Local Photographers Should Get Into Focus

Amateurs invited to compete in the borough competition- photoWANDSWORTH09

Now in its twentieth year the competition is open to all amateur photographers who live, work and study in the borough - from school children to nearly-professionals.

The winners, who will be judged by a panel of experts, will share cash prizes totalling £1,150.

Entry forms will be available from Thursday, 14 May and the deadline for submissions is Wednesday, 7 September - leaving a whole summer to get that perfect shot.

Renowned British artist, photographer and curator Richard Wentworth, is supporting the competition and will give a presentation about his own work at 6.30pm on Thursday, 14 May at the Stables, Ram Brewery, Ram Street.

Richard comments: "Everybody in the street sees things, even people who say they can’t see. That’s the wonder of imagination and curiosity. photoWANDSWORTH09 is a wonderful chance for different members of the Seeing Tribe to see what they share, and don’t. Let’s celebrate, it’s a city!"

Richard’s long term photographic project Making Do and Getting By has documented the regeneration of the Kings Cross area in North London. His fascination with the bizarre coincidences of urban life makes us look afresh at cityspace and the humanity it contains.

The event at the Ram Brewery, will be a chance to see examples of his work, learn about his practice, get inspired and pick up an entry form.

photoWANDSWORTH09 is split into three sections:

* The main category is called ‘Open’ where pictures on any subject will be considered as long as they are taken in Wandsworth. Judges will be looking for high quality art work which is technically proficient with a level of experimentation and competence.

* This year’s ‘Snapshot’ section has been themed ‘The Funny Side of Life’ - where entries have a chance to make the judging panel giggle. It could be a snap of something on the street that puts a smile on your face, or you might want to try to create a composed shot.

* A new section called ‘Collective’ is presented this year in partnership with Wandsworth Family Learning. This new category requires groups of pictures from groups of people and has the theme of ‘My Life, My World’.

Schools, youth clubs, photography clubs and any other kind of community group are invited to submit entries into the ‘Collective’ section. Submissions can be like small exhibitions in their own right - clusters of images, or one image created from several in a collage effect.

PhotoFusion, Snappy Snaps and Time and Leisure are sponsoring the competition and cash prizes are available for the winner of each category.

In addition, Photofusion will offer professional development opportunities to the winner of ‘Open’, and Snappy Snaps will create a personalised reproduction of the winning ‘Snapshot’ entry.

A new young persons prize of £100 will be awarded for the best entry into ‘Open’ taken by someone of 25 years and under.

March 27, 2009

Local Photographers Should Get Into Focus

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