SAN CLEMENTE, CA- The Follow the Light Foundation (FTLF) is calling all photographers to submit their applications for its annual $5,000 grant in honor of the late Larry “Flame” Moore. The deadline is much earlier this year: entries must be received no later than May, 17, 2010.
The FTLF was founded after Moore’s passing to ensure that up-and-coming surf photographers continue to get the recognition and support they deserve. Flame – legendary Photo Editor of SURFING Magazine for more than three decades – made it a priority to teach and inspire anyone with a passion for photography. This grant helps keep that legacy alive. The application and details can be found on the FTLF website. (folllowthelightfoundation.org)
Now in its fifth year, the FTLF has decided on a slight twist and change of scenery for its annual dinner/awards presentation. During this year’s submission
process, photographers are being asked to edit their images and cue it to music of their choice. The “visual presentations” of the Top 5 finalists will then be shown at an awards night sometime during the US Open of Surfing in early August.
“Relocating the FTLF event to Huntington Beach (Surf City USA) during the US Open of Surfing will allow both the world’s best surfers and the global surfing media to participate,” says Bob Hurley, a FTLF sponsor and founder of Hurley Clothing. “This is an incredibly exciting move. Larry Moore had a vision that including inspiring and elevating young talent. This is a perfect platform to showcase the artist’s work.”
Judging from the career paths of past winners, the FTLF continues to help photographers reach the next level. Chris Burkard and Todd Glaser are two of the most prolific and talented photographers in the sport today, and they both give credit to Flame and FTLF for helping their dream job come true. “It was such an honor to be picked for this grant,” said 2008 winner Todd Glaser. “To be recognized and critiqued by legends like Aaron Chang – and get funding on top of it – will always stand as a career highlight.”
More details on awards date and venue soon. In the meantime, photographers should be working diligently to make the May 17 deadline. As FTLF Board Member Aaron Chang says, “This is shaping up to be the most exciting event of its kind. I can’t wait to see what these young visionaries bring to the ‘light table’ this year.”
The FTLF is proud to be working with Surfing Magazine, SWELL, Hurley and Oakley to provide this year’s grant. For more information, go to followthelightfoundation.org.
About Follow the Light: On October 10th, 2005, the surfing community lost one of its most influential figures. After a nearly three-year battle with brain cancer Larry “Flame” Moore, the Photo Editor of SURFING Magazine for 30 years, passed.
He left behind a legacy of brilliant photography and an army of photographers trained by him. Through his work at SURFING Magazine, Larry literally gave three decades of surfing their “look.” Today, honoring Larry’s request, we have established Follow the Light Foundation (FTLF), an organization that will help finance the dreams of surf photographers, pushing the sport and its lensmen forward.
