Portrait of Homelessness Flagstaff by Amy Martin

Billions of images are created and disseminated daily through social media, television, print, and film, all competing for attention. Navigating and consuming media can mean an overwhelming barrage of images and information.

How much of it, though, really matters? It is difficult to parse through the photos of lasagna, feet in the grass, or someone’s latest muscle gains. Sometimes, though, images of true import cut through the noise, helping us better understand our world: an image of a homeless man living out of a car, an image of a small child clinging to her father at a protest, an image of a young girl on stage basking the glow, an image of people protesting immigration reform.

These images leave a lasting impact on the viewer because of who, and what, they capture.

Photography That Matters opened with a special daytime brunch reception on Sunday, July 23, 11am-1pm, at the Coconino Center for the Arts.

Jury prizes:

Best of Show: From Many, One. Machakos, Kenya, by Amy Martin

First Prize: Sleeping During a Documentary about Klimt, by Vahe Kazandjian

Second Prize: Distracted Hearts, by Kathryn Tyler