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InFocus: Opening Party & Portfolio Reviews
InFocus Photo Exhibit & Award is open to the public! Visit The Front Gallery to see this amazing show. I am so proud to curate InFocus and I love seeing how it is propelling photographers’ careers forward and engaging people in the dialogue about why photography matters. I believe photography is art. This is something I’ve always promoted – and defended. The Front Gallery owner, Rachel Bouchard, is on the same page (and the gallery looks great adorned in photos, btw).
Photography is a dynamic, impassioned and powerful creative medium. Not to be ignored.
If you are in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada this Thursday, February 9 – come out to the InFocus Photo opening party! And come back again on Friday night for the portfolio reviews. Here is more info about both of these awesome events:
InFocus Opening Reception:
Thursday, February 9, 2017
6 – 9 pm
The Front Gallery
12323 – 104th Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta
Curator Talk & InFocus Photo People’s Choice Award presentation – 7pm
InFocus Portfolio Reviews:
Portfolio Review Date:
Friday, February 10, 2017
6:30-9:30 PM
Registration: $40+GST
Students. Enthusiasts. Amateurs. Professionals. ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS WELCOME!
We have a rock star line-up of reviewers ready to bestow their wealth of knowledge and experience to all portfolio review participants.
Reviewers include: Larry Louie, Curtis Trent, Akemi Matsubuchi, and yours truly, Alexis Marie Chute.
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 6 SPOTS LEFT! REGISTER NOW!
Here is more info about InFocus:
MISSION: To promote and exhibit innovative, thoughtful, and provocative photography created by CANADIAN contemporary image makers.
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 is one of the major photographic surveys of Canadian-made imagery.
InFocus presents the current cultural climate in photography within our nation.
Here is the line-up of InFocus 2017 Photographers:
Hedy Bach
Wes Bell
Lauren Dary
Al Dixon
Gerry Dotto
Emogene
Greg Gerla
Andy Greening
Laura Grier
Aidan Guerra
Chan Hawkins
Joshua Jensen
Candace Makowichuk
Ann Mansolino
Drew May
Deborah Naoum
Rob Pohl
Marko Radovanovic
JT Rehill
Steve Ricketts
Murray Sugden
Anne Tapler White
Vanessa Tignanelli
Curtis Trent
Kevin Tuong
Henry VanderSpek
Peter Young
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.
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.
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
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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!
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
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
InFocus Edmonton Musical Collaboration with Mohsin Zaman
InFocus Edmonton is only four days away! The group photography exhibit will be an amazing presentation of the creativity and vision of Edmonton and area photographers and artists.
I am excited to announce that Mohsin Zaman will be playing his music at our opening reception Saturday night, February 21st. I love supporting local musicians. I believe collaboration across artistic disciplines benefits us all. Plus, I’m really excited to listen to some awesome music while looking at great art. Sounds like a perfect night.
Please join us!
Get to know Mohsin Zaman:
From the bustling streets of Dubai to the wintry turf of Edmonton, Mohsin Zaman is old hand at being a newcomer. With a voice haunted by heartbreak, curiosity and ever-bearing hope, he sings, writes, and performs with a wealth of skill and spirit far beyond his years. His album Waking Up charts his ambitious journey from the Middle East to Canada, narrating the romance, joy and nostalgia he witnessed through passing frames. Mohsin Zaman is a cherished performer and musician in the Edmonton Music scene; he bears a soul power and honesty that propels his audience into new space, changes the atmosphere of a room with a sole song, and inspires any and everyone in his path.
Preview his music on SoundCloud or check out Mohsin on Facebook.
Details of InFocus Edmonton:
Location:
Drawing Room, Annex Building,
Harcourt House Artist Run Centre
10211-112 Street, Edmonton, AB, CAN
Exhibit Hours:
Saturday, February 21, 2015, 10:00am – 10:00pm
Sunday, February 22, 2015, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Events:
Curator Talk – Saturday, February 21, 6:30pm
Opening Reception – Saturday, February 21, 7:00pm
Please click here to learn more about InFocus Edmonton and to RSVP to the opening.
Also, connect with InFocus on Twitter and also on Facebook.
We look forward to seeing you at InFocus!