Danella Photographic

These are the results from the judging of the Bagg’s Square Festival of the Arts Photo Show. The judging was completed on April 19th, 2007 by Keith Sandman and the winners were announced April 20th at a reception at the Utica Monday Night Gallery located at 106 Genesee Street in Utica.

Gallery Hours are:  Thursday and Friday - 11AM to 5PM • Saturdays -  Noon to 5PM

Special Gallery Hours -  Saturday May 5th Only - Noon to Midnight

Special thanks to Keith Sandman for judging and providing his comments, and to Peter Michel who worked tirelessly to make this photo show a reality.

Keith Sandman, of Utica, is a Professor of Photography at Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute School of Art. He holds an MFA in Painting from the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University; an MA in Painting from Chelsea School of Art, London, England; a BA in Fine Art from Central School of Art and Design, London, England, and a Bachelors in Engineering from Liverpool University in Liverpool, England.

Sandman’s works are in selected public and private collections at Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute Museum of Art, Utica; Leicestershire County Education Committee Collection, England and Ebury Gallery, London, England.

Following each photograph are Keith Sandman’s comments.

First Place • Claudette Ferrone • ” Trust Your Feelings ”

This photograph represents the entire spirit of Central New York. There are constant fund raising and awareness raising events that occur within in our community and the surrounding towns and villages. The expression on the child’s face ( far left ) draws the viewer into the photograph. The diagonal lines then point the viewer to the adult as he interacts with the other child.

Second Place • Deborah Otis • ” Winter’s Light ”

The photographer captured a moment when the light “blinked.” This magical light was momentary and fleeting. It allowed the winter scene to portray the snow of Central NY in a colorful array of muted colors. The captivating colors of this image are strengthened by its excellent composition.

Third Place • L the Shadowman • ” Catch ”

Here the photographer utilized an unusual angle to create the image. The resulting photo presents a usual scene in an unusual way. The photographer approached this topic in a considered manner. He needed to work at the physical situation to transform it into a special image.

Honorable Mention • Bob Simbari • ” Prospect Falls ”

This photograph is both atmospheric and emotive. It serves as a catalyst for an emotional reaction from the viewer. Here is a depiction of Winter’s stark beauty that blends with the fluid movement of the dark water.

Honorable Mention • Jan Coffin • ” Ilion Marina Anglers ”

Once again, the community spirit and fortitude of Central NY is embodied in this image. The print has a definite Kodachrome quality to it. The lone individual turning his head toward the photographer draws the viewer into the image and the activity.

Honorable Mention • Tim Fahey • ” Varick Street # 5 ”

The print quality of this carefully printed black and white image and the composition work together to create the photograph’s overall beautiful presentation. The light and the relections in the wet road combine to contribute to the liveliness of the scene.

Honorable Mention • Jodi Bates • ” One Minus One ”

This image is a thoughtful, personal statement. The haunting portrait is framed against a Victorian background. The image is fresh. It is a combination of the present and the past.

Your comments are invited and encouraged. Use the comment box below.

” Why didn’t my work get accepted at the KAC Show ? “

This is a popular question lately, and, while there is no absolute answer, there certainly are some reasons why a photographer’s work may not get accepted for exhibition.

Following is a partial list. Everyone’s comments are welcome. Please post your opinion. We need to establish a dialogue.

Reason 1

POOR TECHNICAL EXECUTION

The photograph is unintentionally out of focus, blurry, or poorly exposed. The operative word here is unintentionally - an accomplished photographer may present an out of focus, blurry, poorly exposed photograph. Actually, an accomplished photographer will often break the rules to his/her advantage. A photographer should only break traditional technical rules of quality after the rules of conventional photography are thoroughly understood.

Reason 2

SUBSTANDARD PRINT QUALITY

Even before the popularity of personal photographic printers, print quality was a major presentation issue. Now with ink jet, dye sublimation and other forms of personal printer technology available, photographers have many more options for presenting terrible prints of dynamic photographs. The print is the vehicle that takes the image to the show. Don’t submit prints that aren’t as perfect as they can be. Colors should be normal and neutral. Prints with raster lines ( stripes in the print ) should never be exhibited - unless they are part of the overall artistic intent. Prints should be free of mechanical defects such as bubbles, scratches and folds. Make a great print of your image ! And, while we’re on the topic, mats should be clean and cleanly cut so that they enhance the quality of the photograph.

Reason 3

THE SUBJECT IS TOO SPECIFIC TO YOUR LIFE

So it’s a great photo of your grandson or a rare photo of a purple breasted rock hawk. When your photo is hanging on the wall by itself, it needs to stand on its own merit and speak to a wide audience. It can’t be a photo of your baby. It needs to be a photo of your baby that metaphorically reminds every viewer of their baby, neice, nephew, grandbaby, or themselves when they were a baby. Photographs of rare animals, that only you know are rare, rarely get accepted. If the photograph needs an explanation by you - leave it home.

Reason 4

THE JUDGE DOESN’T LIKE IT

Plain and simple - some judges like people and some don’t. Some judges like black and white photos while some like color photos. Some like waterfalls and some like tool boxes covered in rust. The judge’s decision is subjective and based on his/her opinion of what is good. Don’t take it personally. As long as you like the photo, and it isn’t handicapped by obvious flaws as mentioned above, then it’s worth entering.

Reason 5

TOO EDGY (NOT EDGY ENOUGH) FOR THE VENUE

Sponsors and venues develop reputations as show sites for experimental or conservative photography. This preference can be compounded by the judge’s particular taste, but the judge is chosen by the gallery or sponsor so usually there is not a contradiction of viewpoint.

Comments are requested - Voice your opinion.