We got the chance to sit down with Kathryn Audet, Exposure Photography Festival's 2026 Emerging Photographer of the Year. After a few years of preparation, Kathryn applied to the North West Showcase for the chance to be selected alongside a group of incredible artists and be eligible to win Exposure's Emerging Photographer of the Year Award. Winning the 2026 Emerging Photographer of the Year award not only opened doors for Kathryn, but gave her courage to push herself and grow her photography career.
The work Kathryn submitted to the 2026 North West Showcase was a project centred around her mother-in-law, called Woven, a series that showcases secrets they found out after she passed away. It was a way for Kathryn to mourn the loss while also honouring the life of her mother-in-law.
One of the most important elements Kathryn has received from being part of Exposure is the fantastic community of artists, both here in Calgary and internationally, who have been there to support her, give her feedback, and help her progress to the next level. If you've been on the fence about participating in the 2027 Exposure Photography Festival, this is your sign to just go for it! Kathryn was intimidated at first, but she took the leap and it was the start of an incredible new chapter! Whether it be the North West Showcase (deadline to apply for the 2027 Exposure Festival is October 5, 2026) or the portfolio review, or in other capacities, only great new experiences come with the Exposure Photography Festival!
