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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

 

InFocus Photo Exhibit Opening Reception this Thursday

It was an exciting weekend! Not only did we hang the InFocus Photo Exhibit at dc3 Art Projects, but our InFocus People’s Choice Award voting came to a close. The voting was a close race all month. In the end, there were over 2,000 votes cast online. I am so excited to announce the winner. That will take place during my Curator Talk at the opening reception.

InFocus Photo Exhibit 2016 Alexis Marie Chute Curator 01

 

Alexis Marie & Aaron Chute, the core InFocus Team.

Alexis Marie & Aaron Chute, the core InFocus Team.

InFocus Photo Exhibit 2016 Alexis Marie Chute Curator 02

A big thank-you to Vistek, our InFocus People’s Choice Award sponsor.

Vistek_ InFocus Photo Exhibit Peoples Choice Award


InFocus Photo opening reception:

Thursday, February 4, 6-9PM
Curator Talk 7PM
dc3 Art Projects
10567 – 111 Street
Edmonton, AB

2016-INVITE-back-012 done 150dpi dc3


 

Last week I spoke about InFocus on Global morning news. Here is the interview.

I hope to see you Thursday night!

InFocus Photo Exhibit 2016 Alexis Marie Chute Invite

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!

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Don’t forget to vote!

Please Vote Alexis Marie Chute for Emerging Photographer

The VISTEK Emerging Photographer Showcase has announced its Top Ten Finalists as a part of Exposure Photography Festival and I am honored to be included. Online voting will determine the 2014 Emerging Photographer. Gotta love the old popularity contest, right? I’m not a fan, but the rules are set – and I would very much appreciate your vote!

Voting is now open and will close at midnight on February 27th. You can vote by clicking here.

The photograph that are in the running come from a series called, “The Quiet Rebuild,” and feature images of volunteer models who have endured a tragedy in their lives and are models of resiliency and hope. The impetus behind the photos was the death of my son Zachary in 2010. His momentary life and lingering death have redefined for me every aspect of living. I am a new person and in many ways he has taught me much about myself and how to live this one life I’ve been gifted.

You can read more about “The Quiet Rebuild” in these blog posts:

“The Quiet Rebuild” at Exposure Photography Festival
First Place at Method Art Gallery
Why Alexis Marie is an Avenue Magazine Top 40 Under 40 in Edmonton
Fabulous Media Coverage for The Quiet Rebuild
Fall Harcourt House Artist in Residence Update

Thanks for Your Votes

Exposure Photography Festival held its closing party on February 28th at Endeavor Art Gallery in Calgary. The gallery is beautiful with tall walls and large windows; definitely a space I would love to have a solo exhibition in one day! At the party, VISTEK announced the awards for Emerging Alberta Photographer and People’s choice. I’m always a little disappointed when I don’t win (human nature, right!) but just to be selected for the Emerging Photographer Showcase and having my image on a billboard in Calgary are true highlights.

Exposure Photo Festival VISTEK Emerging Photographer Finalizt Alexis Marie Chute copyright 03

Exposure Photo Festival VISTEK Emerging Photographer Finalizt Alexis Marie Chute copyright 02

A huge thanks to all my family, friends, clients, colleagues, Twitter followers and Facebook friends who voted for me! Your support is always more than appreciated!

Exposure Photo Festival VISTEK Emerging Photographer Finalizt Alexis Marie Chute copyright

Endeavor Art Gallery, Suite 200, 1209 First Street SW Calgary Alberta

Endeavor Art Gallery, Suite 200, 1209 First Street SW Calgary Alberta

Last Chance to Vote for Emerging Photographer Competition

 

Today is the final day to cast your vote in the Exposure Photography Festival, VISTEK Emerging Photographer Showcase!

Please do not delay! Vote today!

If you enjoy my work, please vote for me. (Thank you in advance!)

The winner will be announced at the festival closing party at Endeavor Art Gallery from 7:00-9:00pm Thursday, February 28th in Calgary (Suite 200, 1209 First Street SW). All are welcome!

 

Vote for my Images, Exposure Photography Festival

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Exposure is a photography festival in Calgary, Banff and Canmore Alberta running from the 1st to the 28th of February, 2013. Their catch phrase, “Photography is the Medium of Our Times,” is entirely true from my perspective. You just have to drive a main drag in the city to see billboard after billboard of images lining the street.

Image is king.

I was recently in Calgary to attend the opening of the group exhibition “The Artists Lens” put on by the Alberta Society of Artist’s. Three of my photographs stood on easels at the center of the room, bathed in the beautiful spot lights of Artpoint Gallery. It was a pleasure to rub shoulders with the local art crowd of Calgary and even if you missed the opening, you can still visit Artpoint Gallery until the end of the Festival to see “The Artists Lens.”

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While in Calgary, I received word that one of my photographs was being displayed on a digital billboard, a perk of being a finalist in the 2013 VISTEK Emerging Photographer competition. Near the airport, my husband, kids and I found the billboard! My photograph of marbles shone brightly on the overcast winter day – it was surreal.

Exposure Photo Festival Alexis Marie Chute VISTEK Emerging Photographer 2013 01 Exposure Photo Festival Alexis Marie Chute VISTEK Emerging Photographer 2013 02

There is a People’s Choice Award to be had by one of the competition finalists – and it involves a quick online vote.

 

If you enjoy my work, I would sincerely appreciate your vote!

 

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Vote for me as the VISTEK Emerging Photographer!

Copyright Alexis Marie Chute

Copyright Alexis Marie Chute

I’ve done my part, now I need your help!

I am a top 10 finalist in the 2013 VISTEK Emerging Photographer Showcase! This is such a great honor and I am thrilled to be selected amongst 9 other great photographers across Alberta.

The top 10 have been posted online and now, for the next month, voting will take place to choose The People’s Choice Award.

This is where you come in! Please vote and help me win!

Copyright Alexis Marie Chute

Copyright Alexis Marie Chute

This competition takes place as a part of Exposure Photography Festival in Calgary. Exposure will award a major prize to the best emerging Alberta-based photographer at the Closing Party on Feb. 28, 2013 held at Calgary’s Endeavor Art Gallery from 7 – 10 p.m. A runner up will also be determined by online voting and a People’s Choice winner will be selected from ballots filled out at the Closing Party on Feb. 28.

Copyright Alexis Marie Chute

Copyright Alexis Marie Chute

 

You can cast your vote at the bottom of the Exposure Photography Festival VISTEK Emerging Photographer Showcase (scroll to the bottom).

Thanks in advance! I truly appreciate your support!

Copyright Alexis Marie Chute

Copyright Alexis Marie Chute