Amanda by aspiring Hot Shot Anders Bergstrom

Most of the work chosen for the blog has been to some extent a reflection of my own personal tastes and, often, mood––each image has in some fashion caught my eye. I try to offer a summary of the variety of styles, subjects, and quality of work that you show us. Over the duration of the competition, what I have found rather surprising is the amount of black and white that is not submitted––I know that not all of us have abandoned the grayscale for the full-fledged range. Here at jen bekman we like color, we like b+w, we like portraits, landscapes, and everything in between. There are so many possibilities for the make-up of an impeccable image. And that's exactly what we love––impeccable image-makers.

Aspiring Hot Shot Anders Bergstrom is in deep with the Holga. For Anders, the spontaneity and chance of toy cameras can be gritty like no other medium can be. A painter, printmaker, and photographer, this Hot Shot hopeful refers to the present tool of choice as the "wildcard camera"––I like that.

My recent approach embraces the characteristics—and even limitations—of the Holga camera. I shoot pictures of people I know—from good friends at birthday parties to acquaintances I meet on the subway or in bars. The shots are unscripted and awkward and low-tech—much like my own approach to making paintings or prints. I shoot without an idea of beauty or composition but the camera, itself, allows those things to come through. The banality of everyday life can so often be an inspiration.

Indeed, there is nothing like the banality of life to keep us at it... For everyone who didn't get their stuff to us, you're on for 2007! In the meantime, live the banality to its fullest.