The introduction of digital photography has created a boom in photography, which even George Eastman (Father of Kodak and popular photography) couldn't have imagined. Although most of us are content with snapshots grabbed using pocketable automated cameras (even cell phones) many eventually develop deeper interests in the potential of photography. For those budding photographers, as well as for the most talented and experienced professionals, a visit to the Southeast Museum of Photography (SMP) is a "must do."
Photographic Exhibits
The museum's new quarters offer spacious (9,000 square feet of display space), comfortable, attractive surroundings for the presentation of works by the world's better photographers, along with exhibits of photographs by budding local photographers. For example, for four months, starting shortly after the opening of the new gallery, a year ago, they featured the marvelous work of world-famous Steve McCurry, whose image of an "Afghan Girl" (June 1985 cover of National Geographic) is one of the most viewed, and best-known photographic images ever made.
At the same time, the gallery presented some of the historic works of the pioneering Hungarian, Andre Kertesz (1894 to 1985), who's widely recognized as one of the more important and influential photographers of the twentieth century. Applicable lectures, gallery talks, and children's programs are frequently scheduled.
Museum Facilities
SMP shares a modern building, on the Daytona State College campus, with an impressive dining facility operated as part of the college's hospitality training program. Cafe 101 is staffed by students, whom prepare and serve gourmet meals, in fine surroundings, at amazingly reasonable prices ($9/lunch; $12/dinner). Lunch is served in two sittings (11:30 & noon); dinner at 5:30. Reservations are required, and highly recommended (tel. 386/506-3859. Many visitors combine a museum visit with a special lunch in the restaurant. There's also a classic coffee and pastry shop in the spacious lobby of the building, where visitors can sip an expresso while discussing photographic exhibits they've enjoyed..
Scheduled Photographic Exhibits and Events
Jill Greenberg (aka, "The Manipulator") produces immediately recognizable, and highly controversial, photos of anguished children, unusually emotional animals, and altered portraits of celebrities; they will be on display until January 18, 2009. Her recent, intentionally-insulting photo of Senator McCain resulted in the publisher apologizing to the senator. Wayne Miller's singular images from WWII will be featured from Nov 15th to Feb 13th, 2009. Miller is one of the great photojournalists of all time. He joined up with legendary Edward Steichen as part of the Navy's Photo Unit, in WWII; then worked with Steichen, in the 1950s, to produce a classic photo book, The Family of Man.
More Information about the Museum and Exhibits
The Southeast Museum of Photography is located on the college campus and right on International Speedway Blvd., quite close to the world-famous stock car race track in Daytona. For more about the pleasantly surprising cultural attractions of Daytona Beach, call the Convention & Visitor's Bureau at 866-644-9649.
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