Logo by Lynne Venart; photo by Angela Kleis.
Can it really be a full twelve months since we started accepting submissions for the previous iteration of Exposed? Goodness, how time flies. The show earlier this year was a spectacular celebration of photography and of five years of DCist Exposed. The wait at the Long View Gallery’s door was eminently tolerable now that we’ve evolved to have two opening nights, and the gallery itself was a lot less crowded, affording a much better look at the artwork. In short, it was a great success and we’re looking forward to good times again this year.
If you’re new to this whole shindig, here’s the deal: You (yes you, with the cameraphone, the point & shoot, or the Canon 1D Mark II) have about one month to submit three of your best photos of Washington, D.C. Show us the city through the eyes of folks who live here — we’ll pick the best from the lot and feature them in the annual exhibition. Read the rules below for all the details.
Once again, we return to the same, gorgeous space and our wonderful hosts at Long View Gallery. The gallery has around 5,000 square feet in which you can enjoy browsing the photos selected from among our very talented contributors. Heather, Samer and James will be on hand both opening nights to help you buy the work that takes your fancy, and for those budding collectors among you who want to learn more, we’ll be announcing an Emerge panel discussion with the inimitable Philippa Hughes one evening during the show.
The opening nights will take place on Wednesday, March 21 and Thursday, March 22, and the show will run through Sunday, April 1. We’ll let you know more about tickets to the opening soon, and we’re working on some collaborations to make this year’s receptions quite special. As “they” say, “watch this space.” Also, you can watch our Twitter space or our Facebook page.
As always, though, the search for forty or so great photographs to include in our show starts with your submissions. Don’t dawdle: your deadline is 11:59pm on Wednesday, January 11, 2012!
DCist Exposed Photography Show Rules
- Please fill out our quick application form and then follow the prompt to PayPal to submit your $10 application fee. We need your info so we can match your Flickr user name to your entry fee, and so we can contact you if you win. We won’t distribute your information, but we may send you email pertaining to the show.
- Join the DCist Exposed 2012 Flickr group. Your submissions are limited to three photos. Photos from film are fine, but you’ll have to scan them in — Flickr is the only vehicle we’re using to judge entries. If you don’t have a Flickr account, please create one today, as they may limit your posting to groups for several days to a week. The pool will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, January 11, 2012.
- Remember that this is DCist, so we do ask that you live and take your photos in the general geographical area. Almost anything you’ve seen in Photo of the Day would be appropriate. You can see last year’s winners for inspiration, but don’t send in copycat pictures. People always ask about time frames and rules about photoshopping, etc., and we’ll just answer thus: be reasonable. If your photo is obviously ten years old, it’s unlikely we’ll choose it; if it’s obviously photoshopped to some place outside of reality (i.e. text, extreme filters, gratuitous use of HDR, etc.), it’s very unlikely we’ll choose it.
- If your photo is chosen for the show, we’ll require standardization from everyone. You will have to get it printed as an 8×10 (or a similar size if it’s irregular — 10×10, etc.) and matted and framed according to our set standards:
– Black metal moulding 16×20 frame (no larger) with regular glass
– White acid free mat
– White acid free foam core backing - We know some of you have never had your work professionally framed before, but we want your work to look its best, so no homemade jobs unless you’ve got some experience doing this.
- Most framing stores can charge a significant amount and take quite a bit of time to frame your work. Most Exposed winners have used Apex Glass & Moulding because they know our specs and do their framing significantly faster and cheaper than any other store. We can also arrange a special deal for framing with Long View Gallery if requested.
- We know that some of you have never sold your work before. Our experience is that the DCist community can assist each other with this process when it comes to pricing and other issues, both here and on the Flickr discussion board. We’re always here to answer questions or give advice, as well.
- We will announce the winners on DCist on January 25. Some photographers may have more than one image selected. If you haven’t responded to us by January 29, we will select another winner. (If you know you’ll be out of town that week, just let us know beforehand.)
- You’ll have just over six weeks to print, mat and frame your photograph. During the week before the opening reception, you’ll deliver your photograph for hanging in the show.
- To help us pay for the event, DCist keeps 30 percent of all sales from the exhibit.
- Bring your family and friends to the opening receptions at Long View Gallery to celebrate our awesome contributors, spy on gallery-goers as they gush over your work, and maybe buy a photo yourself! The show will run for just one and a half weeks, so you’ll want to encourage everyone you know to come check it out!
