Marie Reamer has spent decades working on her art. She’s been in galleries all over and has won numerous awards for her work. She’s a mainstay at ArtSplash Gallery on Main Street in the Carmel Arts & Design District.
Yet some people question whether her art is “fine art.” That’s because her medium is photography.
“I consider my work to not just be art but fine art, just like paintings are,” she said.
Stephanie Marshall, merchant liaison and event planner for the Arts District, said she was tired of hearing some people not give photography the respect it deserves. That’s why she organized Carmel’s first fine arts photography contest called Capture Carmel. It’s open to anyone, but some amateurs might find there’s a lot more to taking pictures than just pressing a button.
“I think you see people take photos on their phone and they think, ‘Oh, I can do that,’” she said. “There’s so much that goes into it. Not just composition, but editing and lighting as well.”
All types of photography are accepted for the contest. Photos must be taken between October 2014 and October 2015. There is no fee for entries in the three categories: professional, amateur and youth.
Submissions are due Oct. 16 by 11:59 p.m. and finalists will be announced on Oct. 24. A reception where prizes will be given out will be held Nov. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. at ArtSplash Gallery.
Participants may submit up to four original images taken anywhere within Carmel to be considered by a team of judges. Prizes are $500 for first prize in the professional adult category, $250 in the non-professional adult category and a $150 gift certificate from Roberts Camera in the teen category.
To enter the contest, e-mail Stephanie Marshall at [email protected].
“We never had a photography event in Carmel,” she said. “We have so many great photographers that I thought it was something we need to see more of.”
