For our annual issue of Aint–Bad Magazine, we have teamed up with an amazing selection of curators, editors, gallerists, educators, and publishers to offer a chance to have your work seen by some of the best names in the industry. All of our guest curators have trained eyes and know what they are looking for in a photograph. The goal of issue No.13 is to put your work directly in front of eyes of these curators. Will Glaser recently had the chance to ask Paloma Shutes a few questions concerning photography and her thoughts on the medium. Learn more about what motivates Paloma Shutes and what she is thinking about today!

William Glaser: As a photo editor for The California Sunday Magazine, how do you find new photographers?

Paloma Shutes: I look for photographers everywhere. There isn’t just one resource or one platform where I find them. My sources include galleries, museums, book fairs, photo blogs, photographer promos, photo reviews, recommendations from other photographers and editors, Instagram, and individual photographers’ websites. We’re committed to finding diverse contributors, in all senses of diversity. I’m interested in working with both emerging and established photographers. Above all else, I am inspired to work with image-makers who have a unique voice and point of view, previous publication experience aside.

WG: How do you suggest photographers get in touch with a magazine/publication they greatly admire?

PS: My advice is to research the editor(s) and the company before reaching out. Usually there is an email address or submission form online for pitches and introductions. When there isn’t, reach out to your network and ask someone to share contact information. It’s important to have a sense of why a certain story or set of images might resonate with the publication before pitching and presenting it to the editor. Sending a tailored sample of work and a personalized note is much more effective than sending a mass mailer. I don’t recommend sending large attachments or asking editors to download large files. Personally, I prefer emails in lieu of hard-copy mailers, though this preference varies by editor. (When physical mailers are more appropriate, please go eco-friendly!) I do not accept pitches via my personal Instagram, Facebook, or twitter. And I always greatly appreciate when notes are courteous and professional.

WG: Many photographers (in the beginning) imitate their idols and/or make photographs that are derivative of what they see in popular magazines, galleries, etc. How does one break past that? How does one start making images that are truly their own?

PS: Researching and looking at existing work is an important part of being an informed contemporary photographer. I think that paying homage to a certain tradition of image-making can be really productive and inspiring—the challenge is to make it your own. My best advice is to find a project or subject matter that you’re deeply passionate about and to really spend time photographing it (not just a few days or a few weeks). The best way to develop your own voice is to spend a lot of time making pictures and to set aside dedicated time to edit the work, seeing what works and what doesn’t. When you’re ready, bring in a few trusted photographers or editors to review the project and give you constructive feedback. Repeat.

WG: What makes a great photograph? Furthermore, what destroys the ‘potential’ of a photograph?

PS: There are so many different elements that can make a photo great. It’s a case-by-case evaluation. There are photos that are great because they are representative of an era or an important historical moment in time. Some are great because they are inspiring, meditative, surprising, and/or humbling. Photos that are great provide me with a new perspective. The context of when the work was made, who made it, and under what circumstances are also really important. It matters!

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ISSUE NO.13 – CALL FOR ENTRY

 

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For our annual issue of Aint–Bad Magazine, we have teamed up with an amazing selection of curators, editors, gallerists, educators, and publishers to offer a chance to have your work seen by some of the best names in the industry. All of our guest curators have trained eyes and know what they are looking for in a photograph. The goal of issue No.13 is to put your work directly in front of eyes of these curators.

While there is no specific theme for this call for entry, we are asking to see your best work! Take a look at the list of curators working with us on this publication. Look into their practice, see what they like. Take a look at the Aint–Bad Archives to get a sense of the imagery that we have been publishing over the last few years both online and in print. Does your work have what it takes to be selected as a printed artist in issue No. 13? Show us! Submit today! This call for entry will end on August 10th, so while you are enjoying this hot summer weather, be sure to dig through your hard drives and select work that will impress the curators, and the world!

Each curator will select two photographers from the submissions to feature and interview for the printed publication. Fifteen curators. Thirty photographers. This issue is collaboration at it’s finest. The final result will be a beautiful, hand-curated issue of the best contemporary photography in existence today. In addition to all of the above, we hope to partner with the curators further to exhibit work from the issue in various galleries and institutions around the world.

Please let us know if you have any questions. First, take a look at our FAQs at the bottom of this page.

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Submission Deadline
August 10th, 2018

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Meet the Curators

 

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FAQ :

How much does it cost to submit?
You can submit up to twenty photographs for $25.

Why is there a fee to submit to this call?
We are asking each photographer to pay a submission fee in order to help with the costs of printing this publication. Printing aint cheap! Aint–Bad strives to use the best materials available to create a publication that is a work of art in itself. All funds collected from submission fees will be used to produce this issue of Aint–Bad Magazine.

Can I submit more than one project?
Yes! However, each submission fee is valid for ONE body of work. We want to see your strongest body of work. If you feel that you need to submit a second body of work, you may do so by paying another submission fee and submitting a different project.

When will I be notified if I am selected for this issue?
All selected artists will be notified by mid-August. Photographers that are chosen for this issue will be required to answer interview questions from the guest curators.

What happens if I am not chosen for print?
If you are not selected by our guest curators for print, your work will be passed to the Aint–Bad Editors, and will have an opportunity to be published on our website as an article or interview. You will be notified via email if your work is chosen for an online feature.

Can I submit a collaborative project?
Yes, you can submit a project that has been created by yourself and other artists. Please submit under the name that you would like to appear in print if you are selected.