Frequently Asked Questions


 The Show

Q: What is SlowExposures all about?

Nineteen years ago, the building boom was on. Our intention was to use photography to call attention to the incremental loss of our landscape and the historic buildings that told the story of this long-time cotton-growing region. With the help of an amazing array of photography folks from near and far, SlowExposures has grown into a critically-acclaimed photography festival that attracts folks from across the United States.

The theme of the show is always “The Rural South”—the contemporary rural South. Every year, the images spark conversations, memories, and debate about just what that means. Each year we invite two photography professionals to jury the show. One of the unique things about SlowE is where we hang the work—all of the exhibits, from the Main Exhibition to a dozen satellite shows, are in late-19th century buildings that once were the infrastructure of the vast cotton economy of the South.

Our parent organization is Pike Preservation and we donate our profits every year to benefit one or more of our historic buildings. The show is underwritten by entry fees, grants, and the generous support of local businesses and friends of SlowExposures. We couldn’t do the show without the incredible volunteer force that engages in a 12-month planning cycle—they open their homes to guests, staff the galleries, provide world-class professional services, and welcome hundreds of visitors to Pike County every third weekend in September.

Entering Your Work In SlowExposures

Q: What do I have to know to enter the show?

When is the Call for Entries released?
The call is sent out April 15th each year.

Who can enter?
Anyone 18 or older can enter their work in the Main Exhibition.

Do you have a theme?
The work must reference the rural, contemporary American South.

What states are considered the “Rural South”?
Here’s what we include: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Entered images must be taken in one of these states.

How do I enter?
Visit our Open Calls for Entries page. The entry fee is $50. This fee underwrites the entire show for that year. It covers the expenses of renting space, juror’s expenses, refreshments for all of our receptions, publicity, and awards. This enables us to present the show without charging admission fees for each year’s dozen-or-more exhibitions. Every photographer who enters is also invited to the private “Soiree” at Split Oak Farm on Friday evening.

How do I find out if I’m juried in?
We use Constant Contact to announce the juried-in images within 24 hours of the juror’s picks. (Send an email to info@slowexposures.org to be added to our email list.) Following this, we email a detailed checklist of “things-to-do” to those who are juried in. It includes information on when and where to drop off or ship the framed work, how to get it back after the show closes, and sales information. We retain a 30% commission on work (framed image and prints) that sells during the show.

Q: What is the PopUp Show?

This is a juried satellite show of 5-8 individual or group exhibitions that are hung in historic buildings—anything from a barn to an old high school building from the early 1900’s. Visitors will be able to meet the artists and purchase work from them during the event.
The PopUp event is open from Thursday through Sunday. We ask every artist to honor our request that the exhibit is ready-to-go on Friday morning and stays up till 3:00 pm on Sunday. A good idea is to bring along a helper to provide breaks during the viewing times—also, our Pop-Up volunteers are fantastic helpers and will be available throughout the event to assist.
Sales: We know that creating an exhibit and getting here takes resources—that’s why we do not take a commission on your sales during SlowE. Sales usually are quite brisk (we recommend you bring along prints).
PopUp Sites: The sites differ in size but most can accommodate at least 15-20 images (of course, depending on size). Lighting and staging is up to the exhibitor. All of the sites have restrooms, electricity, and water. Most, but not all, have AC.
The process: Once the PopUp Show juror has selected the exhibits for this year’s PopUp, the photographers will be sent instructions on the dates and details. PopUp Show exhibitors will be invited to view photographs of the venues on Dropbox—it’s a first-come, first-serve choice for venue—we are happy to answer questions about the sites.

Coming to the Show

Q: How do I get to Pike County? And, where do I go?

Pike County is located one hour southwest of Atlanta, Georgia. Zebulon is the county seat and the largest city (pop. 1,200). If you are traveling from afar you will fly into Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson International Airport—then, you’ll need to rent a car. If you are driving and your route takes you through Atlanta, we recommend that you avoid its infamous rush hour. We have two traffic lights in the county—once you get here the pace slows way, way down—and the night sky is gorgeous. Alert: Visit our Lodging page — we do not have any hotels in Pike County.
The main show is at Strickland’s on Main Street in Concord. Look for the only two-story commercial building in town. You won’t miss it. Once you “check in” at the show, our hosts will provide you with a map of the county with all the satellite shows listed. Look for signs pointing the way to events and shows. If you get lost, ask anyone you see for directions—we’re glad to point you in the right direction.

Q: What are the lodging options within driving distance to the show?

On the Lodging page we have a list of hotels in the nearby towns Griffin and Thomaston—several offer special “Slow” rates.
For the most up-to-date information on hotels we recommend you go on-line to Trip Advisor. Check out the following nearby cities and towns (in order of closeness to Pike County): Griffin, Thomaston, Fayetteville, and Peachtree City.
We also recommend using AirBnB, VRBO, or other sites to get the most up-to-date availability for B&B-type lodging.

Q: What about dining choices?

SlowE is famous for its hearty receptions during the weekend so you probably will not go hungry…but, please remember that most everything closes down by 9 p.m.–including the grocery store. Downtown Zebulon has several dining spots including BBQ, Coffeehouse, and a sit-down fish restaurant. North on Hwy 19 is a newer Shopping Center with several dining options including pizza, chicken, Mexican, and American fare. Need nourishment after 9? Head towards Griffin on 19N and discover the Waffle House experience at the intersection of 19/41 and 19S—the Ingles store is on your left and WH is on your right before you get to the light. Keep going north to Griffin for more late night dining possibilities from fast-food on the 19-41 Bypass to cool restaurants and bars in downtown Griffin.

Q: Do I need a car to get to Festival events?

Yes. But, it’s an immersive experience—lots of folks grab rides with new friends throughout the weekend. And, please observe the speed limits in our little towns.
Things to watch out for: It’s dark at night. Deer and other wildlife cross the road at night: please keep your eyes peeled. If you have any problems, call the Sheriff at 911.

Q: Are there cab services available?

Sorry, there are no cabs.