Shreveport’s Prize Fest Brings Creativity to Life
Shreveport is buzzing with excitement as the Prize Fest, a lively creative competition and festival, continues to unfold. The atmosphere is electric with folks milling about, soaking in the sights and sounds, not to mention the various competitions that are captivating audiences in categories like music, food, and film.
A Focus on Photography
As festival-goers enjoy the various activities, there’s another competition catching the eye—one that involves lots of cameras being pointed around the downtown area. It’s the Golden Lens competition, where photographers can submit up to three good shots they’ve taken in Shreveport from September 28 through this Sunday. This year, about 10 students from the Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS) digital arts program are getting involved, eager to showcase their talent.
Inspiration from the Founder
Recently, Gregory Kallenberg, the founder and executive director of Prize Fest, visited the LSUS digital photography class, sparking even more enthusiasm among students to join in the fun. One student, Ben Schurman, shared, “I think I was going to do it anyways, but it was definitely cool to have him here to talk to us.” He’s particularly excited about capturing some beautiful spots in downtown Shreveport this weekend.
A New Photographer’s Journey
Another student, Jason Maulding, is relatively new to photography and was encouraged by both Kallenberg and his instructor, Mollie Corbett, to take the plunge. “This class is my first time dealing with cameras, and I want to get better at it,” he said eagerly. Maulding plans to shoot stunning views of the fireworks display lighting up the Shreveport skyline, showcasing the beautiful interplay between the city and the night sky.
Endless Possibilities
What’s exciting about the Golden Lens competition is its wide range of subjects. “You can choose from architecture, nature, and even the interactions between people and animals. There are no wrong answers,” said Maulding with a smile. With many creative avenues to explore, he also has a few backup ideas brewing for his entries.
Sharing the Passion
Kallenberg’s visit included handing out Prize Fest passes to the students. Maulding remarked that he and his friend took full advantage of attending many of the Film Fest sessions. “You can participate in entertaining, engaging, and rewarding activities here in Shreveport,” Corbett shared, highlighting the importance of college students getting involved in unique opportunities that come their way.
Passion for Art
Interestingly, Maulding could have had a significant career in culinary arts, having ventured into photography after a career in that field. But now, as he pursues a degree in digital arts at LSUS, he has his sights set on a future where he could eventually return as an instructor. “I’ve always enjoyed the physical arts like painting and drawing. I’ve been drawing since I was four and my mother gave me a ‘How to Draw Donald Duck’ book,” he said, reminiscing about his early inspirations.
Excitement in the Community
With events like the Prize Fest, Shreveport is not only focusing on celebrating creativity but also fostering community involvement. As students capture their unique perspectives of the city and share them with the world, it’s a lovely reminder of how art can bring people together, inspire young minds, and showcase the heart of Shreveport.
As the festival continues, both attendees and participants are in for a treat. With every click of the camera, stories unfold, and creativity shines brightly, reflecting the true spirit of this charming Louisiana city.
