15 Days till the InFocus 2016 Deadline & 15 Reasons to Submit

The deadline for Alberta photographers to submit photographs to InFocus Exhibit 2016 is October 31, 2015, only 15 days away! Now is not the time for procrastination; SUBMIT TODAY!

The mission of InFocus is to promote and exhibit innovative, thoughtful, and provocative photography created by Alberta’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 province!

Here are 15 reasons you should submit to InFocus 2016:

  1. See your photography hung in DC3 Art Projects, one of Edmonton’s most important artistic hubs.
  2. Your work will be featured in Exposure Photography Festival, which went province-wide for the first time last year.
  3. Sell your work during InFocus. The gallery and InFocus Team will encourage art patrons to support photographers and our creative community in this way.
  4. Network with other photographers and professionals during the festival.
  5. Participation in an exciting group exhibition is a fun way to kick off 2016.
  6. Discover other image-makers from across Alberta and find a creative community.
  7. Have something cool to talk about on Facebook and Twitter other than what you had for breakfast (Although we’re sure it was delicious!).
  8. Snatch up a volunteer opportunity with InFocus Exhibit 2016 to gain experience mounting and running an exhibition.
  9. Attend a rockin’ reception party on Thursday, February 4, 2015 (7-10pm) with live music, wine and yummy snacks (and invite your family and friends!).
  10. Have your work discussed for its merits and inclusion in the show during the Curator Talk on Thursday, February 4, 2015 at 7:30pm in the gallery.
  11. It’s easy to submit your work online through our no fuss submission form.
  12. Each photographer’s Artist Statement and CV will be displayed at the exhibit to educate the visitors about your work.
  13. Have a lasting keepsake in the printed InFocus Photo Exhibit program with each photographer featured.
  14. If you entered before October 18, you have the chance to have one of your images featured in the Exposure Photography Festival magazine-style catalogue to represent InFocus!
  15. Photography is awesome!

InFocus Edmonton 2015 Alexis Marie Chute artist curator photography 03 blog

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

Like InFocus Photo Exhibit on Facebook.

Follow InFocus Photo on Twitter.

Enter your Photo to InFocus before October 15

Enter your Photography to InFocus before October 15! Here is why:

The deadline for the InFocus Photo Exhibit is just over a month away. If you haven’t submitted yet, prep your strongest images! We are looking for the best photography by Alberta’s photographers. It is going to be an incredible exhibition, held at DC3 Art Projects during Exposure Photography Festival.

Do not miss out on this amazing opportunity!

The deadline is officially October 31, 2015, but for those who submit before October 15th, there is an added benefit. We will be choosing the image to represent InFocus from these early bird entries. Submit before October 15th! Don’t procrastinate!

InFocus Photography Exhibition 20115

InFocus Photography Exhibition 2015

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

Submission deadline: October 31, 2015. No Extensions. CLICK HERE TO ENTER.

Infocus2016forAMArt

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

Back to School for the Artist & Photographer

Buying my daughter’s school supplies made me jealous. Her brand new pencil crayons, felts, erasers, paint, paper… There is something exciting about new art materials! They make my fingers dance eagerly while my mind imagines the dust of charcoal and my paint-covered apron.

Art supplies Alexis Marie Chute Art BLOG

Back to school marks a time to get focused and resume routines long forgotten over the summer.

  • It’s a time to buy the books on the book list.
  • Stock the backpack.
  • Pull on the new shoes.
  • Fill the binders with paper.
  • Organize the calendar.
  • Get on track with work and life…

Oops! I may have mixed my own back to school list with my kids’ just now – but adults tend to get back into the swing of things in September just like children. The vacation is over. The sleep bank has been filled (hopefully) and soon the tan has already faded.

I think September is an excellent time to make resolutions; maybe an even better time than New Years.

Over the summer I love to read as many books as possible, daydream about my art and plan how my work will move forward.

It’s almost the end of September, baby!

For me, I am excited to reestablish regular art-making and writing routines this autumn. There are a lot of big projects coming up that were hard to focus on over the summer when my kids were calling me to play.

Now is the time. 

Art supplies pastels Alexis Marie Chute Art BLOG

One of the things on my list this fall is the InFocus Photo Exhibit. We are currently accepting submissions until the end of October. If you are an Alberta photographer, click here to learn more.

I also have a plethora of book projects I’m working on and am eager to stretch some canvases and get painting…

Truly, September is a time of invigoration and new energy!

What will be keeping you busy this fall?

Do you love “back to school” time – or hate it? (No judgement!)

What art project did you put aside over the summer that you will be picking up again?

Happy art-making!

– Alexis Marie

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.

InFocus Photo seeking Local Collaborations

InFocus is looking to collaborate with a local musician, eatery or chef, and printing company. Last year, the inaugural InFocus Exhibit was a huge success, seeing over 250 visitors over three days. This year, the exhibition will run the entire month of February 2016 and will take place at DC3 Art Projects. InFocus happens during Exposure Photography Festival.

InFocus Photo Seeking Local Collaborations

The opening reception will be a noteworthy celebration of Alberta photography and photographers. The InFocus Team would love to showcase a local musician and chef for the party, plus get everyone there with awesome invites.

If you or someone you know of is interested in collaborating with InFocus Photo Exhibit, please contact the curator, Alexis Marie Chute: info@alexismariechute.com

Infocus2016forAMArt

 


 

Other blog posts about InFocus:

InFocus Exhibit 2016 Photo Submission Q&A

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

The InFocus Call for Submissions Opens August 1

Kevin Tuong Photography: Special Guest Post

Robert Pohl Photography: Special Guest Post

Wilfred Kozub Photography: Special Guest Post

Gerry Dotto Photography: Special Guest Post

Why Analogue Photography: Guest Post by Candace Makowichuk

Martin Snider Photography: Special Guest Post

Hedy Bach Photography: Special Guest Post

Special Guest Blog Posts by InFocus Alumni Photographers

InFocus Photography Exhibit Updates

Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts PHOTOS & a BIG Thank-You from Alexis Marie Chute for the John Poole Promotion of the Arts Award, Edmonton

 

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.”

Infocus2016forAMArt

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.

Like InFocus on Facebook.

Follow us on Twitter: @InfocusPhotoCAN

 


 

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

The InFocus Call for Submissions Opens August 1

InFocus is a celebration of the best in contemporary photography. It is an exhibition and celebration I am honoured to curate, bringing attention to noteworthy image-makers and their work. Last year, InFocus set out to showcase the top photographers from Edmonton. This year, we have expanded the region to include all of Alberta. The bar will be set high as we welcome images from across our diverse province this summer and fall during our call for submissions.

INFOCUS 2016 LOGO large Alexis Marie Chute Art line

The InFocus exhibition will run the month of February 2016 during Exposure Photography Festival. Photographs selected for InFocus will be exhibited in DC3 Art Projects, a commercial gallery in Edmonton. I am so glad DC3 Art Projects has come on board so our exhibition will run the whole month of February and display the photographers work in such a beautiful space.

InFocus is a great opportunity for photographers! The call for submissions opens on August 1, 2015. I hope you will submit.

Please click here for more information about InFocus.

Subscribe to this blog to receive updates on InFocus.

Kevin Tuong Photography: Special Guest Post

Alexis Marie: I have loved sharing the stories and inspirations of some truly interesting individuals during the InFocus Alumni photography blog series. Are you excited about InFocus 2016? We will soon release the call for submissions and we would love to see your work. For now, I’m pleased to introduce Kevin Tuong.

Welcome Kevin!

Guest Post

Some people get their first camera at a young age from a significant family member, and that influence inspires them for the rest of their life to create beautiful photographs. My story is… not remotely close to that. I got my camera three days before my 19th Birthday not from a family member, but from Futureshop. It wasn’t because I’ve always been interested in photography and wanted to learn the art of creating beautiful imagery; instead.. it was simply because it was a “kit” with an extra battery and a bag and it was on sale. How inspirational – I know.

Kevin infocus_guestblog-1

It wasn’t like I wanted a camera because I was interested in photography either, I actually knew little to nothing about photography and didn’t actually care at the time. I just never owned anything more than a shoddy webcam that shot 2 megapixel images before in my life, and felt like having a DSLR was cool. But once I started taking pictures with it, and noticed that “blurry background” effect it had that point and shoots don’t have, it sparked my interest, and that’s when the life-long learning process for me began.

Kevin infocus_guestblog-2

From then on I read tutorials, watched videos, and played around with every effect in Photoshop just to learn what they did and how I could use them (and made some atrocious images because of this). Then one day when photographing a Chinese Opera performance, someone who was an actual photographer saw me struggling in the low-light environment and lent me his on-camera flash. I was hesitant as first because I felt like it was rude to just take someone’s flash, and the fact that I had no idea how to use it. I wasn’t even sure if it was compatible with my camera at the time, simply because I didn’t know how it went on the camera itself. But after playing around with that flash and seeing how it made a difference in the shot, a whole new door was opened for me. Camera gear and accessories… oh what a money draining door that would become.

Kevin infocus_guestblog-3

Of course, gear isn’t everything and a photographer still needs to know what they’re doing in order to maximize that piece of gears potential use. But with each piece of equipment that I acquired, it opened other doors with new techniques I could learn and apply to my photography. I find that photography is a never ending adventure of creative learning. I remember when I first started out, and I saw these images of beautifully done photographs, I wanted to learn how to do it. Then after years of practice and experience, I look back on some of those photographs that once inspired me, and I feel like I’ve caught up to them and can produce photographs of that level. But all that means is that I’ll find new photographs to inspire me, to push me, and to learn from to help better my own photography.

 

Photography to me is a never ending creative adventure filled with imaginative ideas and fantastical story telling designed to speak to and inspire the viewer. One can never stop learning in photography, there’s always something new and different that we can learn and try for ourselves. Further more, no photographer should ever sit at the top and be “the best”, because the very moment that any person does, that person is no longer learning, and no longer improving, and their art will no longer evolve.

To look at more of Kevin Tuongs awesome photography, click here to go to his website KTB Photography

 

 

 

 

Robert Pohl Photography: Special Guest Post

Alexis Marie: I have loved sharing the stories and inspirations of some truly interesting individuals during the InFocus Alumni photography blog series. Are you excited about InFocus 2016? We will soon release the call for submissions and we would love to see your work. For now, I’m pleased to introduce Robert Pohl, a modern photographer engaging traditional processes.

Welcome Robert!

 

GUEST POST

 

"Piano" copyright Robert Pohl

“Piano” copyright Robert Pohl

My name is Rob Pohl.  I was born in Edmonton over half a century ago and have lived here my entire life.  I’ve been photographing the area specifically, but the world in general for about 35 years.  I started out shooting film, and have stayed with it.  I spend my working days in an office staring at a computer monitor.  When I want to escape from that world and immerse myself in my photography, the last thing I want to do is spend yet more hours staring at a stupid monitor. While the masses have embraced digital photography and image manipulation software, I continue to work with film and traditional wet photography.   I enjoy the relaxation and escape of the darkroom, the mixing of the chemistry, the experimentation, and the process of creating something with my hands.  I shoot black and white film and process and print everything myself.  In this age of digital photography that makes me a dinosaur.  But I also think that it sets me apart from the masses that blast away with digital cameras.  My approach is much more methodical and measured and I try to make every shot count.

"Schoolhouse" copyright Robert Pohl

“Schoolhouse” copyright Robert Pohl

Most of my work is shot with a large format 4″ x 5″ view camera.  A dabble a little with medium format roll film, and with the even larger 8″ x 10″ format.  I shoot mostly landscapes, landscape details, and historical images.  It disturbs me somewhat that our province is falling victim to massive population growth and extensive development.  Mankind seems too wrapped up in economic growth and development and seems to place little value on the natural world, and a responsibility to our planet.  We all need to step back and take a deep breath and garner a little appreciation for the world around us, and what our lifestyle is doing to it.  Hopefully my imagery helps to illustrate an appreciation for where we have come from, where we are going, and what the consequences are.

"Rock Pool" copyright Robert Pohl

“Rock Pool” copyright Robert Pohl

In early 2015 I became involved in the InFocus Photography Exhibition that has expanded from Calgary and Banff, to the provincial level.  The YEG show in Edmonton that I was involved in was curated by Alexis Marie Chute.  I felt privileged to be included in that show, and hope to take part in future exhibitions.  I’ve included a selection of images that are typical of my work.  I regularly post work to my Flickr account, and to my blog…

https://www.flickr.com/photos/130527519@N08/

www.robertspohl.blogspot.com