Photographers Wanted: the Grim Future Gallery

Hello, Grim5next artists, supporters, and fans!

While we keep the search for writers, illustrators, and composers for the Anthology, I decided it's time to fill you in on the Photography project. It has been a secret up until now, and I must admit that's because I like surprises. But today I'm unveiling the mystery!

When the idea for Grim5next came to me, it was solely the Anthology with its three sections: Grim Future, Last 5 Minutes, & What Next. However, in a matter of days, it was very clear to me that the project would be much bigger than this. So I decided to assign 'companion projects' to each section. If you look at the pages above, you'll see two of those projects. The Afterlife Survey (a.k.a. Interviews) goes hand in hand with 'What Next' and the Photography Project goes with Grim Future. (The third companion project will be announced shortly.)

The Photography Project will result in an online gallery called 'Grim Future Gallery' (unoriginal, but gets the point across). I've even chosen the platform for it: Weebly. The gallery will be comprised of photos taken specifically with this project in mind. 

You know how you go through your day and sometimes you see something that makes you think 'Where is the world going?!' It happens to me when I see suspicious computerized toys for children. Or when I watch the latest news about scientists cracking the cloning code. Your challenge - if you choose to accept it - is to capture those things on camera!

It's not just about taking 'grim photos'. It's about seeing the future through the lens. It's about raising awareness of the problems of the world. One of our writers for Grim Future (Michael Seese) came up with a scenario where the Earth had to be 'reset' because we weren't taking good care of it. It's really a fictional account of the realities of our world. And I think his point stuck with me and seemed to fit with the Photography project.

Now, you are more than free to think outside the box for this one. Remember, Grim5next is about breaking out of the box and coming up with new and fresh ideas (as new and fresh as they can be). So, for example, you can use Photoshop to make your point. Or recreate something you saw in the street with clay people. If it works for you, it works for Grim5next.

The sky is not the limit. Space isn't either... I say scratch the word limit altogether.

There are so many talented photographers out there who travel and explore exotic places, and then there are the ones who take photos of small, inconsequential things. Some even take pictures of garbage and I think that's awesome! After all, every person sees the world in their own unique way, and artists have the gift to share that with others. So whether you're a natural, landscape, architectural, portrait, fashion, or street photographer, you can contribute to the Grim Future Gallery by simply seeing the world around you and taking note of the grim signs out there. 

One photo can say a thousand words. Imagine what a whole gallery can do!

So now I'm calling out to all photography folk out there: we need you to show us what you see! There are no deadlines for this project and when I have enough photos, I'll open the gallery. You can start taking photos as soon as you can. Or you can wait for the muse to strike. There is just one rule: five photos per artist max. The rest is up to you. ^_^

Finally, as you may know, this project is non-profit, so you'll absolutely be able to upload any pictures you contribute here on your site and wherever else you want. Grim5next doesn't have any rights over your work, unless it's for promotional purposes. In this case, you'll be specifically asked for permission before we use your photos in any capacity. 

Leave a comment here if you're interested and/or have questions. Let's get started!!!