“You have to see things other people don’t want to see. You have to do your job”
Colin Crawford, Director of Photography Los Angeles Times

And that job has been examined and celebrated in the second exhibit at the Annenberg Space for Photography, the new photographic jewel in the crown of Los Angeles.
A joint effort with the oldest and most prestigious photojournalism competition in the world, the Pictures of the Year International (POYi), the Annenberg is currently showing the work of the winners, or best of work from photographers around the world.
On the walls you will see 80 prints, and in a digital presentation, literally thousands!
There are a few programs running on the high-end projection screens in the main hall that you should spend the time with. Have a comfy seat and take a look and a listen.
You’ll hear from the photographers themselves; about their process, and their projects.

A documentarians life can very easily find extreme subject matter.
But it is the artistry of the photographers selected in this show, that will reach deep into you.

Whether it is the an incredible moment of impact like this image from Emilio Morenatti, Newspaper Photographer of the Year,

© Emilio Morenatti

Or his drastic and touching series on the women of Pakistan who, for reasons of perceived shame, a sleight, or prospective divorce, have been doused with acid, forever scarring them. Hard to look at, but they told a horrific social story that will not soon leave you.

Emilio Morenatti

Of course, the balance of the photographs, did have some of the lighter parts of life. Sports moments were highlighted and some beautiful portraits of Barack Obama and his wife on the campaign trail.
Plus they had a silent auction of framed prints from POYi, with prices starting at only $100.

The Global Vision award went to Balzas Gardi, a VII Network photographer, who told us he only shoots with film, and includes his Holga in the mix.
When we asked him about the time spent at airport security with film, he just smiled and said ” Add another hour for the airport, that’s all “.

The day was started with an intro from Leonard Aube, Managing Director of the Anneberg Foundation, who set the tone and reiterated the mission statement of the space to illustrate the Human Condition through the power of photography, a concept near and dear to our hearts.

The entire program will take about 2 hours to see , if you watch all of the digital presentations and we advise that you do.
The admission is free, the parking is very inexpensive, $3.50 max, and there is amazing photography.
( By the way, the new season of Thursday night IRIS lectures starts up shortly with Steve McCurry, first up )
So…whats the hold up?
And remember, if you are not living in the area you can still access the materials on line here. Or here.
We will tell you that many images are very strong and not intended for children, so be aware.

ANNENBERG SPACE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY
Century Park
2000 Avenue of the Stars, #10
Los Angeles, CA 90067
tel: 213.403.3000
fax: 213.403.3100
Wed-Sun: 11am – 6pm

We could tell you that this program runs for 4 months, but then you may procrastinate about your visit.
So we won’t.

NB: A photographer we introduced you to about a year was at the event, and Andre Hermann won a Bronze in the competition.

© Andre Hermann

And he is still a student at Academy of Art in SF.