Chip Forelli, Sunrise Gridline Road
Each year the photographic art world evolves in its quality, participation and impact. To paraphrase the President, “the state of fine art photography is strong”.
In 2012, the popularity of phone pictures, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. added to the variety of means by which individuals express themselves. The year also saw the accelerated return of full frame sensors, mirror less systems, new and amazing digital post processing software and custom electronic photo book formats for the world of tablets.
And perhaps as a reaction to all this “instant gratification”, there exists a continued growing interest in alternative photo print processes. Sometimes involving lab routines 150 years old, these “ancient” methods produce striking results that no vintage digital filter can reproduce.
Technology aside, the state of image making technique “is strong” as evidenced by this diverse set of photographers below.
This year’s (once again purely subjective) list of “Best” emerging photographers is the result of attending portfolio reviews in several cities, reviewing submitted work, contest judging and scanning hundreds of fine art examples in multiple media. These are artists at various stages in their career. Most work in Black & White, some in Color or both.
In no particular order … the “Best of the Best” for 2012 are:
1. Neil Lawner
2. Chip Forelli
3. Jason Gorbel
6. Peter Agron
8. Peggy Weiss
9. Bill Vaccaro
10. Danica O. Kus
Congratulations! and have a “passionate” 2013 making great photography.
Review our lists for Best of 2011 and Best of 2010 while you are visiting.
