Road Trip!
Juror: Douglas Beasley
|
Juror's Choice: Joy of the Open Road by Edward Lilley |
A road trip is synonymous with nostalgia; they are opportunities for memorable moments of exploration and experience. The best road trips are the ones that offer us indelible experiences - experiences touching the things and people that we barely get to know and may never see again, but which leave lifelong impressions.
| Exhibit Calendar (Subject to Change) | |
| Exhibit Opens: | 16 August 11 |
| Artists' Reception: | 19 August 11 11:58 |
| Exhibit Closes: | 9 September 11 |
 Road Trip!Exhibit Catalog now available at PrestoPhoto | |
Where have you been? What and whom did you see? How did you see them? Whether it was from a convertible or a bicycle, on trailer or train, boat, parachute or via your own two feet, you’ve captured the essence of the freedoms and inspirations we feel being ‘on the road’. Show us the photographic moments you’ve captured that will inspire our next trip.
| JoyOfTheOpenRoad Juror's Choice 
| To The Stars People's Choice 
| Untitled (Bus Culture of Central America series)
|
Peruvian Highway
| Tanzenia Tail Dragger
| Greta Goes Home
|
African Ambulance
| Leaving
| Road to Where?
|
Abandoned Six Flags
| Thanks for Letting Me Know
| "Ferris Wheel"
|
"Welcome to Hochheim"
| "Right of Way"
| Vermont Windshield Sunset
|
Lamplighter Inn
| Hotel Room, White River Junction
| Desserts
|
Walkway to Beach
| Speed
| Lost Road
|
Blurred Drive
| Ring of Kerry - Ireland
| Guilin, China
|
Miami Beach
| Reflecting Pool, Washington, DC
| Colosseum, Rome
|
Pemaquid Point Light at Night
| Destination Arctic Circle, Alaska
| Morning Fog, Keoladeo, India
|
Girl And Her Kick Ass Car
| Cafe
| Along US 50 in Nevada.
|
Girl in a Green Dress
| At the Hana Cross
| Sunset Tucumcari
|
No Traffic
| Cars do not live here
| Motel, California
|
Motel, Kentucky
| Motel, Nevada, no. 2
| Abandoned Gas Station
|
Citgo
| Restaurant
| Road Trip to Immesity II
|
Juror: Douglas Beasley
Our Juror for “Road Trip” is Douglas Beasley, Photographer and Educator. He has taught at the University of Hawaii, Carleton College, University of Minnesota, and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. As Founder and Director of Vision Quest Photo Workshops (www.vqphoto.com), Doug is offering his insights, emphasizing personal expression and creative vision, from New Mexico to Peru, China to Africa.
Doug photographs a variety of fine-art based commercial and editorial assignments internationally – check out his client list at douglasbeasley.com. He is represented by galleries from Hollywood to Italy, and is the recipient of numerous fellowships, grants, and awards. His first book, “Japan; A Nisei’s First Encounter,” shows us his journey to his mother’s homeland. His second book "Earth Meets Spirit" will be out in the Fall of 2011 (Five Continents Editions, Milan, Italy).
The Road Trip is the most classic of photo themes and one that got many of us started down the path of making photography a serious part of our lives. The very thought of imparting on a road trip is the start of the journey, which is both internal as well as external. A road trip can be as much spiritual journey as it is physical journey.
In judging photos, I am looking for photos that speak to me, that have something to say. This is completely subjective and it is important to realize it is only my opinion and not fact. It does not mean one photo is better than another. But it is an informed and educated opinion. Yet still opinion, not fact.
I do try and recognize excellence in styles that are not my own or even in styles I am not fond of. It is important to try and take in the breadth of photographic artistry rather then just those images I personally relate to.
After the initial emotional impact some of the things I take into consideration are: Technical proficiency, matting and framing, is the print size optimum for the image, print quality and if the image suffers from excessive or crude digital manipulation.
I look for photographs that have a sense of mystery, a deeper meaning or even layers of meaning. The composition must be strong and purposeful, not haphazard. The photographer should have an awareness of the whole frame not just subject and background. The intention or ‘voice’ of the photographer should come through. I look for a strong and personal point of view rather than a ‘me too-I can shoot like that’ visual attitude. I want to feel the photographer had a personal connection on some level to their chosen subject rather than finding a random pretty or interesting scene. I would rather see photos with a fresh perspective or an authentic voice than the same tired subjects redone. I would rather the photographer look deeper within his or her self and photograph from an authentic place of connection to the subject rather than copying past photo contest winners-which is a little like coloring inside the lines when you were a kid because you knew you might get praise. I would rather see a photograph that erases the lines altogether.
A compelling image may ask more questions than it answers. A good photo leaves room for mystery and interpretation and is more like a poem than a novel. The novel tells you everything in exacting detail but the poem hints at the story in the simplest possible way, removing all that is not essential to get to an essence, leaving room for mystery and interpretation. To me the best photographs show not only what the photographer saw but what and how they felt. This way of interpreting your subject is much harder to do but well worth exploring…
-Douglas Beasley
