Recognizing an outstanding image series from a field of excellent options is a jurors task – sharing this responsibility with Becky Senf and Laura Bidwell was my privilege and pleasure. The inaugural DSI Portfolio Award drew an engaging mix of content and subject matter from a wide geographic audience of recently graduated photographers.
Amiko Li congratulations on receiving our First Place Award! All three jurors responded to your evocative body of work featuring innovative perspectives, use of color and a wide reach of content. As Laura Bidwell stated, “There is a lot of good here.” We felt your technical ability matched your perceptual blend of serendipity and mystery. Becky Senf noted how your work transcends aspects of street photography into portraiture. Your series left us content to sit with each image alone – yet eager to see more of your story.
Elaine Bezold congratulations on receiving an Honorable Mention Award. Your black and white portfolio brought to mind the work of Ralph Gibson as noted by Becky Senf. We all three were intrigued by your ability to conflate domesticity with an ominous overtone. Your sequencing was bold and brave reflecting your strong sense of narration and firm grasp of an individual style. Each sharply graphic image conveyed a world of possibilities with a lingering sense of wonder and curiosity.
Nicholas Mehedin congratulations on receiving an Honorable Mention Award. Your series seamlessly combines place and person. Intrigue was deftly conveyed by your defiant use of light and shadow. Simultaneously your pleasing color palette was sparse yet purposeful. The unexpected sequencing led us to be inquisitive – curious where we were being transported to next and asking why.
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