More SynchroSwim Hot Shots + Fotoweek DC 2009 and Other DC Shot List News

Photo and article by Betsy Spruill Clarke.

Happy Monday! I'm back from vacation and it seems that there is much news to report on the Photo front for DC...

MORE PHOTOS FROM MORE PHOTOGRAPHERS AT WPA'S SYNCHROSWIM

As you saw, last week, Adam and I had a blast at Washington Project for the Art's Synchro Swim event at Capitol Skyline Hotel.  Many other photographers around town also had fun and I wanted to include their links to check out:

*  Max Cook http://www.flickr.com/photos/maxedaperture/sets/72157621607536125/ 

*  Meaghan Gay http://dcist.com/2009/07/click_click_synchronized_swimming_a.php?gallery0Pic=10

*  Also spotted was Pulitzer prize winning photographer, Lucian Perkins!

FOTOWEEK DC 2009 UPDATES

Fotoweek DC 2009 Awards - Did you get your entry in by yesterday for the 20% off discount?  Well, if you missed it, you missed saving money...but that's all...you haven't missed the official deadline, so don't give up!  Submit today.  Deadline is September 20th! Highlights of this year's competition include:

• Open to all photographers around the world
• Accepting single images, series projects, social documentary and multimedia work
• $21,500 in cash prizes including $5,000 for the Podesta Prize "Spirit of Washington"
• 12 entry categories including Social Documentary & New Media
• Distinguished Panel of Judges
• Awards Ceremony at National Geographic Society Nov 5, 2009
• Winning photos exhibited at FotoWeek DC Festival Nov 7-14, 2009
• FotoWeek DC limited edition book published in 2010 with winning photos

Fotoweek DC 2009 Youth Photo Contest

Know any young up-and-coming hot shots that deserve a little recognition?  FotoWeek DC and The Washington Post want to see young photogs strut their portfolio stuff in this contest.  As part of DC's week-long biggest and best celebration of photography, November 7 - 14, young shutterbugs who participate stand a chance to win some cool prizes and have winning photos published in The Washington Post, exhibited at the FotoWeek Central Hub and at fotoweekdc's on-line gallery.

This contest is free.  Students (K through 12th grade) in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia can submit up to three photos each, now through September 27th.

And More Fotoweek Happenings that Excite DC Shot List

In addition to Fotoweek DC's 2009 better-than-ever contests, they also list some other can't miss opportunities surrounding the week that DC's photophiliacs now look forward to including:

• Portfolio Reviews - With partners, American Society of Picture Professionals and the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Fotoweek DC will be hosting portfolio reviews by 20 nationally acclaimed photo professionals at the Corcoran...
• Cameras For Kids - In partnership with Critical Exposure and Martin Luther King Elementary School, a fall photography instruction/mentoring/guest lecture program is in the works...
• and NightGallery Projections - large scale outdoor photographic projections are planned for some of the city's most prestigious institutions and museums.

DC SHOT LIST NEWS

Thank you to all who have volunteered to contribute to DC Shot List.  I promise that if I haven't responded to you, I will.  It is for many worthy causes including photography karma as well as promoting DC as THE premier city of the best photography, to name a few.  If you are interested in contributing (reporting on the best in photographic happenings and peeps around DC in both word and image) please contact Betsy Spruill Clarke foto.maven@gmail.com.  I will get to you, especially with Fotoweek DC around the corner!

Also, if you haven't caught up with the group on Flickr, please do!  Join us... http://www.flickr.com/groups/dcshotlist/ so we can tout your photos!

July 4th, 2009:  DC Shot List's Picks for

the Unique, Interesting or Unusual July Fourth Shots

July 4th, 2009, photograph by John Ulasek.

Almost two weeks ago, DC Shot List put out a call to readers for photos of the unique, unusual or interesting persuasion.  We received some fantastic ones back and thank you for that.  The following is a mini gallery of the best pulls from the overall response.

Check out the talent!  The explanations for DC Shot List selecting them are below each picture.  Oh, and if you see anything you like, just click on their name to see their website!

John Ulasek

Because of course there will be fireworks on Independence Day!  And you see John's work featured at the beginning of this gallery, too. (Do we also spot Christopher Chen taking a shot at the viewer in that photo, by the way?) 
The Shot List couldn't make a decision between the two.  Both have Ulasek's "in-the-moment-of-the-moment" feel.

Rob Fredley

Another bottle rocket shot, but from the eye of Rob Fredley. 
This is a fantastic shot because it is the quintessential final moment of a seemingly quiet and serene scene.

Amanda McLean

Yes, yes, yes, we have seen fireworks photography...but there is something about this one in particular...a high fStop resulting in crisp focus in fore and back grounds? Or could it be the color and the detail of the memorial?  Or the color mixed with the boats?  Something very bewitching about this...

Meaghan Gay





Hesitant to break them up, DC Shot List wants to show you all three with the favorite being the first one.  There is something to be said about a fleeting moment of absolute bliss.  The big deal to adults is the three day weekend...but the big deal to kids is so much more...conquering the deep end of swimming pools, getting to eat as many chips as you want with your hot dogs, swinging as high as you can go, with Mom or Dad giving you a boost...and all of this with no worry to this young lady as to how she will get the Murphy Project finished in time for Monday morning's huddle up meeting.

Katie Harbarth

Sometimes it's not the viewpoint that makes it creative, but how the actual photo flows upon itself.  In this case, Katie has put together a concept that seems to invite the eye to stay in perpetual motion with the shot.

Jon Haber

For this Fourth of July Weekend, Jon went to the Capital and took shots of the dome.  Jon is very skilled putting together photomontages, digitally, as well as digital painting - a creative use of filters.  If you look closely at this picture, you will notice several interesting things.  Not every window, moulding, etc is the same.

M. Adam Clarke

Remember the firefly shot from last week?  (If not, it is featured below) Well, this was shot by Betsy's husband, M. Adam Clarke, as she was making that shot.  This is interesting, in particular, because of the comparison a viewer can make on the light exposure needs for the goal of the image.  Plus, the composition is very Arnold Newman.  That makes DC Shot List smile.

Fourth of July Fireflies, 2009, Betsy Spruill Clarke

from the desk of Jenny Walton, DC Advocates for the Arts

The DC Advocates for the Arts are looking to showcase individual artists of all disciplines (visual, dance, theatre, music, literary) and Arts Organizations in Washington, DC. If you are interested in being featured, please send an image of your work, a paragraph about the work, and your website link.

The photo can be a logo or a piece of your work or even a photo of you. We would recommend putting what showcases you the best for both photo and paragraph. We will need them by July 16th . if you prefer, you can also send them directly to dcadvocatesforthearts@gmail.com. Just let Rob know that Jenny sent you :)

Also, if you know of an artist living in Washington, DC - please forward!

The Advocates will be putting it on the bottom of the website in a rotating order of individuals and organizations.


Thanks.

Jenny

About DC Advocates for the Arts
Founded in 2002 by Jill Strachan and Lionell Thomas, The DC Advocates for the Arts are an all-volunteer organization working to increase support for Arts in the District through interaction with Arts leaders and policy-makers. We are organized by a steering committee.

Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail

DC SHOT LIST'S FIRST PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Remember when we kept asking you to send us your Flickr link?  Well, here's why...DC Shot List wants to start doing a Photo of the Week, pulling from a group we created.  The first photo of the week is by Jon Haber, entitled Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail.

Here is what he says about his shot:  "Noticed this while walking along a canal in Amsterdam. Ironic considering my job in 'preparedness planning'."

YOUR THOUGHTS, PLEASE.

We encourage constructive criticism...What do you like?  What would you do differently?  So, please share your thoughts with us and Jon.

JON, THANK YOU FOR SUBMITTING YOUR PHOTO!

ABOUT JON HABER
2009 has been a good year for Jon, having work on display at the Kentlands Mansion as well as Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg, MD.  His love of photography started with his first camera, a Kodak Instamatic (complete with flash cube). Self-taught in both the technical and artistic aspects of photography, Jon spent his early years immersed in the world of film, and he's now creating photography and art entirely digitally.  
For more information - http://www.jbhaber.com/index.htm
Flickr Page - http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbhaber/

ABOUT DC SHOT LIST'S PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Want to submit for the Photo of the Week?  Go to http://www.flickr.com/groups/dcshotlist/ and check it out.  Send us your flickr page, too, Mister!

Rockstar Photographer

Article and above photo by Betsy Spruill Clarke. 
Second image of Erika by Michael Domingo. 
All other photography by Erika Horn...cause that's who the article is about, Silly!

This year, I was asked by Heart of America Foundation to put together a team of photographers to handle the paparazzi wall for Sweet Charity.  I was already planning on attending on behalf of DC Modern Luxury, so I was really stoked to get involved and called 4 pro-togs that I knew would really enjoy hamming it up for the evening, both at the door and along-side the catwalk.

I met Erika Horn, Founder/Photographer of Cozmik Photography, at Dahlak for the "I'm With the Band" opening.  She introduced me to a tool that I consider to be just as valuable as my lens...my Fong (flash diffuser).

"I love the details
that most people miss."

When she's not shooting, this kick-ass hot shot tends bar...DC's best female bartender, 2009, as a matter of fact!

Anyway, I knew she would be a perfect fit for getting everyone in red carpet mode!  In retrospect, she was running the show with a quiet confidence and a not-so-quiet big heart.  Erika also found the money spot, next to the catwalk, which--like a smart shooter--I followed right away!

Erika is truly a DC hot shot and most definitely someone to know, whether you're a photographer or have a love for photography.

As a photographer, it's hard to pinpoint your favorite shot from an event and understandably so.  I asked her to share with me her favorite from her Sweet Charity collection and she sent me the above, "The shot Sweet 392 - I love details that most people miss."

"I feed off the inspiration I get from the musicians' energy & music."

As stated before, she specializes in music photography, which--in this event photographer's opinion--makes you one hell of an event photographer.  She works mostly with local bands and their live performances and CD release parties.  Her most recent shoots include Oddzar, as the official documentary photographer,  The Flaming Lips at the Green Apple Festival, and even Disco Biscuits at the 9:30 Club with John Lee guest starring.

As it often goes, sometimes it is easy to fall in a rut, as a photographer, and just photograph the same thing, over and over, especially with concert photography.  Erika's method to keeping things fresh, "I feed off the inspiration I get from the musicians' energy & music."

And even though she's romantically linked to local rocker John Lee, it's her reputation as a true documentarian--capturing what is real, raw and easy to miss--that serves as her proverbial backstage pass.

A photojournalist at heart, Erika's "pilgrammage" is Rolling Thunder, which happens every year on Memorial Day weekend. You can check out her site for details as she does post her "itinerary."  Oh, and take a look at the portfolio, too, while you're there!

www.cozmikphotography.com

Erika Horn photos featured:
1. Sweet Charity
2. Oddzar cd release show at the Recher Theater in Baltimore, Md March 27th.
3. Green Apple Festival on the Mall DC, April 19th, The Flaming Lips
4. Disco Biscuits at the 9:30 Club featuring John Lee April 20th

The Many Colors of Joshua Yospyn 

Article and Interview by Betsy Spruill Clarke.  Photography by Joshua Yospyn...NATCH!

What do flying tortoises, crushed food and fashion have in common?  Well, besides being the key elements of an insanely mad, yet couture-savvy chef's dream, they are also the lucky subjects of Joshua Yospyn's photography.  His signature recipe--vivid color and straight-forward angles, mixed with a dash of occasional conceptual cropping--pops with drama while complimenting the viewer's imagination. 

Currently exhibiting with John Ulaszek, Meahgan Gay and Steven Goldenberg in "Flaunt: Photography & Fashion Collaboration" at Anacostia's Honfleur Gallery, Josh is also a virtual resident of Heather Goss's Ten Miles Square.  And, if you regularly read the Washington Post, you can also see his photojournalist side.  

Very open to discussion on his photography experience, Josh is also laid back, yet, quick with the wit.  Through the following interview, as he shares his thoughts on exhibiting in Anacostia, color and concept, and flying tortoises, we get to see the multi-faceted side of Josh that is, much like his art, very prismatic...

DCSL:  How did the idea for FLAUNT come about?
JY:  I think a trifecta formed between Ten Miles Square, Honfleur Gallery, and Project Beltway.  Months ago they probably banged heads and came up with an idea to showcase locally made portraiture and fashion.  FLAUNT aside, I met Amy Cavanaugh with the Honfleur Gallery during FotoWeek last year and she sold me on Anacostia.  That part of town doesn't get enough attention from the D.C. arts community.  It houses fewer galleries than 14th Street, but they make up for it with temporary exhibitions and art fairs inside vacant buildings.

DCSL:  The use of color in your work is outstanding and the creative "subtraction" or cropping out of certain aspects of your images is absolutely interesting as it all seems to work together.  Can you shed some light on how you develop your concepts?
JY:  Thank you!  What's a concept?  But seriously, I'm a minimalist.  I keep it simple and do my homework.  When I shoot models in remote cities, I'll get there hours ahead of time and drive around looking at the sides of buildings.  Or locally, I'll spend hours taping origami paper to the wall.  Or I'll spend half a weekend and rearrange my house to paint pieces of plywood.  When I'm done I'll say, "ok, I need a subject."  Then the process begins again.  Can she also bring her two cats?  Would she mind vacuuming? 

Are those blue eyes?  Can we also use her wiener dog?  Do you have orange lipstick?  Would you mind smoking this cigar?  Where can I get a red snapper?  It doesn't always work.  But I keep trying new ideas and moving through the process.


DCSL:  Did you study photography your whole life?  How did you get into it?
JY:  I didn't discover it until a few years after college (I'm 32 now), when I dated a photographer/painter for four years.  I started shooting and got hooked.  Before I met Kristen I used an Advantix point-and-shoot.  Do they still make those things?  I got a Canon A40, shot some 35mm with her dad's F3, bought a Nikon 990, a Mamiya AF, a D100, so on and so forth.  Immediately after college I was building websites and pretty good at Flash, but my interest there waned as I found photography.


DCSL:  Is there anyone in specific who inspires you?
JY:  The painter Nuno de Campos.  He placed in the National Portrait Gallery competition a few years ago and I saw him speak during the exhibition.  His "Magnet #3" is brilliant and I began to think more anonymously.  He succeeds with a brush where I attempt with a camera.  Other heavy influences include Annie Leibovitz's DVD inspiring me to buy the Mamiya RZ67 Pro II and Richard Avedon's American West.  The digital cameras I want are ridiculously expensive, so I've returned to shooting and scanning medium format film.  And I've never been happier.

DCSL:  Flying tortoises...I love it, but where did this come from? 
JY:  The flying tortoises began in the summer of 2005 after I took a picture of a farm field in Mt. Airy, Virginia.  It's this empty field with hay bales and a red barn in the background.  It bored me and I thought about adding something in the foreground.  So I stitched helicopter blades on a helmeted tortoise and their invasion began.  In general I avoid shooting landscapes because there's not enough subject matter to grab my interest.  But if I add some turtles...  One day I'd like to a make a children's book with them.  My sister is an editor and a mother, so I'd like to make it a family project.

"Fascinated by what one cannot see, he captures faces and poses with something always crucial missing from the frame, whether it is something physical or an emotional connection between viewer and subject. Vibrant colors create impact, but as an empty messenger of what should really be there."
--Ten Miles Square 

DCSL:  Looking forward to it as I know a niece and nephew or two that would absolutely love a book like that.  What was your inspiration behind the crushed food - which is BAD ASS!!!
JY:  The crushed food was the first project I ever did with a ringflash.  My original intention was to take close-ups of a grapefruit.  It wasn't working.  Grapefruit is a very reflective and glossy surface, plus its rind wall is white.  The entire image was blown out and I wasn't getting any detail.  So I gave up, crushed it, took a picture, and drank the juice.  Julia Childs said, "The grand thing about cooking is you can eat your mistakes."  In this case I photographed my mistakes.

DCSL:  Okay, now I'm craving French food.  In addition to artist, you are also a photojournalist.  Are there other areas of photography that you work in?
JY:  I'm one of those nerds who has a 200mm macro lens on a tripod and will sit for 30 minutes in front of a flower, waiting for the wind to calm.  I get excited about dogwoods blooming, magnolia trees, lotus blossoms, asparagus beetles, ladybugs on queen anne's lace, etc. 

Much of my color influence comes from this type of work.  You can't beat nature's palette.

Photography by Joshua Yospyn, listed from top to bottom:  "Guardian Angels 38," (self portrait); "Sara 30;" and "Malinda 31."

DC Shot List's Hot Shot Spotlight on Claire Bouleau

Article and photos by Betsy Spruill Clarke.

If you still haven't been to Claire Bouleau's Photo Graffiti exhibit at Zone Zero Gallery...why?  What are you doing?  Considering that it ends on April 30th, you should probably get crackin'.  That is, if you want to see some really beautiful works of color and moment infusions.

At first, I thought--considering the photo used to market the show--that these were going to be compilations of urban artwork images.  Of course, I was wrong.

While the exhibit is appropriately called "Photo Graffiti," it isn't about spray-paint street murals.  Graffiti, at least by my definition, is artwork--most commonly with a paint-source medium--that permanently changes the appearance of a landscape--often an urban structure.  In this particular case, Claire Bouleau combines camera, light, color, frame, and timing to permanently change the way the viewer would typically see the landscape or setting that she has captured.

The following is the DC Shot List interview with Claire Bouleau...

DCSL:  What was your inspiration behind Photo Graffiti?  How did the concept come into focus for you?
CB:  Some do photography in-studio, or settings that are well prepared and defined.. I  consider myself more of a spontaneous, visual poet, combining reality with imagination. I love to explore the unexpected in the mundane, find beauty where one would not expect it. My camera is my eye, is my mood in the moment. It is both intimate and fragile. Just like with actual Graffiti, I use my camera in open public space, and my response to particular places forms color compositions--photo paintings of emotions--distinguishing my personal world.

DCSL: How would you describe your niche?
CB: Are you talking about my photo work?  If so.. I would not necessarily describe it as a niche. It's more a way of seeing the world in a painterly way. Mood Impressions. I enjoy the ability of playing with some emotional landscape, being surprised, capturing the rumors of colors, situations, shapes, sometimes in a semi-abstract way. I rather prefer to suggest, leave room for imagination and guessing.

DCSL: How did you get involved with Zone Zero?
CB:  Zone Zero was created by two French photographers, Pascaline Steiner, and Jean-Louis Atlan.  More than a gallery, it is a place with a real sense of home for photography.  I like the they treat photography. Its' beautiful, sober, and homey which is a very complex combination. In that way, Zone Zero is a very unique place. I knew Jean-Louis before. He has been following my work for some time , and encouraging me. He belongs to this rare breed of photographers who like [other photographers'] work. Not only that, but he has a keen, inquisitive and generous eye. In a way, I could tell that Jean-Louis Atlan is my mentor. He has been incredibly supportive with a wonderful patience and attention to details.

Claire and owners/creators of Zone Zero gallery, Jean-Louis Atlan and Pascaline Steiner

DCSL: What drew you to DC and how long have you lived here?
CB: I moved from Paris to DC in 1993. Initially to be for just a year, I was willing to experiment life in another settings, with a new language, as a freelancer. I then became a radio and TV producer for the French media. Obviously, I decided to stay here. I enjoy DC more and more everyday, although, I love Paris--my  home city--whose beauty can move me to tears (especially at night).

DCSL: Do you do photography strictly on an art level or are there other areas where you apply it?
CB: I also do photos of artists' sculptures. For instance, I recently worked on Dalya Luttwak's show at the Katzen Center in Washington: Hidden Roots. She does stunning large scale roots. We really had a wonderful collaboration on this project. And the catalogue is great!

DCSL: Claire, your blog says you are also a journalist....do you freelance or work for a specific company?
CB: I am a freelancer. I used to work for the French National Public Radio, France Inter, using words instead of images. Then I switched on to documentaries for French TV productions.

DCSL: Can you give us a shot of future art project plans?
CB: My next photo project is about DC and it's hidden beauty.

DCSL: 

Looking forward to it, Claire!  Thanks for the chat.

Photo by Claire Bouleau. 
See more on Zone Zero's website...  http://www.zonezerophoto.com/index-slides.html?gallery=Claire%20Bouleau
Experience even more in person... 1000 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 300

With the company of a patient and supportive husband, Adam, we jumped in the car with two objectives:  the Photo-Graffiti opening at Zone Zero in Georgetown and then photography for Washington Life Magazine of Hudson's Final Four party.

Choosing the best route, Adam came up with a logistically sound idea to just take Canal Road down because the Cherry Blossom traffic will be leaving the city.  And it was a great idea, until we got to the Key Bridge intersection.  Not giving any other options, there were police directing all incoming traffic over to Virginia.  Swell.

So, after seeking out an alternate entrance (several were closed) and fighting traffic, we realized that there was only enough time to park and run into Hudson. 

I have already sent one of the co-owners of Zone Zero an apology with hopes to come down to the gallery soon.  Turns out, as he wrote back to me, it wasn't the Cherry Blossom brouhaha, but a fire.  And this was the culprit to many others being unable to attend. So, maybe there will be another opportunity to meet Claire Bouleau.  I hope so. 

If you did get a chance to go, I would love to hear--or read--your thoughts on the event and show, so please don't be shy.  If you didn't but you do plan on going soon, let me know that, too!

If you're looking for Hudson photos, no worries.  They will be up tomorrow, along with a little coverage on the event.  Until then, here's a little taste of the action...

Check back in tomorrow for some more!