Creative inspiration comes in many forms. This month was spent being inspired by other photographers rather than making work of my own. I have the privilege of directing an international photography competition, developed in collaboration with Charles and Clydette de Groot of The de Groot Foundation.
The International Fine Art Photography Program (Grand Prix de la Découverte) celebrated the culmination of the 2013 competition last week in Paris with a whirlwind of festivities—all to bring well-deserved attention to talented emerging and mid-career photographers.
The competition drew more than 5000 entries from 82 countries. A prestigious jury of six (curators, fine art photographers, and galerists) selected 44 finalists for the final exhibition at the Salon de la Photo, awards ceremony, exhibit catalog, and acceptance into the collection of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France.
The week's events attracted 56 of the finalists and Juror Award of Merit winners from around the world and included a reception at the Mona Bismarck American Center for Culture and Art hosted by The de Groot Foundation, an awards ceremony at the Salon de la Photo, and the outstanding exhibition of work (seen by more than 100,000 visitors).
The years' award-winning photographs (presented below) were diverse and original and clearly show that fine art photography is alive and well. To find out more about these images and their creators, read The Power of Exceptional Photographs.
Enjoy the work . . . and also congratulate our very own Richard Nahem for his Juror Award of Merit in the Abstract Category. This means that his photograph was selected by a jury member as one of their ten favorite for the category.
You can view all the award winners at www.internationalfineartphoto.org
Congratulations Richard . . . and to all the talented photographers who continue their creative journey with such dedication and passion. Vive la photographie!
Cityscape/Architecture-Frank Machalowski from Germany-Multiexpo #2
Landscape/Seascape/Nature-Marcin Ryczek from Poland-Man Feeding Swans in the Snow
Experimental-Julia Borissova from Russia- Running to the Edge
Street Photography/Documentary-Richard Ansett from the UK-Bather #5 from the series Bathers, Ukraine/IZOLYATSIA
Still Life-Carole Suety from the UK-Globe de Mariée
People/Portraits-Maria Garcia from Peru- No title- from The Family Ties Series
Abstract- Simona Bonanno from Italy-The Inner Invisible
Richard Nahem-Museum Eye
Abstract 1st Place Winner Simona Bonanno from Italy and Juror Award of Merit Winner Sergine Zougbédé from France at the exhibit.
Presentation of Award by Meredith to Marcin Ryczek of Poland
Meredith Mullins is a fine art photographer, photography instructor, writer for OIC Moments, and Director of the International Fine Art Photography Competition. Her work can be seen at www.meredithmullins.artspan.com or in her award-winning book, In A Paris Moment. She is also available for private photography instruction/exploration in Paris. Contact her at [email protected]earthlink.net.
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.
Tours cost 210 euros for up to 3 people, and 70 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
Meredith,
Their work is incredibly creative, a true inspiration for us all! Congratulations to all of the winners.
Great to see you for lunch, hard to believe we leave in just one more day!!
V
Posted by: Virginia | November 21, 2013 at 04:44 PM
Thanks for sharing all these creative photos, especially Richard's Museum Eye. I always enjoy your pictures through Richard's blog.
Posted by: Jean(ne) in MN | November 21, 2013 at 08:14 PM