What the Judges Look for in the Submissions
12 February 2019 - Written by PhMuseum
As the PHmuseum 2019 Photography Grant deadline fast approaches, we asked our judging panel what they will consider most important when it comes to reviewing the applications.
© Elena Anosova from Out-of-the-way, Shortlisted Project, PHmuseum 2018 Photography Grant
Before applying to a contest, it is always good to get to know the jurors. Their visions of photography and professional experiences can tell you a lot about them and their reviewing approach. So, what about the PHmuseum 2019 Photography Grant judging panel? You can find their biographies on the landing page, while here you can get a better idea of what they'll be looking to see in the submissions.
"I value photography that embraces storytelling and provokes thoughtful evaluation" says MaryAnne Golon, the Director of Photography of the The Washington Post. "I expect to see elegance and sophistication in photographs that utilise the classical tools of light, composition, and gesture. I especially hope to discover images that surprise, educate, or move me."
Louise Fedotov-Clements, Artistic Director of QUAD & Director of FORMAT International Photography Festival, also adopts a similar outlook: she is interested in works that are well presented and transmit the emotions beyond the story. In her words: “I am always interested to see works that are researched and courageous, I appreciate photographic series that are well edited, that balance content, narrative and ideas, which leave strong after images in my memory.”
© Vasantha Yogananthan from A Myth Of Two Souls, Shortlisted Project, PHmuseum 2018 Photography Grant
Photographer and former Grant winner, Max Pinckers will instead look to value a formal approach where concept, storytelling, and visual intention are well aligned: "I’ll be looking for a coherent body of work that expresses an idea with sharp intention, both critically reflecting on the medium itself as well as creatively engaging with the subject matter" he says.
While an innovative approach and the courage to take risks is something important for Thyago Nogueira, Head of the Contemporary Photography Department at Instituto Moreira Salles, one of the most important institutions on the South American continent. "I would love to see original stories from every corner of the world made by photographers who understand the complexities of an image and that are not afraid to challenge the medium to explore new ways to represent what we see" he comments.
Does your project have some of these characteristics, and does your edit reflect them? There are still 10 days to work on it - the deadline is 21 February, 11.59pm GMT. Then the ball will pass to the judges. To learn more about them go to phmuseum.com/grant.
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The PHmuseum Photography Grant is an annual initiative that recognises the importance of photography and visual storytelling. To participate, you are invited to submit one or more projects centred around a specific theme, narrative or concept. All approaches are welcomed, from classic narratives to innovative and experimental projects. Apply for £15,000 and much more at phmuseum.com/grant.