We are thrilled to share the exciting news that Stasia Schmidt, a dear friend of The Camera Store, has been elected to be the new President and Chair of the Exposure Photography Festival! Stasia succeeds Dona Schwartz following a decade of dedicated leadership and a remarkable period of revitalization and expansion for the festival. In this new role, Stasia is committed to building on the festival’s strong foundation while guiding the organization into its next chapter.
As the new President and Chair of the Exposure Photography Festival, Stasia brings extensive experience in arts leadership, communications, marketing, and community building. Her own encounters with Exposure have inspired her photographic practice, including being Exposure’s Emerging Photographer of the Year, followed by her involvement as a volunteer, board member, and now President and Chair. This trajectory beautifully reflects Exposure’s role in fostering lasting connections between audiences, artists, and community leaders.
“Exposure has become an essential platform for photographers, artists, and audiences across Calgary, Banff, and beyond [...] I am honoured by the trust the Board has placed in me, and I look forward to working collaboratively with our staff, volunteers, artists, partners, and community supporters to continue expanding the festival’s impact and reach.” - Stasia Schmidt.
Stasia Schmidt, President and Chair of the Exposure Photography Festival
Moving forward, Stasia's focus includes supporting artists, strengthening relationships with partners and the broader photography community, while also ensuring the festival remains sustainable and relevant for years to come. She also hopes to continue expanding the festival’s reach and reinforcing its role as an important platform for contemporary photography.
With this news, we are also thrilled to announce that The Camera Store's Evelyn Drake is also on the festival board and is currently serving as Chair of the Communications Committee! The Exposure Board is predominantly female, with six women and four men serving.
For more information on the Exposure Photography Festival, please visit exposurephotofestival.com
