Earth Through a Lens

Earth Through a Lens is a photography exhibition that aims to underscore the need to improve stewardship of the earth in order to create a sustainable environment. The show will exhibit 30-50 photographs focusing on (a) the natural beauty of the earth, (b) degradation of the environment by human activity, and (c) attempts at restoration of the environment. Photographs may be taken anywhere in the world. Entries will be judged on both relevance to the show's goal and artistic accomplishment.

Amateur and professional photographers living in North America are invited to submit up to 3 images. The entry fee is $35 for the initial image, with an additional $10 fee for each supplemental image (maximum 2 additional images). Photographs must be relevant to one of the following themes: the natural environment (desert, water, mountains) or human impact on the planet (consumption, destruction/degradation, restoration/renewal). A two-stage jury process will evaluate both relevance to sustainability and artistic merit. Cash awards of $1,500, $1,000, and $500 will be given for the 3 top photographs. The top 3 images will be published in Palm Springs Life magazine. All finalist photographs will be displayed digitally at the California Museum of Photography, included in the physical display, and published in the show catalog.

Finalists will submit prints matted to fit a minimum frame size of 20x30" and maximum of 24x36". Prints will be displayed in gallery space in Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, CA from March 15-April 30, 2011, timed to coincide with Earth Day on April 22. Photographs may be offered for sale, with photographers contributing 20% of the sale price to Earth Through a Lens. Notification to finalists will occur in early February 2011, with print receipt required by March 1.