FACE OFF Judge: Julia Dean, Julia Dean Photo Workshops

The 2009 FACE OFF competition is well underway. And this year, we’re expecting some of the most amazing, new work ever. With so much creativity and skill before us, how the heck are we going to name the winners? Thankfully, we have quite the panel of judges to help us out. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be slowly revealing our prestigious and eclectic panel; beginning with a local legend–Julia Dean.

If you’re a photography lover in the LA area, you know and love Julia Dean. The photographer, educator, and founder of the Julia Dean Photo Workshops has been nurturing growth in the local photography community unlike anyone else.

Dean’s illustrious career began as an apprentice to pioneering photographer Berenice Abbott. Later, she became a photo editor for the Associated Press in New York. Her work has taken her to over 40 countries while freelancing for numerous relief groups and magazines. Los Angeles is both lucky and proud to have Julia Dean, dedicated to fostering and contributing to our local photo-community.

In October 2008, PhotoMedia Magazine named Julia Dean “Photo Person of the Year,” as the “person in the photography industry who has best demonstrated exceptional artistic and business accomplishments, photographic passion, devotion to the industry inspiration to colleagues and humanitarian achievements in the community.” What can we say? We’re smitten. You will be too…

Name
Julia Dean

Occupation
Photographer / Founder of The Julia Dean Photo Workshops

Connection to photography world?
As an educator and documentary photographer.

When did your love of photography start?
In 5th grade, when my parents gave me my first camera.

What makes a strong image for you?
Great light and composition, mood, moment.

Who’s out there shooting great images today?
There are so many great photographers out there today; from the veterans to new young photographers.

Who is the Andy Warhol of today?
I need to ponder this question more…

FACE OFF is a competition. Think you’ll recognize a winning image as soon as you see it?
Yes. No doubt.

What do you think the secret to succeeding in photography is today?
Passion, dedication and hard work.

One thing you want to get straight with the world?
I had a student tell me once that she was a “fine art documentary photographer,” and by that she meant that she could manipulate the content by taking things out of the background with Photoshop. In my opinion, there is no such thing as a “fine art” documentary photographer. If you call yourself a documentary photographer, then you need to practice the ethics of the profession. Period.

What counts most: raw talent or fine-tuned skill?
They both count equally, I would say. Though, someone with raw talent has a jump on the others.

You are a major contributor in keeping the LA photo culture alive with your workshops and seminars. Is there something us photo lovers can do to pitch in?
First of all, thank you for this lovely comment. I guess I would like people to spread the word about our contests, as they are wonderful opportunities for photographers. “The New Doc” is a $1,000 prize for a documentary project. The Berenice Abbott Prize is a one-person exhibit–all expenses paid.

And I would like everyone to know about a silent auction and exhibition that I’m directing (with Aaron Eckhart as our host) at the Stephen Cohen Gallery. On Feb. 20, 2010, there will be 115 photographs from photographers around the world auctioned to raise money for documentary photography.

For more information, please check out the website.