Posts

Artsy Mondays: Interview with InFocus Photo 2020 Photographer Keith Francis

Guest Post: Photographer Vincent Morban

November Update + Confession

InFocus Photo Portfolio Reviews!

Happy Boxing Day! Since we are still in the season of giving and generosity, why not treat yourself to an amazing photographic learning and networking experience? That is where the InFocus Photo portfolio reviews come in! This brand new initiative by the InFocus Photo team is truly an amazing opportunity. Here is more info:

Students. Enthusiasts. Amateurs. Professionals. ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS WELCOME to the InFocus Photo Portfolio Reviews!

We have a rock star line-up of reviewers ready to bestow their wealth of knowledge and experience to all portfolio review participants. Online registration will begin soon. For now, if you would like to reserve your spot, please email infocus@alexismariechute.com

Soon, an online registration form will be available on www.InFocusPhoto.ca. There you will be able to select the time slot of your choice. Keep checking back at the InFocus Photo site for updates.

 


Portfolio Review Date:

Friday, February 10, 2017

6:30-9:30 PM

Registration: $40+GST

Bring printed photographs, a bound portfolio or images on your laptop or tablet. The reviewers will look at your work, give feedback on how to make it better or how to promote yourself – or anything else you may be wondering about with your photography.

 One registration will give you ten (10) minutes with each of our four talented and generous photographers in a speed-dating style review.

THERE ARE ONLY 16 SPOTS AVAILABLE.

infocus-photo-portfolio-review-sq-alexis-marie-chute


Here is a little bit about the reviewers:

akemi-matsubuchi-headshot

REVIEWER – Akemi Matsubuchi

Akemi Matsubuchi was born in Montreal, Quebec, and lived in several countries before settling in St. Albert, Alberta. Her love of photography harkens back to the age of 10 when Akemi’s father put a camera in her hands and encouraged her to take a second look at the world. Akemi attended Ryerson University in Toronto and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Still Photography. Since graduating, she has pursued commercial photography, worked in the book publishing industry, and currently instructs at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology where she loves being surrounded by creative minds.

Akemi loves to travel and has always had a special affinity for nature. Backcountry hiking is a much-loved break from the sounds of the city and is ideal for her infrared photography. Travelling feeds her desire to experience new cultures and inspires her to take the second look and record the world as her father advocated. That desire to share has been the driving force of her photography and approach to teaching. She believes a visual history of humankind is extremely important and would like people to become emotionally connected in how she interprets the world.

 

curtis-trent-headshot

REVIEWER – Curtis Trent

Binding together his tremendously diverse portfolio is a distinct use of composition, light and narrative. Inspired by the never-ending sky of his prairie roots, Curtis doesn’t allow for boundaries. He was recognized early on as a multi-disciplined photographer gliding easily between editorial, lifestyle, portrait and advertising. By not compartmentalizing his work, Curtis has found that elusive balance between commercial photography and fine art. In fact, he welcomes both to overlap: undoubtedly a contributor to his telltale style.

Since moving back west from Toronto over 12 years ago, he continues to stretch his experience and skill while enjoying the big sky. His images have been published widely and are represented at Bugera Matheson Gallery/Art Perspective. Curtis was recently recognized in the One Eyeland Photography Awards, taking home Silver and Bronze. He was nominated in the 2015 National Magazine Awards, in the Cover Photography category. Curtis teaches at Grant MacEwan University.

 

larry-louie-headshot

REVIEWER – Larry Louie

“It takes vision to be a good photographer, to imagine how the world around you will look in a photograph.  But it takes another kind of vision to see how you can use what skills and experience you have to help other people. “  (Mark Bentley talking about Dr. Larry Louie, Black and White Photography, UK, March 2012).

International award winning documentary photographer Larry Louie leads a dual career.  In his optometry clinic, he is Dr. Larry Louie, working to enhance the vision of people from all walks of life in the urban core of a North American city. On his travels, he is a humanitarian documentary photographer, exploring the lives of remote indigenous people, and documenting social issues around the world. As an optometrist, Larry adjusts people’s visual perception. As a photographer, he seeks to adjust people’s view of the world. Either way, he is interested in things that exist outside the regular field of vision.

Over the last couple of years, Dr. Louie has used his photography as a platform to high light the work of different charities around the world, along with other social issues and challenges people are encountering in a world facing rapid urbanization and globalization. He wants to engage people in inspiring stories of perseverance and strength, not only of those who have found themselves caught in such a plight, but also amazing individuals and organizations that are lending a helping hand. He hopes his photographs will be able to tell the stories and make a difference, and to reveal light that is found in the darkest of places.

Larry’s award winning photographs have appeared in the Asian Photography Magazine, Digital Camera Magazine, British Journal of Photography, B&W Magazine, National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler Magazine. His work have also been exhibited around the world; from the Royal Geographical Society of London, UK to the Circle of Fine Art in Madrid, Spain, to the Center of Photography in Charleston, South Carolina to the Pendulum Gallery in Vancouver, Canada to the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton, Canada.

 

alexis-marie-chute-expert-artist-author-sq-serious-6x6-with-name

REVIEWER – Alexis Marie Chute

Alexis Marie Chute is a professional artist, author, photographer and filmmaker. She has her Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of Alberta and her Masters of Fine from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. She has received over 30 noteworthy distinctions for her visual and literary work, such as The John Poole Award for promotion of the Arts (2015), and being named an “Emerging Canadian Photographer” by Photo Life Magazine (2012), and a “Top 40 Under 40” by Avenue Magazine (2013). She is the curator and founder of InFocus Photo Exhibit and Award. She is also a reviewer for PhotoEd Magazine’s photography platform.

Alexis Marie’s debut memoir, Expecting Sunshine will be released April 2017 by She Writes Press, accompanied by the documentary film on the same topic. Alexis Marie is a highly regarded public speaker and she has presented on art, writing, bereavement and the healing capacities of creativity around the world. She is widely published in anthologies, newspapers and magazines and her artworks has been exhibited across North America. She is represented by the AR&S Gallery at the Art Gallery of Alberta.

 


Email infocus@alexismariechute.com to save your spot!

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.

infocus-photo-exhibit-award-call-for-submissions-insta-alexis-marie-chute

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

InFocus Photo Exhibit & Award wants your Photography!

The call for submissions for InFocus Photography Exhibit and Award is now underway! This is an exciting time of sorting images, selecting and planning. Which photographs will you be entering this year?

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

ABOUT INFOCUS PHOTO:

INFOCUS PHOTO is an annual exhibition that began in 2015. In it’s first year, the show took place at Harcourt House Artist Run Centre and featured Edmonton and area photographers. In the second year, InFocus expanded to celebrate the best photography from across Alberta, showcased at dc3 Art Projects. Now, in its third year, InFocus has fulfilled its mission of welcoming submissions from ALL Canadian photographers. This year, the curated show will be mounted in The Front Gallery.

InFocus Photo Exhibition and Award aims to show the best Canadian-made photography. We are looking for photographers from across the country who have something to say and are saying in a unique way – and through the lens of their camera. We welcome submissions from students to professionals living in any Canadian province.

The exhibition of curated images will take place at The Front Gallery in Edmonton, Alberta during the month of February 2017 as a part of Exposure Photography Festival. The mission of InFocus is to promote and exhibit innovative, thoughtful and provocative photography created by Canadian contemporary image-makers.

infocus-2017-poster

I will be posting details about submitting to InFocus until the extended deadline of October 30, 2016. Please subscribe to this blog to stay up-to-date with the latest InFocus info.

Happy submitting!

– AMC

3 Days Left to Vote! InFocus People’s Choice Award

I am proud to announce that Vistek is the new sponsor for the InFocus Peolple’s Choice Award. The voting is going fabulously – and boy, what a tight race to first place! There are only three more days to vote for your favorite photograph and photographer. With one vote per day per household, if you want your choice to win, now is the time to spread the word. Tell your friends and family. We have so many amazing photographers that want your vote. Now is the time!

Vistek_ InFocus Photo Exhibit Peoples Choice Award

We will announce the winner of the InFocus People’s Choice Award at the opening reception. This will take place during the Curator Talk.

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Opening Reception: 6 – 9 PM

Curator Talk: 7 PM

dc3 Art Projects

10567 – 111 Street
Edmonton, AB, Canada
T5H 3E8

2016-INVITE-back-012 done 150dpi dc3

Please RSVP to the opening reception on Facebook by clicking here or via email info@alexismariechute.com

You can find InFocus Photo Exhibit listed with Exposure Photography Festival’s events. Click here to see what other photography events are taking place during the month of February.

Alexis Marie Chute InFocus Photo Exhibit Global News 02 blog

This morning, bright and early, I spoke about InFocus Photo Exhibit and the People’s Choice Award on the Global Morning News. As always, I am so proud to share about this exhibit which means so much to me. The InFocus photographers are a super talented bunch! Once the interview is ready, I will share the video here – just in case you weren’t tuned in at 6:40 AM!

Alexis Marie Chute InFocus Photo Exhibit Global News 04 blog Alexis Marie Chute InFocus Photo Exhibit Global News 03 blog

Don’t forget to vote!

Submit Now! The InFocus Photography Exhibit Call for Submissions Opens Today!

Prepare your image files and plan your framing. Which photos best reflect your style? Today is the day! The InFocus Photography Exhibition officially launches its call for submissions on August 1, 2015.

Here is some information about InFocus:

WHAT: A group exhibition featuring of the best contemporary photography by Albertan photographers. Curated by Alexis Marie Chute.

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

WHEN: February 1 – 29, 2016, taking place during Exposure Photography Festival

WHERE: DC3 Art Projects, commercial art gallery in Edmonton, Alberta. 10567-111 Street.

WHY SUBMIT: InFocus is a great opportunity for photographers from Alberta to be featured in a noteworthy exhibition during a major photographic festival. Photographers and their work will be celebrated in a beautiful commercial gallery, receive tremendous exposure across Canada, and become one of the distinguished InFocus Alumni.

Please click here to submit your photography to be considered for the 2016 InFocus exhibition.

Follow InFocus Photo Exhibit on Twitter.

Like InFocus Photo on Facebook.

www.InFocusPhoto.ca

Hedy Bach Photography: Special Guest Post

Alexis Marie: I am excited to kick off the InFocus Alumni photography blog series with Hedy Bach. She is a perceptive and thoughtful woman, not to mention a blossoming photographer. I hope you enjoy her words and images.

Welcome Hedy!

 

GUEST POST

 

Some days opening up an email can be both joyous and a grateful surprise.

 

Dec 14, 2014 at 8:58 PM, InfocusYEG <infocus@alexismariechute.com> wrote: 

Dear Hedy Bach,

Congratulations! I am happy to inform you that your work has been selected for the inaugural InFocus Edmonton exhibition!

Sincerely,

Alexis Marie Chute, Curator

InFocusYEG.com

@infocusYEG

We have chosen your following image for InFocus:

 

Hedy Bach Photography

Copyright Hedy Bach

 

Through the encouragement of my dear friend Eva I had entered my photography work to the InFocus Edmonton exhibition…so having my photograph selected by Alexis Marie along side of other local photographer’s works for this exhibition was both exciting and humbling…now I hope these sorts of experiences will be followed by many other photography exhibitions.

 

As an image-maker I study how the world around me looks and sounds through ordinary harmony and fittingness. I work daily with my camera and with words to compose beautiful “thought things” (Arendt, 1978) as a way to form ideas and to inspire reflection and rumination; perhaps start a conversation.  I am intentional in choosing to photograph my life with beauty… beauty as consoling, disturbing, sacred, profane; it can be exhilarating, appealing, inspiring, chilling. And it may affect us in unlimited ways. Yet it is never viewed with indifference.

 

Hedy Bach Photography

Copyright Hedy Bach

 

Exploring Scruton’s (2009) concept of beauty, means I ask what makes an object – either in art, in nature, or the human form – beautiful? I examine how I compare differing judgements/positions of beauty when it is evident all around us knowing that aesthetic tastes vary widely. I often ask myself is there a right judgement to be made about beauty? In my image based work I try to create a sense of meaning in the beautiful objects and experiences that fill my life.

 

My photographs are allegories for my understandings of human desire for settlement of spaces and places in which people and things fit together. I appreciate beauty along side of my sense of “disinterested interest.” as I try to negotiate my subjectivities of looking and composing my “thought things” with ideas of why beauty matters, to see the remedy of beauty as an instrument of peace.

 

Hedy Bach Photography

Copyright Hedy Bach

Please contact Hedy Bach:

http://sloppybuddhist.com/

http://hedybach.tumblr.com/

https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/HedyBachProductions

hefbach@gmail.com

 

Last Chance to enter your Photography in InFocus YEG

Tomorrow – Sunday, November 30, 2014 – is your last chance to enter Infocus Edmonton!

It’s scramble time, people!

Find your best photographs and enter them here.

For more information about InFocus Edmonton, read, “Hot off the Photographic Presses: The InFocus Edmonton Call for Submissions!

To learn why you should enter for a chance to participate in the exhibition, check out: “15 Reasons Why You Need to Submit

Visit the InFocus YEG call for submissions and image entry page here.

If you (a) live in Edmonton or in a surrounding area, (b) are a photographer and (c) want to share your work – now is the time! Enter InFocus YEG for a chance to participate in this exciting exhibition.