Whether you’re a professional or an amateur, photography is a medium that can be enjoyed by anyone. But like any other art form, it’s important to keep learning and expanding your horizons. That’s where these festivals come in.
These’s events showcase the best work from both established and up-and-coming artists, allowing attendees to see what’s happening in the world of photography right now—and how they can get involved themselves.
Look3: Festival of the Photograph
Look3: Festival of the Photograph is held annually in Charlottesville, Virginia. The festival is a celebration of the art of photography. It features exhibitions, panels and seminars on various topics related to photography and those who love it.
Look3 invites artists from all over the world to submit their work for consideration in its juried competitions, which are open to all genres of photography including fine art, documentary and photojournalism.
Les Rencontres d’Arles
Les Rencontres d’Arles is a major photography festival and exhibition, founded in 1970. It takes place annually in Arles and its surroundings, France, and focuses on photography but also includes painting, cinema and video art. The event hosts the Rencontres d’Arles International Festival of Photography & New Media Art every year from July to September.
Photo Basel
Photo Basel is a photography fair that takes place in Basel, Switzerland. It’s held in June and open to the public, so even if you don’t plan on attending the event you can still enjoy its offerings.
At Photo Basel there are several exhibitions showcasing work from talented artists both new and established. There are also lectures and workshops where photographers can learn more about their craft or teach others about it.
Houston FotoFest
Houston FotoFest is held in Houston, Texas and is the largest international photography festival in the United States. The festival takes place over a two-week period every year in late April and early May.
In addition to exhibitions, lectures, workshops and other events, Houston FotoFest also hosts an annual online juried competition called PhotoFusion. The winner of this competition receives $10,000 as well as the opportunity to exhibit at the following year’s festival.
Dali International Photography Exhibition
The Dali International Photography Exhibition is held in the town of Dali, China. It’s a major international photography festival that attracts photographers from all over the world. The event takes place every year in September and has a long history since it started in 1986.
Angkor Photo Festival
The Angkor Photo Festival will be held in Siem Reap, Cambodia from March 3-7, 2020. The festival is open to everyone who loves photography and wants to explore their creativity through workshops, exhibitions and competitions. There are opportunities for participants of all ages with different levels of experience.
The festival allows you to collaborate with other artists and photographers from around the world while exploring the beauty of Cambodia’s natural surroundings through the lens of your camera.
If you’re interested in photography, attending one of these events will expand your horizons. You’ll be able to meet other photographers and learn about new techniques. You’ll also see work from different parts of the world and learn about the history of photography.
