News

Look3 − The Festival of the Photograph, a new three-day photographic event, is due to take place in Charlottesville, Virginia from 7 to 9 June.

The event, which has its roots in over 20 years of back yard gatherings at the home of National Geographic photographer Michael ‘Nick’ Nichols, has attracted some of the world’s top shooters.

It has a programme of exhibitions, outdoor projections, masterclasses, interviews with photographers and special events “that will transform the downtown of historic Charlottesville into a ‘living image’.” The organisers said that event would “remain true to the intimate and informal campfire spirit that inspired those gatherings”.

Open to the public, the festival will feature:

• Outdoor projections showcasing outstanding new talent;
• Works from legendary photographers Sally Mann, William Albert Allard and Eugene Richards;
• Never before seen images from celebrated photographers − ‘works’ screenings include those by Paolo Pellegrin, Alexandra Boulet, Gueorgui Pinkhassov and many others;
• The best publication photography of 2006 from around the world;
• Captivating stories about photographers’ lives recounted by photographer Sam Abell;
• Master classes taught by renowned photographers including David Alan Harvey;
• ‘Insight Conversations’ − evening broadcasts by National Public Radio’s Alex Chadwick who will host in-depth conversations with Mann, Allard and Richards.

“This festival is for people who love photography and the image, but it isn’t just for those who take pictures,” said Nichols. “For every photographer out there, there are 10 people who appreciate the photograph. You don’t have to have any membership to come to this. You just have to show up and have a great time.”

Jessica Nagle, co-executive director of the festival along with Nichols, added: “By carrying on the traditions Nick established in his back yard over the past 20 years, the Festival of the Photograph provides a venue for the legendary photographers of today to support, guide and inspire the next generation of photographic artists, as well as to welcome and engage all people who love photography and the image.”

For more info, go to the festival’s website.