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WATER: Element of Change
Juror's Statement
It was a pleasure spending time immersed in these photographs of water in all its shapes and forms. They made me long to spend a day at the beach, paddle a winding river, sit quietly and seek reflections, soak in a clawfoot tub, and fly high above to observe the patterns left by water on the landscape. They exemplified the many moods of water—from stillness to gentle lulling to unbridled power. And they highlighted concerns—warming trends, droughts, floods and our often questionable use of water. They were a reminder that water is essential and life-giving, worth celebrating and protecting.
Comparing such diverse photographs—from documentary to interpretive to conceptual—was no easy task. I sought variety in subject matter, style and process; unique sparks of creativity; and dedication to craft. I wish I could view prints and learn the stories behind many of these photographs. With so many striking images, I looked for those with staying power—not just a strong first impression, but those that continued to speak to me after many viewings, and that had the ability to generate emotions or pique my sense of curiosity.
The Juror’s Award winner, Michael Scandling's image Latourell, is simultaneously straightforward and highly interpretive—demonstrating a sensitivity to the subject, the power of simplicity and exquisite attention to detail. You can see, hear and feel the water in this photograph. Sitting with it will alter your mood. There are three Honorable Mentions: Yukiko Okuma's image Where Time Slows is an alternative photographic process and constructed image—flower petals flowing in a sea of ice—that speaks to the heart. Manh Cuong Vu's image Fish Market on the Wave is not only a burst of color, movement, light and shadow, but explores humanity’s relationship with the sea. Michael DiMeola's image To the Sea, Greenland No. 2 is a stunning example of the power of water to alter the terrain. Thanks to everyone who shared their photographs and to PhotoPlace Gallery for its support of photographers.
-Lee Anne White
Selecting the Director’s Award for this exhibition was not easy, as there were several images I strongly considered. I ultimately chose KP Madhavan's image The Ascent for its powerful depiction of water in its many forms, from heavy clouds and distant snow to the winding river and cascading falls. The composition brings these elements together in a way that feels both expansive and connected, reflecting the full cycle of water and its movement through the landscape. The mood is equally compelling, evoking a sense of quiet force and continual transformation.
-Zach Hoffman, PhotoPlace Gallery Director
Banner Image: Michael DiMeola
Call for Entries:
Water is a powerful and ever-present element, shaping landscapes, reflecting light, and carrying movement, memory, and emotion. It appears in countless forms—from oceans, rivers, and rain to ice, fog, reflections, and more abstract expressions.
For this exhibition, we invite photographers to submit work that explores water in all its variations. Submissions may be literal or interpretive, representational or abstract, quiet or dynamic. All photographic approaches are welcome, including landscape, documentary, conceptual, and experimental work.
We are honored to have Lee Anne White as juror for Water: Element of Change. She will select up to 35 images for exhibition in our Middlebury, Vermont gallery and another 40 images for our Online Gallery. All 75 images will be reproduced in the exhibition catalog and remain permanently on our website, and be promoted on social media with links to photographer’s URL.
Submission Fee: $39 for 5 images, $6 for each additional image
Find more information about submitting your images here.
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About the Juror:
“I create intimate portraits of place—the terrain, what grows there, the history of the land and our relationship to place.”
Lee Anne White is a fine art and documentary photographer who works in the field, in the garden and in the studio. She has exhibited her work both locally and abroad, and is the recipient of three Julia Margaret Cameron Awards. A workshop instructor for 25 years, Lee Anne has taught at Maine Media Workshops, Santa Fe Workshops, Chicago Botanic Garden and Madeline Island School of the Arts, as well as online.
She has photographed and authored numerous books on landscape architecture and garden design, is the former editor-in-chief of Fine Gardening magazine, and has contributed to magazines such as Garden Design, Better Homes and Gardens, Landscape Architecture, and Sunset. Lee Anne earned a master’s degree in creative studies at the State University of New York/Buffalo State and a bachelor’s degree in journalism and commercial art at Brenau University.