I know nothing better then to photograph what is close to home. My neighborhood, my commute to and from work, my hometown New York City and its boroughs. In strangers on the street I recognize a piece of myself within. Of course my friends, and last, but not least, my family. For me, there is nothing better then to document, hopefully with emotion, a connection, to the things I know. In this, is the mystery of “the other”, knowing that which is close, is also knowing knowing what else it can be.
I guess I am writing this as a response to my work being rejected from the Lens Culture “Street Photography Awards 2015″. I don’t make photographs to impress or to show off some technical prowess of style or command of the medium. I look forward to seeing their choices, their definition of “winner”.
Hi Keith! Some get a reward, some photographers make outstanding pictures. Well, I love your pictures. They are outstanding streetphotographs.
I appreciate that Olivier! Coming from you, that means a lot!
For what it’s worth, I find your work arresting and inspiring, I certainly share your thoughts on photographing what is familiar to you with a sensitive eye.
Thank you Peter!
What in the heck are they looking for?! Your photos are fantastic, Keith, and always spark some emotion or response (maybe too many?) from me. Keep on; I look forward to your photos every day.
Thanks Lois. I appreciate that.
What gets me in the end is the amount of money these things charge for one to enter a small group of images. Someone is making money and it sure isn’t me. I understand that sometimes the “judges” want to be paid for their time, but what happened to the love of photography? Years ago I was a judge for a couple of things. They paid my transportation for train fare and lunch. That was plenty! This thing had thousands of entries at $60, if I remember correctly. One always hopes that something will happen. A push in the right direction towards a gallery, etc. I don’t think it’s like that anymore. I know one person who has won a couple of these. He’s young. He got the recognition, but I don’t think his work is as strong as it once was. I’d rather have the pleasure of dialogue, mutual respect, such as meeting someone like you through our work, then winning any contest. Recognition comes in many forms. Without our blogs, we never would have had the chance, like others here as well, of dialogue and seeing each others work.
Amen! I went through the same thing last year. The fees are outrageous. Then my photos were rejected. Well I didn’t cry over split milk. Inside I know I did the best I could. BTW I love your photos.
I appreciate you following my blog Deborah. I am very picky of these “contests” I enter. I don’t like throwing my money down the toilet. Like I said above, being here, meeting people who share their ideas and work, are supportive, mean more than anything! Thank you!
I don’t compete much with my art; even less with my street photography. One of the reasons is because it typically costs too much money to enter most of these so called “top level” lotteries (that’s more like what they are) of which the odds are stacked against you. Even of those shooters who “win”, the wins don’t seem to really promote the photographers who are trying to make a name for themselves or sustain the recognition they’ve already achieved. No one really cares.
I also rarely compete because I shoot with the same sentiments as why you shoot NYC. This ideal and vision goes right to the heart of my last comment on your preceding post. That’s why, regardless of what the judges say, I love your work. I enjoy coming here to see what you produce.
You are one of a number of recognized and unrecognized street photographers that I watch carefully. Yes, it makes me happy as an artist and, specifically, fellow street photographer to hear when one of us makes a “win” in the popular setting but for the most part, I just like to see when one of us creates. I show up to see what each of us has produced, and soak in how the work impacts me mentally, socially and even morally.
You’re a winner to me, and if it’s worth just the fun in the opportunity to you, you can try again next year.
Hey Allan, I really appreciate what you wrote here. I too always go see what you have created as well. Cheers!
This one’s a winner for me! Enjoy all your photos. Keep up the good work!
Thanks so much Melissa! I appreciate this!
I honestly think the “market” is ridiculous and far away from art and passion and empathy …. I love your photos, and they were one of the reasons, why I simply had to spend some days in New York. Thank you so much for that.
Thank YOU so much! So very appreciate it!
So, I just found these comments. 2015 you weren’t a winner, 2017 you’re still doing fine. Perhaps it wasn’t you… just sayin 😀.
Thanks Ted!