Photographers’ Journey, an awe-inspiring photography exhibition, coordinated by Image City Partner Steve Levinson, leaves an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who visit the exhibit. Featuring the works of 43 talented photographers, selected through a rigorous jurying process, the exhibition showcases a total of 64 photographs across the following categories: Digital/Abstract/Conceptual, Travel, Landscape/Seascape, Architectural/Cityscape, Documentary/Street, Portrait, Botanical/Still Life and Wildlife.
Judges for the Exhibit include Daniel Hughes and Eric T. Kunsman. Daniel is an Image maker that specializes in post processing. He is the Undergraduate Program Director for the Photographic Sciences Program for the School of Photographic Arts and Sciences at RIT. Eric is a photographer, book artist, Assistant Professor of Visual Communications and Adjunct Professor for the School of Photographic Arts & Science at RIT. Daniel and Eric selected grand prize winning photos as well as winning photos in each category.
The Grand Prize winner whose photo is in the Digital/ Conceptual /Abstract category, is McDonald Beach Reach by John Kosboth. When viewing this category, the enigmatic compositions challenge perceptions and invite viewers to delve into the unseen depths of the mundane. Each piece in this section is a testament to the photographer’s ability to transcend traditional perspectives, proving that the ordinary can indeed become extraordinary through the lens of creativity.
There are two Runner-Up winning photographers. One of the winners is Tom Kredo. His image entitled Daydreams was chosen as the award winner in the Portrait category. The group of Portrait photos offers a compelling glimpse into the human condition, showcasing moments of joy and contemplation. The self-portraits along with the intimate, carefully composed portraits, remind viewers of the diverse tapestry of human experience.
The other Runner-Up winning photographer is Sue Rossi. Her photo, Translucent Tulips, is the award winner in the Botanical/Still Life Category. The images in this section highlight the fragility of our natural world as it is artistically demonstrated by the variety of floral compositions, as well as an old Bellows camera surrounded by a burning candle, flower and book. Each image has the ability to evoke an emotional reaction.
When viewing the Landscape/Seascape and Travel sections, observers are transported to remote corners of the earth, from the bustling Brooklyn Bridge to the serene solitude of a winter park. The contrasting textures, tonal differences and dynamic compositions not only capture the essence of each location but also encourage viewers to explore the world with renewed enthusiasm. The photographers’ ability to capture the fleeting moments of serenity amidst the chaotic forces of nature speaks volumes about their observational skills and technical prowess. The winning photo in the Landscape/Seascape category is Into the Mist by Beverly Goldschmidt.
David Kotok created One Small Voice, the winning photo in the Travel Section.
The Wildlife photos highlight the interesting behavior of birds, butterflies and elephants in their natural habitats, which serve as a reminder of the biodiversity that we are tasked to protect. The photographers created images with effective compositions and lighting, causing the subjects to come alive. The winning photo in this category is An Elephant’s Eye by Janet Cruz.
Architectural/Cityscape photography, with its focus on lines, shapes, and textures, reveals the hidden symmetries of the urban atmosphere. These selections pay homage to the ingenuity of human construction, from the spires of cathedrals to the sleek minimalism of modern skyscrapers. Michael D’Avignon created the winning photo Hotel Lafayette in this category.
The Documentary/Street Photography section includes photos that record everyday life in public settings. The photographers have managed to capture images at decisive or poignant moments by careful framing and timing. The winning photo is Chicago Doorway created by Bob Clemens.
Photographers’ Journey is more than exhibition; it is a celebration of the myriad ways in which photography allows us to connect with the world and each other. The diversity of styles, subjects and approaches represented in this show reflects a rich tapestry of human creativity and offers an invigorating glimpse into the potential of photography as a medium of exploration and connection.
Significant awards for the Grand Prize winner and two Runners-Up were provided by Archival Methods, Adobe, Lumiere Photo, Scott’s Photo by Rowe, and Image City. Category awards were provided by the following businesses in the Neighborhood of the Arts:
- Carnegie Cellars
- Marriott Courtyard Rochester Downtown
- George Eastman Museum
- Rochester Broadway Theater League
- ROC City Circus
- Salena’s
- Scents by Design
- Writers and Books