This weekend I visited Photo North Leeds Photo Festival and it indeed deserves a quick shout on my blog.
Reason one: Peter Dench, one of my ultimate photography heroes, is the creator of the festival and was present at the festival.
Reason two: Martin f Parr exhibited there – SAY NO MORE
Reason three: On Instagram I kept referencing to the attendance as brain food – pudding for my photographers soul, a treat organised by OUR BIG PICTURE and legendary Abby Jennings. It is so important to feed your creative curiosity, expand horizons and network with other photographers, industry specialists. Festivals like these are crucial elements to sustain the medium and preserve its role in this mad world.
Reason four: I am tiptoeing through career stage where I really have to pull every brain muscle to figure out all my best next steps way ahead and be ON POINT. So every chance to work on my creative practice, meet people and network, essentially keeping the artist in me alive, needs to happen without an excuse.
I will be short and sweet.
Little bit about the festival:
In 2018 we had a vision to bring a lively, welcoming and professional photography festival to new audiences. A festival where visitors would leave feeling nourished and inspired.
Alongside a sensational display of exhibitions, from celebrated and emerging artists, is a stimulating Live Lounge of talks and screenings. In our Market Area you can browse book, zine and print stalls or just relax with friends, make new ones, all within a background of music, food and a licensed bar. Money is raised for several charities.
Students are a key part of our mission. Festival Friday is Education Day with participation and presence from teaching organisations and students across the UK who can benefit from free portfolio reviews and career advice from photographers and industry experts.
With your valued collaboration we’re getting there. Together we believe we’re building a community around a ‘must see’ event on the annual photography enthusiasts calendar.
Source: https://www.photonorthfestival.co.uk/festival
First, I liked the choice of venue, I think the exhibition was curated beautifully. Cosy, not too snazzy and not out of reach, and the work exhibited covered a lot of genres. It is pretty genius in the scale to achieve that.
There was also hosted talks with industry professionals, I listened to one and it is rich to hear from other creatives. Everyone’s journey can either be relatable, exciting and new to you, what you hear, you can learn from, or get inspired. Or get motivated to either stick to your won blazing guns or work harder. Olivia Brabbs, a photographer from Yorkshire really inspired me with her warm presence and openness. Her work is beautiful, generous in colour and love the range of clients she has. Loved gmosley, she was funny. She is an illustrated that found her place under the creative sun by just being herself and now is swimming towards big bright light. Proves that being yourself and letting loose, can be your business.
This year there was 14+ photographers exhibiting at the festival.
The list: Photo North 2024 Exhibited artists
My favourite was the Lenin Is With Us by Jeremy Nicholl
The exhibit summed up everything I believe in as a photographer. Great story, beautiful colours, wacky content and bold statement. It was a delight to see, what a talent, what an execution. It assured me that my mantra of believing in my own bad taste is me, and I should stick to my own guns and not “sell on”.
Most work there was a eye candy, I loved the variety. The layout was well executed, as I found myself lost in the stories one by one.
Very, very nice to see Martin Parr exhibited at the festival. Those who know me, are aware of my obsession with him. Martin Parr and his style is like a small colourful and wacky figurine on my shoulder, whispering me to be bold with colours, loose shame and find the wacky/weird/ironic/silly in the world. Forever grateful.
Last but not least.
In early March I was planning to submit work into Ferens Open and the photograph I wanted to submit was close to my heart. I wanted it to be printed beautifully, majestically. Definitely not a foamboard print. After some research I found that acrylic prints could possibly meet the need. At the festival there was some beautiful acrylic prints and I was thinking what you are thinking. Acrylic it is. I don’t think I ever consciously have gazed at acrylic photograph prints and I think that most of my work belongs on acyclic in print.
Here we are, short and very sweet. Thank you to the festival. Definitely coming back for more in 2025.
love,
Anete Sooda Photo
ANETE SOODA PHOTO 