Some of Bermuda's best photography will be on display at the Masterworks Gallery in October as part of the Bermuda Professional Photographic Association's (BPPA) third Biennial.

The exhibition will feature up to three works each by 12 members of the BPPA in framed formats of 16" x 20" or similar.

Artists included in this year's Biennial are Graeme Outerbridge, Ian Macdonald-Smith, Scott Tucker, Meredith Andrews, Tekoa Photography, James Tavares, Gavin Howarth, Ernest McCreight, Antwan D. Albuoy, Antoine Hunt, Ann Spurling and Ally Lusher.

"This Biennial represents a departure from our past exhibitions in that a new relationship has been forged with Masterworks to feature the best photography of the BPPA," said Graeme Outerbridge BPPA exhibition coordinator.

"BPPA is very excited to work with Masterworks because they bring a high degree of professionalism, and the excellent museum quality exhibiting space that is a scarce resource in Bermuda."

Mr. Outerbridge said that while the BPPA Biennial or any past Biennial has never reflected every member of the BPPA, the spine of the organisation is always well represented along with new and emerging professional members like Ally Lusher and James Tavares.

"It is interesting that our president, Antoine Hunt, has chosen to share a body of work that will be surprising in its content and the venue from which it came,"he added.

The exhibition is curated by Mari Hill Harpur, artist-in-residence for Masterworks from October through December 2010. Ms Hill Harpur's introductory slideshow of her photographic work will be held on October 21, and will include a viewing of the BPPA Biennial on display at that time.

Ms Hill Harpur hails from Montreal, Canada where she specialises in both digital fibre print photography and silver gelatin print photography.

Whilst here she will focus on photographing Bermuda's agricultural land and fishing practices. Mr. Outerbridge said he was thrilled to have such an esteemed photographer curate this year's exhibit.

"The Masterworks' artist-in-residence kindly undertook the curatorial duty of what was once a past criticism of the BPPA Biennials — namely that there was no unifying visual theme," he said. "By having a judging pair of eyes to discern and concentrate the visual power of the exhibit, Mari Hill Harpur has chosen what to me are the strongest visual pieces in the show. The improvement is apparent and the show in my opinion is a strong one."

On the topic of the art of photography, Mr. Outerbridge said: "More and more photographers are using technology and shooting digitally. Although some people like the quality of film stills, there is a big shift towards elements of Photoshop and the various mechanisations of Photoshop to perfect the initial image. A lot of people are purists and still like the old processes of photography, namely using film and a dark room, but in a contemporary setting that seems to be a dying art, and everything has its personality.

"And I'm sure old processes will be with us for a long time, but I'm noticing more and more local photographers are digital shooters, not film shooters."

Tom Butterfield, founder and creative director of the Masterworks Foundation and Museum of Bermuda Art said: "This is a fabulous opportunity to work with another dedicated group of individuals who represent for us a medium that we do not too often have the chance to exhibit.

"I am thrilled that we have been approached by the BPPA and that we will be the choice of venue for many years to come. I fully welcome this opportunity."

The third BPPA Biennial will open today in a private Masterworks' members and artists' guests reception, and will be on view to the public during regular museum hours from October 1 through 30.