Hi Neighbor!

I take pictures all the time with my phone. There was a time, though, when I had to remember both my camera and (this really dates me) film, to capture spontaneous moments of joy and beauty.

These days, I frequently photograph images of people, animals, flowers and it’s rare but sometimes I create a treasured image. Apparently, it’s not just me. A day doesn’t go by without seeing images posted online showing children and animals behaving adorably alongside, of course, photo images of people behaving badly that I wish I could erase from memory.

Our pictures reflect how we see the world, our singular view at a point in time. Wouldn’t it be nice to also see through the eyes of professional photographers? We could witness their innovative perspectives which capture the transience of life, time capsules of one frozen moment.

There are so many visually exciting and emotionally evocative photography shows coming up. They present opportunities to look closely at professional work in a wide range of subjects. Just see the list below. Some are virtual and others are in-person at locations all over our area and world featuring well known, up-and-coming and even science photographers.

I’m excited that two local photo contests invite us to enter some of our best shots. Check out Jenkins Arboretum and Valley Forge Park Alliance, both offering contests to share photographic skills. Enter Jenkins by November 7th at midnight. Valley Forge Park Alliance has four categories with prizes for selected entries submitted by October 31st. More info below.

Both my husband and I are entering these contests if only to sharpen our observation skills. It’s a fun way to consume eye candy, celebrating fall without any added calories.

Not shutter shy,
Jane

Photos: courtesy Jane’s husband! 

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTESTS

Jenkins Arboretum Contest – Garden Gratitude – Details

Valley Forge Park Alliance Fall Photo Contest – Details

PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS & EXHIBITIONS

iPhone Photography for Beginners
Friday, November 5th
9:45 AM – 11:45 AM, Virtual
Main Line School Night
Learn how to take better iPhone photos, edit them and use filters. Registration required.
Details

“From the Main Line”
Through October 30th
Gravy Studio, Philadelphia
Photography by Michael Frio’s exploration of the historically significant Pennsylvania Railroad corridor across Pennsylvania creating a compelling narrative.
Details

“Celebration of Trees” Exhibit
Through December 7th
Monday – Thursday 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Penn State Great Valley – Henry Gallery, Malvern
Inspired by the architecture of trees, supporting environmental policies, and drawing attention to climate change, the exhibition features several artists’ original works in photography, prints and paintings. Details

Opening Reception – “Reemergence”
Saturday, November 6th
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Main Line Art Center, Haverford
The new show features contemporary photography and more in the 18th annual Betsy Meyer Memorial Exhibition. Registration required. Details

“The World is Smarter Than You Are”
Through January 23rd
Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia
Surveying nearly fifty years of photography, Yale University School of Art’s teacher and Dean, Richard Benson recorded things and events in the world with intense curiosity. Details

BFA Thesis 2021 Photography
Virtual, University of the Arts, Philadelphia
Selected works from BFA candidates online with descriptions of process. Details

“Winning Wildlife Photography of the Year”
National History Museum, London, England
Virtual.  Details

“Travel Photographer of the Year”
Suffolk, England, Virtual
Top photography winning entries of all ages from around the world. Landscapes, adventure and of course, travel photography. Details

“Rolls & Tubes”
Through December 30th, Virtual
Philadelphia Photography Center, Philadelphia
Inspired by the shortages of flour, hair dye and toilet paper, four women photographers from California create art during the first lockdown.  Details

“Hidden World of Algae” Microscopic Photography
ArtSteps, Nottingham, England, Virtual
Highlights the importance and beauty of seaweed and algae through the eyes of scientist’s microscopes in a 3D tour of an outdoor exhibition. Details

“Modern Day Classics”
Through November 15th
Wednesday – Friday 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The Space Art Gallery, Philadelphia
Focuses on Dragan’s portraiture of the black male body referencing classic and contemporary art history in his images. Details