The world has changed, so we’re told, since September 2001. I’m not sure that you would know it from the photography that we are seeing of the human condition at the start of the 21st century. There have always been religious and territorial wars - now modern technology allows the whole world to see the action and effects with an immediacy that can be startling. Photography can both be there and be shown instantaneously world-wide, but there is still room for a more contemplative consideration of the photographic story - and that is what exposure is about.

We do not select particular issues, rather we look for strong photography and novel approaches. We want to show new contemporary work, but also photography from the past or other countries that has had little or no exposure in the UK. This year saw a strong increase in the number and quality of submissions and as a result the selection panel has had difficult decisions where an issue has been covered in more than one way. Nevertheless, the number of exhibitions selected has doubled and we have increased the total number of exhibitions and projects again this year.

The work that we have selected includes intelligent reviews of the issues surrounding recent events such as the war in Afghanistan and the Foot and Mouth crisis, as well as very personal work on dealing with disease, the loss of family members, and the long term residual effects of chemical pollution. Balancing this angst, we have also included surreal and humorous takes on the human condition, our dreams and fantasies.

This year, with the extension of the scale of the catalogue, I am delighted that we can give more prominence to images and full details of our photographers, as well as the space for the first of an annual series of articles on the current status of photography, in this instance Colin Jacobson’s views on the state of photojournalism.

During the year we have been developing the organisation and management of the festival. In particular, Sir Roy Strong has become President, and I value his advice greatly. There are always a lot of people, locally, nationally and, now, internationally, who have helped with the festival, and to those I offer our sincere thanks.

The number of people who are passionate about photography and its messages seems to be growing. We welcome everyone to the table of our feast of photography in the heart of the English countryside at a time when Herefordshire is displaying its autumn colours.

Enjoy.

Robert Ashby
Festival Director