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The Fifth FOTO8 Summershow Captures the Way We See the World:  7 July – 18 August

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  • 7 July to 18 August at FOTO8 Gallery, 1 Honduras Street, London, EC1Y 0TH.
  • Powerful stories from around the world captured by professional and amateur photographers provide a rare and diverse window on the way we live today.
  • The UK’s only open-entry photography fair celebrates its fifth year.
  • Opportunity to see & buy work by emerging and established photographic talent.
  • Celebrated ‘Fake Take’ artist/photographer Alison Jackson one of the judges.
  • Have a powerful picture? Entry is open to all. Deadline 14 May.

The FOTO8 Summershow 2012 (7 July – 19 August) – the largest and most influential international photography show of its kind in the UK – is back this summer for its fifth annual celebration of photography.  Entry is FREE.

The FOTO8 Summershow provides an international window for new, emerging and established talent and the stories they have captured. Photographers of all levels are encouraged to enter – the only remit is that the images should provide a window on life, convey powerful stories and evoke questions. This open-entry format creates a vast visual tapestry of stories, issues and life from across the country and around the world.  This approach and the diverse combination of work on show also raises questions about the nature of photography today.

For collectors the Summershow provides the most significant chance to invest in new photography with prices for prints starting at just £75. The event is also one of the most popular on the photography calendar - around 4,000 people attended the Summershow last year.

Of the 3,000 photographs usually entered, just 150 will be carefully selected for display in the Summershow and offered for sale. A panel of internationally respected judges, including for 2012, BAFTA award winning artist/photographer Alison Jackson, will select an image to be Best in Show for which there is a £2,000 prize. The winner will be announced at the FOTO8 Summershow party, on 6 July when the photographic community come out to party at a huge street celebration with more than 600 revellers taking over Honduras Street. The show opens to the public on 7 July 2012.

The Show is underpinned by the belief that everyone can take a picture but few people can take a great photograph.  FOTO8 asks visitors to take part in this idea, by asking visitors to vote for their favourite image over the duration of the exhibition.  The image with the most votes receives the Peoples’ Choice Award announced two weeks prior to the close of the Summershow.

This year’s Summershow benefits from newly refurbished premises.  The FOTO8 gallery, previously known as HOST Gallery, has been significantly expanded and will provide increased gallery space for the 2012 Summershow.

Jon Levy, FOTO8 Founder and Co-Director, said: “The opportunity to capture an image that dramatically communicates a moment in time is no longer just the reserve of the professional photographer.  We are keen to support the democratisation of photography by providing an open call for anyone to submit images.  The Summershow is a unique opportunity for photographers from all backgrounds and disciplines to tell their stories and in doing so illustrates the diverse ways we see the world. The 150 images in the gallery act as a mirror to society and the lives we live now.  The Summershow is also a recognised platform for new talent and a unique canvass for evolving photographic styles.  This makes it hugely popular with photography collectors and enthusiasts alike.

“Since our inaugural show in 2008, the FOTO8 Summershow has grown in size and reputation. Each year the Summershow captures and reflects the mood of the moment becoming in itself a document of current photographic practice while simultaneously pointing to a future which is both promising and exciting.”

Alison Jackson, photographer and FOTO8 Summershow Judge 2012 said: “Anyone can take a picture but the fun and interest is exploring what makes a great photograph.  What is so exciting about this competition is that it does just this by being open to everyone across all subject matter. Choosing just one image to win is wonderfully provocative and I am very much looking forward to taking part as well as seeing the new talent coming through.”

Have you got an image for the FOTO8 Summershow?

If you think you have an image that tells a powerful story, why not enter? To enter and for submission guidelines visit http://bit.ly/foto8show. Entries must be submitted by 14 May.

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Entry information

Three pictures can be submitted per photographer.  The entry charge per photographer is £20 before 1 May and will rise to £30 from 1 – 14 May.  The final deadline for submissions is 14 May.  Entries to the Foto8 Summershow can only be made online via this weblink: http://bit.ly/foto8show 

The winner receives the title of Best in Show and a £2,000 cash prize. The People’s Choice Award winner receives a professional photographic kit. 

Picture credits:

The photographs used in this press release from left to right:

  • Ivory Coast United © Luca Sage, Winner Best in Show, FOTO8 Summershow 2011
  • Enal with Pet Shark © James Morgan, People’s Choice Winner FOTO8 Summershow 2011.

Press information and pictures:

Further images from last year’s show and background information on FOTO8 and the Summershow can be found here: http://bit.ly/wTyESQ

Press contacts:

Further information

About FOTO8
1 Honduras Street, London, EC1Y 0TH

FOTO8 is a world-renowned photography publishing house and gallery space, dedicated to showcasing the very best in documentary photography and photojournalism. Previously known as HOST Gallery, the recently rebranded FOTO8 Gallery has been significantly expanded to provide increased gallery space (150sqm), incorporating an events area and screening room. The FOTO8 Gallery is home of the acclaimed 8 Magazine and hosts a range of events, seminars and exhibitions for the international photographic community.

FOTO8:

  • Provides face-to-face encounters with photography and film with a program of film screenings, talks, and seminars enabling all those interested in photography to learn and explore
  • Connects documentary photographers, authors and audiences creating world leading photography exhibitions, books and magazine publications exploring international issues through the frivolous and fun
  • Supports photojournalism and original story telling, exploring the boundaries between photography, journalism and art to debate and shine a light on subjects that shape our world
  • Is committed to supporting and nurturing photographers, building upon their potential and connecting them with a larger audience
  • Conducts a series of educational seminars and workshops, as well as participating with primary schools to provide a free programme of photography activities and education

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london FOTO8 gallery FOTO8 Summershow 2011Enal Ivory Coast United Alison Jackson FOTO8 Founder Honduras Street EC1Y 0TH FOTO8 fake BAFTA award Peoples Choice Award Jon Levy Luca Sage Pet Shark James Morgan HOST Gallery

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