I have to admit to spending more time than is probably healthy looking at photographs on Flickr over the last year. I started my work life out as a (junior) Photographer on the Gazette newspaper back in my home town in the UK. Photography is a love unrealized for me.

After cruising some of the displays at Art East and during the South 1st Art Walk, I realized how much I like photography over painted art, and how much more there was to it these days with all the extras digital has bought, not just ones and zeros.

Friday evening sees the opening of EXPOSURE – photos from Austin area photographers at IF+D. Friday evening there is an opening reception of work from Brian Alesi, Brian Birzer, Andrew Boyd, Aron Geizer, Liz Hoisington, Anaya Vaverko, and Keith Young. The reception runs between 6-10pm and will have music by DJ Chicken Geoge. IF+D is in the 2nd St Retail district and is at 208 Colorado St.

Photography is really hot at the moment. With this weeks announcement of the Yahoo/Flickr and Getty Images hookup, many more people have the chance of getting paid for their work.

However, as the creative commons get bigger, it becomes increasingly hard for new artists to get a start. Local photographer and performer, Jennifer Salazar is having her first exhibition to promote her work and broaden her horizon this Saturday, to move her beyond just being online.

Jenn is showing some sixty color pictures raging from 4×6 to 16×20, as images of still life and assorted objects, divided into five groupings with plot lines covering a journey through a dream. The groupings consist of one larger picture with smaller pictures in support.

“The Year of the Piñata” on Saturday, July 12, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at a historic residence on 810 East 13th Street, 78702. Reception with refreshments will be provided during the show and into the late hours. All prints will be available for purchase.

As well as her photography, Jenn Salazar has performed on the stage with FronteraFest, A.L.T.A, Teatro Vivo, and Different Stages.