016 InFocus Photographers:

(In alphabetical order)

Hedy Bach

Hélène Cyr

Al Dixon

Gerry Dotto

Rae Emogene

Benjamin Garcia

Aidan Guerra

Candace Makowichuk

Vincent Morban

Eric Petersen

Rob Pohl

Alysha Ragusa

Karin Richter

Steve Ricketts

Christopher Shaw

Brady Simpson

Curtis Trent

Kevin Tuong

Suman Varghese

Anne Tapler White

See you at the show!

Congratulations to 2016 InFocus Photographers

I am proud to announce the 2016 InFocus Photo Exhibit Photographers! The images created by these photographers were selected for their unique visual qualities and storytelling ability. They are more than just pretty pictures. They invite a longer pause.


INFOCUS PHOTOGRAPHERS

Congratulations to:

Hedy Bach

Hélène Cyr

Al Dixon

Gerry Dotto

Rae Emogene

Benjamin Garcia

Aidan Guerra

Candace Makowichuk

Vincent Morban

Eric Petersen

Rob Pohl

Alysha Ragusa

Karin Richter

Steve Ricketts

Christopher Shaw

Brady Simpson

Curtis Trent

Kevin Tuong

Suman Varghese

Anne Tapler White

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These photographers will exhibit their selected work at DC3 Art Projects this February, 2016, during Exposure Photography Festival. Visit www.InFocusPhoto.ca for more information about the show.

Soon we will be launching the “People’s Choice Awards.” Each photographer will have one image displayed and anyone – world wide – will be able to cast their vote for their favorite image. We will announce the opening of the voting here, so please subscribe to stay up to date.

 

InFocus Photo Exhibit People’s Choice Award

Exciting news for InFocus Photo Exhibit:

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD!

As a part of this year’s exhibit, all photographers selected for the show will have their images featured on the InFocus Photo page. Anyone from around the world may view the photographs and vote for their favorites.

 

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Have you submitted to InFocus Photo Exhibit yet? There is still time!

The deadline for entries is two days away! Saturday, October 31, 2015 at 11:59pm.

Click here to visit the InFocus Photo Exhibit page.

Click here to submit your photography to InFocus.

Copyright Candace Makowichuck. Candace is one of the InFocus Photo 2015 Alumni Photographers.

Copyright Candace Makowichuck. Candace is one of the InFocus Photo 2015 Alumni Photographers.

More about InFocus:

MISSION: To promote and exhibit innovative, thoughtful, and provocative photography created by Alberta’s contemporary image makers.

WHEN: February 1 – 29, 2016

WHEREDC3 Art Projects (10567 111 St) commercial gallery in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

WHY: “Photography is the medium of our times.” – Exposure Photography Festival

 

Copyright Gerry Dotto. Gerry is one of the 2015 InFocus Alumni Photographers.

Copyright Gerry Dotto. Gerry is one of the 2015 InFocus Alumni Photographers.

 

The opening reception will take place on Thursday, February 4, 2016 from 7:00 to 10:00pm, with the curator talk and announcement of the People’s Choice Award winner at 7:30pm.

Click here to visit the InFocus Photo Exhibit page.

Click here to submit your photography to InFocus.

Like InFocus on Facebook.

Follow InFocus on Twitter: @infocusphotoCAN

 

We look forward to receiving your submissions! Thank you to everyone who has entered!

 

InFocus Photo Exhibit Deadline October 31

Three days from now the InFocus Photo Exhibit call for submissions will officially close. Now is your chance to enter this exciting opportunity. Selected photographers will have their work exhibited in a group show. The exhibit will be held at DC3 Art Projects Gallery in Edmonton, Alberta.

InFocus Photo Exhibit Deadline October 31, 2015

Speaking of Alberta, photographers from all across the province are welcome to submit!

InFocus MISSION: To promote and exhibit innovative, thoughtful, and provocative photography created by Alberta’s contemporary image makers.

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InFocus Photo Exhibit will take place during Exposure Photography Festival in February 2016. Exposure believes that photography is the medium of our times. I happen to agree. How many of us take photographs on our phones, carry a camera with us and diligently document vacations, events and aspire to do even more?

One of the great things about InFocus Photo is that we invite submissions from students, armatures and professional photographers alike. We are looking for “innovative, thoughtful and provocative photography.”

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InFocus Photo Exhibit 2015

 

For some who have never submitted to a competition like this, I say, “Give it a shot!” The worst that can happen is you learn from the process and can try again with more confidence next year. The best that can happen is your photography is selected and exhibited in the gallery along with other amazing photographers. You may even sell your work right off the gallery walls. You photos will be promoted across Alberta during a major photography festival that brings nation-wide attention. Truly, this is a pretty sweet opportunity!

Don’t wait till 11:59 pm on our deadline: October 31, 2015. Enter today!

Click here to visit the InFocus Photo Exhibit page.

Click here to submit your photography to InFocus.

Like InFocus Photo on Facebook.

Follow InFocus on Twitter: @infocusphotoCAN

 

InFocus 2015 Alumni Photographers

InFocus 2015 Alumni Photographers. Who will join us for the InFocus Photo Exhibit 2016 round-up?

We look forward to receiving your submissions! And thank-you to all those who have already entered!

 

InFocus Photo Exhibit: Meet the Curator

InFocus Photo Exhibit: Meet the Curator

In case you don’t know me already: my name is Alexis Marie Chute! I am the curator for the annual InFocus Photography Exhibition. You can read my bio by clicking here.

Background of InFocus:

I came up with the idea for InFocus after learning that Exposure Photography Festival 2015 was going to be Alberta-wide. In previous years, the festival only included Calgary, Banff and Canmore. I saw this as an important opportunity to include Edmonton photographers into the celebration and conversation about contemporary photography. Thus, the InFocus Edmonton exhibition took place last February 2015, showcasing 30 image-makers from the city and area. Over 250 visitors took in the exhibit over its three day run.

Award:

After InFocus Edmonton, my organization and curatorial work for the exhibit was recognized at the annual Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts, in association with PACE Edmonton. I was honoured to accept the John Poole Award for Promotion of the Arts. InFocus was my labor of love, with my InFocus Team, and the exhibit was reward in and of itself. However, the award was a wonderful confirmation that InFocus met many of its important goals.

InFocus Photo 2016:

Moving forward, I want to ensure InFocus does not remain insular. New ideas and perspectives from across the province will come together in this year’s exhibit. Therefore, the call for submissions was extended to photographers from across Alberta for 2016. I believe this decision will set the bar high, allowing our province’s pivotal image-makers to unite in one exhibition. It will be a great statement to the photographic creativity in our province and allow us to comment on our place in the contemporary photography scene.

Why Submit to InFocus 2016:

If you are an Alberta photographer, I hope you consider submitting to InFocus. It is a great opportunity for many reasons:

  • Recognition across Alberta and Canada as a top photographer
  • Exhibition credit in the commercial gallery, DC3 Art Projects
  • Promote and sell your work to a wide audience
  • Become a member of the InFocus alumni, honoured at all InFocus exhibits
  • Participation in Exposure Photography Festival
  • Connect with other photographers and organizations
  • Share your creative vision and the story behind your work

alexis marie chute curator infocus photo exhibit art blog

What I’m looking for:

As a curator, here is what I look for in the images that will make up the 2016 InFocus Exhibition. (I realize this list is vague, just as describing art itself is subjective and somewhat “in the eye of the beholder.” Still, I hope this list will cause a moment of pause as you consider which images to submit.)

  • Inventiveness
  • Technical skill
  • Creativity
  • Meaning
  • Artistry

Thank you for getting to know a little bit more about me and InFocus. I look forward to your submissions and seeing you at the exhibit.