Flash Forward Festival guide

Photo by Christopher Chadbourne/ The Magenta Foundation

Boston’s first annual Flash Forward Festival comes to the Fairmont Battery Wharf this weekend, exploring photographic art and industry with sweeping harbor views  to top it off. Put on by Canadian non-profit arts publishing house The Magenta Foundation, this fest brings together artists and professionals from across the U.S., Canada and the U.K. to celebrate and empower emerging photographers. And did we mention that it’s all free and open to the public? Here’s our guide to the fest for photographers and photo-lovers alike.

Thursday, June 2

Mary Beth Meehan: Doing Documentary Work on the Home Front
The photographer discusses the challenges of returning home and the creation of her "City of Champions" series, which explores life in her hometown of Brockton, Mass. Noon–1:30pm; Two Battery Wharf, Lower Level

Wonderful Machine’s Maria Luci and Sean Stone: An Introduction to Branding and Marketing
Learn the basics of self-branding and marketing. Director of Photography Sean Stone discusses how to create a cohesive brand and photographic identity, and shares tips on organizing and editing your work. Producer Maria Luci advises on the best channels to reach the editorial and commercial clients you’re aiming for. 2pm–3:30pm; Two Battery Wharf, Lower Level

Building a Photography Collection for Love or Money
Barbara Hitchcock, Gary Leopold, Phillip Prodger and Dana Salvo join mediator Jim Fitts in a discussion about building a collection. The photography pundits will speak about buying, conserving and displaying photographs that speak to the collector’s heart (and bank account). 4pm–6pm; Two Battery Wharf, Lower Level

Friday, June 3

Stephen Mayes: Restructuring the Photographic Practice
VII Photo’s Stephen Mayes takes a look at the opportunities presented to photographers as we move further into the 21st century. Noon-1:30pm; Two Battery Wharf, Lower Level

Todd Hido: Sources & Influence
The San Fran-based artist reflects on his work over the past two decades. He explores both the artistic process and the influences involved in the creation of his signature eerily-lit interiors and sparse street scenes. 2pm–3:30pm; Two Battery Wharf, Lower Level

Smart Marketing Strategies for Photographers
Local photographer Christopher Churchill, New York City-based writer and content strategist Kristina Feliciano and Pulitzer Prize-winning photo editor Stella Kramer discuss proven strategies for self-promotion. The panel is moderated by Alison Zavos of Inc. magazine and Feature Shoot photo blog. 4pm–6pm; Two Battery Wharf, Lower Level

Fresh Works: A Sampler of New England Photographers
This exhibit highlights the work of ten New England artists just beginning their careers. Curated by Paula Tognarelli of the Griffin Museum of Photography and George Slade of the Photographic Research Center at Boston University. 7pm–10pm; Two Battery Wharf, Lower Level

Saturday, June 4

Bruno Ceschel: Self Publish, Be Happy in 35 Contemporary Photobooks
The London freelance editor and consultant presents his 35 self-published photobooks, ranging in style from the stapled fan zine to the traditionally printed volume. Noon-1:30pm, Two Battery Wharf, Lower Level

Susan Bright: Auto Focus: The Self Portrait in Contemporary Photography
Freelance curator and author Susan Bright takes a look at the creative and logistical decisions involved in creating a book, with a focus on different approaches to self portraiture and the author’s relationship with the artists she publishes. 2pm–3:30pm; Two Battery Wharf, Lower Level

The Future of Photobooks
Andy Adams (flakphoto.com), Daylight magazine founder Michael Itkoff, writer and social media consultant Miki Johnson, photographer and editor of Lay Flat Shane Lavalette and writer/designer/publisher Alan Rapp discuss the recent Renaissance of printed photobooks despite the recent economic hit to publishing companies and the rise of digital media. Moderated by Stephen Mayes of VII Photo. 4pm–6pm; Two Battery Wharf, Lower Level

Flash Forward Sangria Party
Raise a glass (or a few) and rub elbows with the festival’s sundry presenters, promoters, publishers and producers on the Fairmont Battery Wharf’s gorgeous patio area. 6pm–10pm; outdoor patio area