Get Inspired Welcome to the inaugural edition of the
Focus on the Story Festival. What started as an idea among a few photography enthusiasts in Washington, D.C., has blossomed into a full 3-day festival that has attracted some of the best photographic talent in the world. The idea behind the festival is to create an event that celebrates the stories of and by photographers. Whether it’s about their personal career, a specific body of work, or an advocacy project, we want to know what inspires these people in hopes their experiences will also inform our own photographic journeys. The second concept, and perhaps even more important, is that we want to build a strong international community around the art of photography that will hopefully transcend well beyond the event.
Chris Suspect, Festival Chair
To that extent, we have gathered a wide swath of artists under one roof. We have conceptual artists, portraitists, photojournalists, documentarians, street photographers, curators, and publishers. From lectures, panel discussions, workshops, portfolio reviews and photo walks, all of our guests will be presenting and engaging with you the attendees. One of the things I have learned in my own photographic process is that it is important to maintain an open mind to all kinds of photography and art. I have often found myself surprised and inspired by how people use photography to express their own views and ways of seeing. This in turn has influenced the way I see and present my own work. I liken this kind of interaction to an ongoing visual conversation that, at its best, propels the medium forward with fresh takes and new ideas. It’s not every day that you have this level of talent gathered in one space. Don’t be shy. Take advantage of this! Network, ask questions, show your work, introduce yourself, make new friends, and make future plans. And above all else, make sure to take time to enjoy yourself.
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