DEPARTURES: 2021

May 4 - July 31, 2021

Departures is a juried exhibition that highlights photography by recent graduates of the Daytona State College photography program. This is the fifteenth year that the Southeast Museum of Photography has had the honor of showcasing the work of these recent graduates and it will continue to be a yearly summer event at the museum. Since the program’s inception over 50 years ago, Daytona State College Photography Program graduates have taken their place among the nation’s leading photographers. The program has since grown into one of the largest, most comprehensive commercial photography programs in the Southeastern United States. The challenges of a rapidly changing aesthetic and commercial environment have been met by dynamic programs that stress the fundamental aspects of photography, the highest level of technical proficiency and professional judgment, and give an understanding of the techniques, materials, and equipment used in the profession today. 

About the Juror

LARRY DOWNING

News photographer Larry Downing spent more than 35 years assigned to the White House Press Corps. He started his career photographing then-President Jimmy Carter in 1977 and ending in 2015 assigned to President Barack Obama. He began in Washington DC as a staff photographer with United Press International, then he spent 17 years in the DC Bureau of Newsweek Magazine before finally finishing off with the wire service, Reuters.

Downing's White House duties included sharing responsibilities of accompanying each President aboard Air Force One on assignments both domestically and internationally. He accomplished his personal goal of landing, then taking-off, in every one of the fifty states while a Guest of the President on Air Force One during his successful career. The White House News Photographers Association awarded him with their Lifetime Achievement Award during its annual Gala in 2015.

Downing was also awarded the National Edward R. Murrow Award for Video News Documentary in 2011. He has won many national and International awards during his career including World Press Photo, National Press Photographer’s Association, Pictures of the Year International, National Headliner’s Award and the China International Press Photo Contest. He was named the global winner of the Reuters Multimedia Storyteller of the Year 2009 and separately as Reuters America Photographer of the Year 2002. He and his wife, Angelica, now reside permanently in Ormond by the Sea.

Statement from the juror, Larry Downing:

Congratulations to 2021’s graduates of the Daytona State College photography program and to the nine photographers whose creative efforts are brightly showcased at this year’s “Departures: 2021” exhibition inside the Southeast Museum of Photography. It was an honor for me to have been asked by Christina Katsolis to be the juror for this year’s showing.

After forty-years working on the front lines of daily photojournalism, I found my aged-eyes energized after viewing these examples of a fresh vision by the newest generation of young story tellers. Photography is not only a wonderful lifetime hobby but it’s also an exceptionally rewarding career path. And, I’m sure these graduates now realize, it’s also a lonely and frustrating artistic marathon which demands total commitment. It’s a call answered by only a determined few…those willing to sacrifice while answering to the rhythm of their own passion beating deep inside themselves.

Even during the best of times, dedication to the art of photography is stressful and tiring; therefore, we must all stand up and applaud this year’s honorees after each individual had to face the unexpected, soul-stealing isolation during the last 13 months because of Covid-19. What a challenge trying to complete their college studies. They proved their dedication venturing outside alone with their camera during a very frightening time in history.

All four of the winning entries delivered s exactly what is required before any project can be declared successful: A clear, simple and creative idea executed properly with technical mastery.

Larry Downing

Juror

The UCF–DSC joint AS to BS Photography program offers a holistic photographic education which incorporates strong technical, creative, and critical skills to empower graduates for life-long success in a variety of professional photographic fields. The UCF-DSC partnership provides students the opportunity to work with a diverse professional faculty in an environment that encourages excellence and innovative approaches to photography that will position graduates to compete in a rapidly changing industry.

LIST OF WINNING PROJECTS AND AWARDs:

Juror’s Choice:

Video: “Never Again” by Toni Duncan

This project clearly ranks as the best in show, still or video…. Exceptional idea hits the mark during troubled and disturbing times. Bravely discussing a polarizing subject matter which undoubtedly will provoke a reaction from viewers. Demonstrates the power of the camera. 

1st Place:

“The Murder” by Elizabeth Collado

Exceptionally strong subject matter delivering a dark and raw photograph. Well thought out with an excellent translation of an idea. The eye of the subject is magnetic and this image will stand for a long time.     

2nd Place:

 “Lion and the Lamb” by Makala Lane

Excellent use of composition exposing the vast power of weather. The photographer used the clouds effectively adding a dimension of movement to the image. Well thought out and excellent execution of an idea.   

3rd Place:

“Wild Cards” by Phillip Huss

A lighthearted subject matter with a superb creative idea brought to life expertly. A very amusing photo. 

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State,

Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.