OK - As much as it pains me to communicate it, the BJP International Photography award has been extended.
Apparently, it will be closing on the 2nd of October 2008 and there is a prize fund of £13,000 and a bunch of Canon stuff.
Why does it pain me?
I’ve always had a bit of an issue with the BJP - specifically in the type of imagery that they seem to continuously push as leading edge, innovative and stunning. And it’s always the same style of pic, pic after pic, year after year. That in itself precludes it from being cutting edge or in fact stunning.
At least I can’t say that about the winner of last years competition - But what I would dearly love to know, from anyone - and I mean anyone - please, is what is so special about this image, that it has won what, is effectively a global competition from apparently a leading industry journal (which I stopped subscribing to earlier this year - but they stil keep calling me to re-subscribe with numerous offers.)
Is it worth entering this competition? What are they actually looking for? Is it just more of the same stuff - will you just be disappointed?
Yes, last years winner has that slightly uncomfortable nature about it, that ensures you’ll never be too bothered about looking at it again... And that is what the BJP seem to be so enthusiastic towards. But what is so special about it? I really want to know, seriously... Because I just don’t get it!
Either I am missing something really significant in our industry and need to re-subscribe to the BJP, or find another business within which to bring in the cash for my family... But I really just don’t see the stuff they push anywhere else. Yes, there are the occasional adverts which have a go at the style and then very rapidly disappear as they just are not liked by the populous.
My personal feeling is that it is just regurgitated crap, by copying a guy who managed to make his mark with high budget work that was at the time, that little bit different and chronologically speaking, quite unique (Desperate Housewives et al - You know who I mean). Well, it sure as hell isn’t anymore. Especially after two years!
Please BJP - If you want innovative, new, and creative photographers to even bother contribute to your competitions. Please stop purveying and awarding distinctions to the same old ‘stuff’. Go on - take a risk and and have a go at some images that really are original, unique, contemporary - and not just more of the same old stifled, awkward, uncomfortable crap to look at. And more importantly - please stop encouraging it!
[footnote] What makes it even more special (to me at least) is that the BJP-Online deems it necessary to protect all text and images, so that it makes it difficult to reference, quote them.
You decide - Ignore my comments if you please and have a look for yourself. But please feel free to contribute to the conversation.
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