An exhibition of works by amateur photographers took place a few days ago in the garden of the Photosynthesis Club in Sofia. The exhibition was titled "Your Vision!," which is actually the title of the most popular competition for amateur photography in this country. The exhibition included a total of 20 black-and-white and colour images. This was the fourth annual edition of the competition, organised by a team publishing a popular science magazine. For a year the magazine received for selection a total of 2,700 photos by 1,900 authors.

There were no special requirements for participation. Photos needed to be impressive for a wider audience and of good quality. "There is no special topic and photos could also be abstract images. Most of the photographers are amateurs, but there are truly amazing works. The competition is open to everyone, which makes it very popular and interesting," editor of the magazine Ganeta Sagova says and adds:

"The best works came from Krasimir Matarov. At one point it turned out several of his photos were among the selected ones. It was difficult to choose between them. When I spoke to him he said he was not a professional photographer. It was at that moment when I realised what hobby actually means and that one can become a true artists in what they do. This man is a true artist. His photos make you dream and they have style. His works include macro photos. For example, one of the photos was of a giant fly that reminded us of a work by Franz Kafka - a fantastic image. We do not place limits before photographers and accept conceptual photography, too. We accept all images that could get to the heart of the audience. One of the awards went to Desislava Ignatova who sent us a beautiful black and white photo that I liked a lot at the backdrop of the other colour photos. It shows a house, grasslands, and a child running. Photos shot with phone cameras also participate in the competition. I am not a supporter of this kind of photography, although phone cameras have been getting better and now everything is possible. It is important not to place limits and restrictions."

"Photography requires responsibility. It's almost like drawing a painting that you want to give to someone," Ganeta Sagova says and adds that each photo reflects the inner world of the author. "Therefore, one should be very careful when putting a photo or a painting on the walls of their home.”

Works are full of energy and they can charge you or take away your strength and good mood.

Elizabeth Ilieva is a member of the jury and a representative of a company producing photographic equipment. She also expressed admiration towards the creative approach of many of the participants in this year's forum.

"It hurts that there are so many talented people in Bulgaria, but they remain unnoticed because of the tiny market here. I see how works from abroad are often well promoted, while at the same time unnoticed Bulgarian photographers are way ahead with their ideas and the quality of their works. Skill is what is important and not the equipment. Bulgarian photographers, however, cannot rely on incomes, nor do they have the chance to travel abroad in search of new things to shoot. "

English: Alexander Markov

Photos: courtesy of "Spisanie 8"