OK, for some, American Idol is a guilty pleasure, for others it’s a completely manipulated and manipulative realty show.
Whatever. Folks all over seem to have an opinion on the contestants.
And once a year they give back with a charity show.
Well, we’re not that big but we still want to do our part. So here are a few things that may not be all about charity but it should help our community.

(too much of a stretch?)

What’s up where you are? Drop us a line at:[email protected] to let us know and we’ll try to help spread the word.

Los Angeles:
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As one who started their career as an assistant in NYC, this site promises to do whatever we can to keep that noble tradition alive.
Just click the ad for more details.

New Orleans:[photopress:logo_3.gif,full,alignright]
The New Orleans Photo Alliance is a not-for-profit group of photographers whose mission is to encourage the understanding and appreciation of photography through exhibitions, opportunities and educational programs. Since its inception, the Photo Alliance has sponsored multiple photographic shows and workshops in various locations, including Tarragona, Spain and has coordinated PhotoNOLA: A Month of Photography in New Orleans. PhotoNOLA’s purpose is to showcase and celebrate the photographic arts and to promote cultural tourism through a month-long series of exhibitions and events that take place in December.
Local Take: African American Portraiture in Louisiana
A Four-Part Speakers’ Series
April 12, April 19, May 10 and May 31
The New Orleans Photo Alliance, in collaboration with the Louisiana State Museum, is pleased to present LOCAL TAKE: AFRICAN AMERICAN PORTRAITURE IN LOUISIANA. In this four-part speakers’ series, eight of our state’s finest photographers will show and discuss their work. Presentations will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Louisiana State Museum’s Arsenal Building (entrance through the Cabildo at Jackson Square) on April 12, April 19, May 10 and May 31. All four sessions are free and open to the public.

AND!!!!! Also from New Orleans Photo Alliance:
Call to Artists for Critters: Juried by Keith Carter.

“A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.” Chinese Proverb

Animals have been represented in art since the time of cave drawings. Throughout our history we have shared this planet with them; they have been our companions, our protectors, and our nourishment. This show will be a modern look, through the eyes of photographers, at how we interact with animals as well as how they interact with us and their own worlds.

Keith Carter is an internationally recognized photographer and educator. He holds the endowed Walles Chair of Art at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas and is the recipient of two National Endowment for the Arts Regional Survey Grants and the Lange-Taylor Prize from The Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University. He has published nine monographs including “Heaven of Animals”, “Bones”, and “Ezekial’s Horse”. Called “a poet of the ordinary” by the Los Angeles Times, Mr. Carter’s haunting, enigmatic photographs have been widely exhibited in Europe, the U.S., and Latin America as well as being included in numerous permanent collections.

Call to Artists Deadline: Monday, April 21
Notification of Acceptance: Monday, April 28
Opening: Saturday, June 7
Exhibition: June 7 to July 26

Photographers are encouraged to enter up to 5 images for jurying. Please follow the link below to submit online.

NOPA Call to Artists: Critters – Submission Form

Anyway, these are a couple of good events going on in our photographic world. Bits and Bobs.

What’s up where you are? Drop us a line at:[email protected] to let us know and we’ll try to help spread the word.

Oh, sorry, one more thing: if you would like your photo to head up our NEWSLETTER and it is of the panoramic variety (728×90 would be IDEAL), send us a jpg and we’ll try to spread your good cheer to the rest of the group. With a credit and a link, too. Pretty cool.