Am thinking of testing the waters and entering some of my work in some local shows. It seems that the requirements are the same, submit 4x6 prints or 35mm slides. The prints are self explanitory, but I feel some of the impact might be lost.(a 4x6 print as opposed to 11x14 framed and matted just isn't the same) I would like some info re the slides. I assume you would use a copy stand??? Would you shoot the print with or without the mat? What is the best slide film for b&w photography? Is there one method over another when making slides of your work?

Any info re submitting for shows and contests would be greatly appreciated. Thank you...........John

-- John Carolan (jac@absorb.com), January 08, 1998

Answers

submissions

I would go with the print since the judges might be using a handheld viewer for slides and will be looking at tiny image. If you can submit your work in a binder then the background paper will be a good substitute for a matte. I was told by a gallery owner that they actually prefer prints since they can be easily handled by a group and compared side by side with other prints. The use of slides in the past was more for technical reasons but since the quality of colour film and printing has risen considerably in the past few years prints are becoming the standard format for judging.

-- Andy Laycock (aglay@interchange.ubc.ca), January 09, 1998.

re-Submit

I don't disagree with Andy but I prefer and always submit slides of the final image that I would be hanging in a show. I think that it is a preference thing. The slides seem to have the impact that you spoke of that a small print doesn't. That shouldn't make sense but it does. I do mine with Kodak EPP, which does have abit of a cast, of the unframed, flattened print on a black velvet backgroud using daylight strobes at roughly 45 degree angle and I carefully handhold the camera using a longer lense, 135mm, and bracketing the shots with excellent results.

No matter what you use, GOOD LUCK!

-- Chuck Baker (cbaker@skypub.com), January 16, 1998.