Present Tense Artist Talks
FAQs
SUBMISSION FAQs
Q: I want to submit to Present Tense what do I need to do?
A: That’s great! We are excited to see your work. We recommend gathering/preparing all your submission info before you start the submission process on the computer to avoid frustration/loss of progress so here’s the list of what you’ll need:
1) 15-20 images from one body of work/project
2) An artist statement/brief summary of the work (1,000 characters max)
3) A personal bio (1,000 characters max)
Technical stuff:
Images need to be submitted as JPEGs that are less than 1MB in size and numbered in the sequence you would like them presented if selected.
We ask that images be submitted using the following naming convention:
sequence#-Title-Media-Year
for example: 01-Seaweed-Cyanotype-2023.
Q: Why do I need at least 15 images?
A: The concept of Present Tense was initially based around the Pecha Kucha lecture/presentation which are 20 slide presentations where each slide is shown for only 20 seconds keeping presentations concise, dynamic, while minimizing distractions and maximizing engagement. We use a slightly modified version of this which is 15-20 slides, 10 seconds per slide, all on a loop but the concept and desired goals are similar. Additionally, we have found that most mature bodies of work/projects will not have issues filling 15-20 slides. If you do not have 15-20 images from one specific body of work/project you can either create more work, or combine with other similar projects and provide a unifying artist statement.
Q: Why do I need an artist statement/written summary for my photography?
A: We ask for an artist statement because 1) our jurors tend to be accustomed to receiving/reviewing/considering artist statements and 2) sometimes projects require the additional context that an artist statement/summary provides. Photographers from an academic background might be more comfortable writing a professional artist statement, while someone from another background might feel more comfortable with an informal account of the “what” and the “why.” More conceptual work typically needs an artist statement to provide the necessary context to understand and analyze the work, where more straightforward work could do fine with a “These are my pictures, take it or leave it” kind of statement. There really is no wrong answer here. Write what you feel comfortable with.
If you are having trouble or want to put something more formal together here is a resource for that.
Q: Do I really need a biography?
A: The biography is not considered for the jurying process but is included in the Present Tense Zine/program if you are selected as a Presenter. Like the artist statement/summary of work you can make this as “professional” as you like. If you’re not an academic or interested in a fine art career you don’t need to stress too much about this portion. For reference bio’s typically are written in the third person. The quick bio formula is this:
Sentence about where you live and work.
Sentence(s) about your art medium(s) and any special techniques you employ.
Sentence(s) about your inspirations/passions
Sentence(s) about your biggest achievements in your medium (if any).
For example:
Joe Snuffy lives and works in San Diego, CA. Snuffy is a street photographer who shoots exclusively with expired 35mm film. Snuffy’s inspirations come from the pioneering street photographers of the 1960’s as well as experimental performance artists of the same era. This is Joe Snuffy’s first time sharing his work with the public.
If you want a resource for a more formal bio you can find one here.
What is the Marketing Release for?
A:
Does it cost money?
A: Yes. It currently costs $15 per submission. Medium Photo members receive one free submission per Present Tense event.
Can I submit more than one project/body of work for the same Present Tense event?
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Can I submit again if I’ve submitted in the past?
A: (Combine answers for Can I resubmit a project I submitted in the past? If my work was selected in a previous event can I submit to a future event?)
I want to submit but I am horrified about public speaking is there a way that I can submit but not have to talk about my work?
A:
POST SUBMISSION FAQS
Q: My work has been selected, now what?
A: (Include answer for My work was selected as a Table Presenter for the portfolio walkthrough, what should I prepare?)
Q: What happens if my work is not selected by the juror?
A:
Q: What does Medium provide for the Presenters and Table Presenters?
A:
Q: What type of work can I bring for the portfolio walkthrough portion of the show?
A:
Q: If I am a presenter, can I send an updated PowerPoint slideshow?
A: