Thanks to iPhones and Instagrams, it seems everyone’s an aspiring photographer nowadays. But whether you’re a novice, a pro, or floating somewhere in between, this month has plenty to offer for S.B. shutterbugs, from appearances by world-renowned photojournalists to mentorship opportunities for those young camera wielders among us. Below, we run down all the picture-perfect details.
1) Annie Griffiths at UCSB’s Campbell Hall: Arts & Lectures’ National Geographic Live series continues this Sunday, January 20, with an appearance from photojournalist Annie Griffiths. As one of the magazine’s first female photogs, Griffiths has been traveling the world — and capturing its beauty — for more than 25 years. Her work, which spans six continents and more than 100 countries, focuses on travel photography, documentary portraiture, and some truly stunning natural landscapes. At UCSB, Griffiths will discuss her recently published memoir, A Camera, Two Kids, and a Camel, and discuss her travels, as well as her children, whom she’s had by her side for most of her globe-spanning treks. The discussion kicks off at 3 p.m at UCSB’s Campbell Hall. For tickets and info, call (805) 893-3535 or visit artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.
2) Goleta Valley Historical Society Call for Photos: Calling all photogs! The Goleta Valley Historical Society is officially on the hunt for the upcoming exhibit Capturing The Goodland: Picturing the Beauty & History of the Goleta Valley at Rancho La Patera & Stow House. The show will run in two parts, with youth photographers on display from March 17 through mid-June and adult works showing from mid-June through November 17. Entrants are encouraged to be bold, daring, and creative in their shots of the “hidden treasures” of the Goleta Valley, so get adventurous. Submissions are due by January 31 (youth) and May 1 (adult). For more info, call (805) 681-7216 or visit goletahistory.org.
3) 2013 Teen Arts Mentorship: And for S.B. teens looking to up their photography game, the Arts Fund recently announced the launch of its 2013 Teen Arts Mentorship program. Now in its 19th year, the program offers aspiring artists and writers the chance to pair up with a professional in their chosen field for three months of outside-the-classroom instruction. Participating students will produce portfolio-quality work, as well as learn how to present, exhibit, and seek out careers in the arts. This quarter, Teen Arts mentorships will be offered in four disciplines: documentary digital photography, bronze casting, creative writing, and contemporary painting. For application information, call (805) 965-7321 or visit artsfundsb.org.