EUGENE RICHARDS, OLIVIA BEE, CHASE JARVIS & VICTOR RODRIGUEZ HEADLINE EVENT

Presentations by renowned photographers Eugene Richards, Olivia Bee, Roxanne Lowit, Chase Jarvis and Olympus Trailblazer Victor Rodriguez, Jr. highlight the lineup at the 2013 Olympus InVision Photo Festival Nov. 1-3 in Bethlehem. The fourth-annual event will also include a diverse array of exhibitions, appearances by Olympus Visionaries and the popular Slideluck Lehigh Valley party and slide show, which showcases the work of amateur, student and professional photographers in a fun, relaxing atmosphere.

“As a key sponsor, and local corporate resident, we are proud to help make the Olympus InVision Photo Festival available to neighbors and visitors alike during the three days of diverse and dynamic presentations, photo exhibitions and workshops,” said Jennifer Colucci, Associate Manager, Public Relations, Olympus Imaging America Inc. Colucci added that the event also provides a wonderful forum for Olympus to reinforce its commitment to professional photographers and those who appreciate their work.

At Olympus InVision, guests will experience presentations by award-winning photojournalists, fashion photographers and commercial artists from throughout the nation. This year the festival is pleased to welcome as its artist in residence Eugene Richards, who will exhibit his work at the Banana Factory and offer a special presentation at SteelStacks Nov. 2, 1:15 p.m.

An award-winning photographer, writer and documentary filmmaker, Richards is perhaps best known for his books and photographic essays on such diverse topics as drug addiction, poverty in America, breast cancer and emergency medicine. His work has appeared in such prestigious publications as TIME, The New York Times Magazine, Esquire and National Geographic, and he has won numerous honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, National Endowment for the Arts grants, the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Award and the National Geographic Magazine Grant for Photography.

On Nov. 2, audiences will also have two opportunities to go behind the scenes for an inside look at the world of fashion photography with two of the industry’s stars, Roxanne Lowit and Olivia Bee.

A pioneer in fashion and celebrity photography, Lowit will share her work and stories of more than 30 years photographing famous artists, supermodels, celebrities and fashion designers during a presentation at 10:45 a.m. At 3 p.m., Bee will show her images – a unique blend of documentary and fashion photography – that have made her a rising star in the photography world. At age 19, the Brooklyn-based artist has already shot advertising campaigns for Nike, Converse, Hermès, Fiat, Subaru and many others.

On Nov. 3, 9 a.m., the Olympus InVision Photo Festival continues with a Lighting Workshop by Olympus Trailblazer Victor Rodriguez, Jr. A graduate of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Rodriguez has done work for a number of high-profile clients, and his work has appeared in numerous gallery exhibitions and international publications. During his workshop, participants will discover a number of lighting techniques and tips designed to enhance and improve images.

Other Olympus InVision presenters include Chase Jarvis, the visionary photographer, artist, restaurant owner and creator of Best Camera app for iPhones; Richard Renaldi, whose “Touching Strangers” project has earned him worldwide attention; Keron Psillas, former director of the Art Wolfe Digital Photography Center in Seattle; and Drew Gurian, former assistant to internationally-acclaimed photographer Joe McNally and a concert photographer who has shot more than 300 musicians and groups over the years.

Stephen Wilkes, renowned for his images of abandoned and decaying buildings such as those on Ellis Island, will discuss his two-year project documenting the end of the Bethlehem Steel Corp., as well as his successful career in photography. Wilkes’ latest work, “Day to Night,” features images that have 8-hour exposures and are shown as fine art in the country’s most prestigious galleries. Former United Nations Photo Unit Chief John Isaac will also share the stunning images from his two-decade quest to document the tigers that are rapidly disappearing from his native India.

“This year’s Olympus InVision Photo Festival showcases some truly amazing photographers. From legendary documentary photographer Eugene Richards to teen prodigy Olivia Bee, we aim to expand everyone’s appreciation for photography,” said ArtsQuest Director of Visual Arts and Education Janice Lipzin. “This festival is designed to not only highlight photography as a skill, but also as a means to change the world, entertain, excite and to explore the infinite possibilities that exist in that split second when the eye, mind and heart come together to create a powerful creative statement.”

Other highlights of the Olympus InVision Photo Festival include:
– Nine photography exhibits including the Pennsylvania Photographers Competition and InVision College Photography Exhibit, judged by Eugene Richards.
– Olympus Imaging America Inc. and Dan’s Camera City representatives showcasing the latest cameras, equipment and accessories.
– “Meet the Olympus Visionaries & Trailblazers” – An exclusive opportunity to meet eight of the nation’s most dynamic photographers Nov. 1, 6 p.m., at the Banana Factory’s Olympus Digital Imaging Center.

The Olympus InVision Photo Festival takes place at the Banana Factory community arts center and ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem. All-festival Passes, which include all events except the Victor Rodriguez, Jr. Lighting Workshop, are $119 and available at www.invisionphotofestival.org and 610-332-3378. Tickets for individual presentations and the Slideluck Lehigh Valley event are also on sale now.

The Olympus InVision Photo Festival is made possible through a generous contribution by Olympus Imaging America Inc. Other supporters include Dan’s Camera City, PPL and Rider Pool Foundation. For the complete lineup of presenters and exhibitions, visit www.invisionphotofestival.org.