SEEN
aN Annual juried online exhibition and award that celebrates the work of emerging DIY/Punk photographers Living and working in Pensacola, FL.
Julia Gorton is an acclaimed photographer, designer, and visual artist whose work captures the raw energy and spirit of New York City’s punk and no-wave scenes in the 1970s and 1980s. A native of Wilmington, Delaware, and a graduate of Parsons School of Design, Gorton became a pivotal figure in documenting the countercultural movements that defined an era.
Her stark black-and-white photographs of iconic musicians, artists, and underground figures—including Patti Smith, Debbie Harry, and members of the no-wave movement—are celebrated for their gritty authenticity and timeless aesthetic. Gorton's work offers an intimate glimpse into a transformative period in music, art, and cultural history, preserving the essence of a fleeting yet influential subculture. |
Julia Gorton’s contributions continue to resonate, serving as both a visual archive and a source of inspiration for those who seek to understand and celebrate the intersections of art, music, and rebellion.
309 Punk Project is forever grateful to Julia and her tremendous generosity towards our efforts and our community at large.
309 Punk Project is forever grateful to Julia and her tremendous generosity towards our efforts and our community at large.
3nd Annual SEEN Photography Exhibition & Julia Gorton Award
On behalf of our juror, Julia Gorton, we are pleased to announce that Katie Brabham is the Winner of the 3rd Annual SEEN Photography Exhibition and Julia Gorton Photography Award, including $1000 Cash Award & Solo Exhibition at 309 Punk Project opening March, 9th, 2026. Julia also awarded one Honorable Mention to Kaelyn Christiana.
WINNER: Katie Brabham
I bring my camera with me wherever I go, hoping to capture the raw and pure moments that surround me.
This is my art—through both photos and thoughts. With every shot, I hope to capture the complexities of the human experience and to document my personal journey. Beauty exists in every aspect of life whether it’s loneliness, rumination, euphoria, contentment, longing or belonging. To be alive is to feel it all, and all I can hope is that my photos make you feel something. If you’re reading this, I thank you for taking the time to look at my photos and thank you for joining me. IG: @katiebrabhamfilm |
Honorable Mention: Kaelyn Christiana
I started my journey with film photography this January and I have fallen in love with the medium. These four photographs are from a staged photo shoot where I wished to express emotion and story; connected to my passion for the supernatural and dealing with mental health.
IG: @garnishatthepizzahut |
Kai Eckard
My name is Kai Eckard and I love to use my photography to capture the essence of human experience. All photos shot on 35mm film with my Pentax K1000.
Angelica Tilton
I'm Angelica Tilton, an artist living in Navarre, Florida. Watercolor, pen, and colored pencil are usually my media of choice. I've never thought of myself as a photographer, but I take a lot of photos. Mostly, I take photos of local wildlife that remind me that humans are not alone in our environment, in spite of the great lengths our species has taken to create such a separation. This collection of photos shows a few tiny, beautiful pieces of nature that persist in my rapidly developing suburban town. The living things featured in these photos demonstrate what we stand to lose to development and what we have already lost. The spiderwort flower, sweat bee, brittlegill mushroom, and barking treefrog found ways to survive the changing landscape, while human encroachment claimed the lives of the possum and the white pitcher plants. I hope that my work communicates the resilience of the more-than-human world while also highlighting the violence that humans commit against our fellow beings in building up our society.
Dalton Gordon
I am Dalton Gordon, an aspiring photographer from the backwoods of Laurel Hill, FL. I picked up my first film camera in September 2024 at Pensacola State College and I haven't put it down since. Through my early life experiences, I found the world needed me for more than my artistic ventures, so I took my ambition to Special Operations inside the Air Force. In year 9 of my career as a JTAC, a tumor was located deep inside my brain. My purpose was not jumping out of planes and dropping bombs anymore, it was to chase the light and capture these precious moments before they dissipate from the distraction of monotony. I lost myself during those 10 years, but light will always reveal the darkness and photography heals me, it fuels, it saves me. When I'm creating digital work or in the darkroom, I'm smiling because photography has brought me so much joy. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to view the art that saved this veteran's life.
Andrew Johnson
I’m currently a student within the Photography Program at Pensacola State College. I work mainly in digital photography and my subject matter focuses on abandoned structures. I aim to portray intimate spaces being overtaken by nature and the complex emotions that come through that visual experience. The series I’m submitting centers around photographs of one abandoned house. Below is an excerpt explaining the concept:
The house sits on the side of an old country road. The only thing visible through the brush is its aging roof. It breathes through its broken windows. It watches the grass grow ever taller. Inside it's still. It thinks about its past and those it grew close with. Now it sits alone. Peacefully watching the grass grow.
The house sits on the side of an old country road. The only thing visible through the brush is its aging roof. It breathes through its broken windows. It watches the grass grow ever taller. Inside it's still. It thinks about its past and those it grew close with. Now it sits alone. Peacefully watching the grass grow.
Ben Word
I am a photographer, raised in Pensacola, with a focus on looking for the light. No matter what the subject may be, I am always looking for the better light to place it/them in. Light is the driving force of photography, and serves as the means to this art form's end. That is why I chase light and the interesting subject matter that some may not.
Susan Ford
I live in the Old East Hill neighborhood and often spend time around the water. I love my unique little part of the world and enjoy capturing its beauty.
Enrique Viveros
I believe we communicate to the world through different ways and photography is my method of
communication. I am a photographer based out of Pensacola. Currently, I photograph with my digital
and analog camera. I love working with both photo processes because both allow me to experiment and
create photos with the purpose to entertain, inform, and capture moments to look back on.
I was introduced to photography while working for a student-ran newspaper, The Corsair. This
publication introduced me to the basics of photography by assigning me news stories to take photo
Then I entered the PSC photography program. Throughout the program I have experimented with the
different methods of taking an image and researching artists who have inspired me like Robert
Mapplethorpe and Joel Meyerowitz. It is because of their perspectives and subject matter while using
the medium that have inspired me to follow in their steps.
I remember an old friend asking me, “Why do I like to take pictures or videos of everything?” I could not
think of an answer at the time; however, as time goes on, this question is a part of why I am in the
medium of photography.
communication. I am a photographer based out of Pensacola. Currently, I photograph with my digital
and analog camera. I love working with both photo processes because both allow me to experiment and
create photos with the purpose to entertain, inform, and capture moments to look back on.
I was introduced to photography while working for a student-ran newspaper, The Corsair. This
publication introduced me to the basics of photography by assigning me news stories to take photo
Then I entered the PSC photography program. Throughout the program I have experimented with the
different methods of taking an image and researching artists who have inspired me like Robert
Mapplethorpe and Joel Meyerowitz. It is because of their perspectives and subject matter while using
the medium that have inspired me to follow in their steps.
I remember an old friend asking me, “Why do I like to take pictures or videos of everything?” I could not
think of an answer at the time; however, as time goes on, this question is a part of why I am in the
medium of photography.
jayden lavendusky
My roots are southern/midwest, where a simple lifestyle thrives. My work is solely to please my eye. I turned 22 this month, grasping to find things that aren’t upsetting; I have to be reminded of simple things. To make small moments, big and go back to revisit them; that’s what seems to be the theme. We can only ever learn from one another. Other than for self documentation, I hope others can find something they like.
Aubrey Walls
I spent my childhood blossoming between south Georgia and the Florida panhandle. I've been a resident in Pensacola for almost four years now. Pensacola and I have a love/hate relationship, but I've finally grown to appreciate this city and what it has to offer. I finished my associate degree at Pensacola State College and plan to further my education after the summer in New Orleans. I'm very excited for the change of scenery and to finally get my life started.
I have grown up around music and concerts for the majority of my life. Three of my pictures in this series encapsulate my love for performance art and the thrill of experiencing a show. My favorite photo would have to be "Renaissance Gangster Slam," because not only does it show the power and emotion behind this particular genre of music, it also shows a sense of community. Yes, these guys are all beating the crap out of each other, but the music brings them together in a way that is almost indescribable. Gabe and Zac are the centerpieces for my other two performance photos. I chose them because I appreciate artists who include theatrics within their sets. It just makes a show that much more memorable to me, and I love over-the-top things in general. The two portraits I included express my love for fashion. I met the "ATL Baddies" at the Marquette in Atlanta. I was blown away by their confidence and welcoming personalities, I was delighted that they let me capture a photo. My friend Lena is the sparkling gem on the dumpster, she has always been a muse of mine. This look was for Halloween, but I would not put it past her to wear that as a day to day outfit. I hope that my selections give you a sense of what performance art and fashion can mean to someone. Whether it gives you an escape or helps build your confidence, I'm grateful that these two things will always be around.
I have grown up around music and concerts for the majority of my life. Three of my pictures in this series encapsulate my love for performance art and the thrill of experiencing a show. My favorite photo would have to be "Renaissance Gangster Slam," because not only does it show the power and emotion behind this particular genre of music, it also shows a sense of community. Yes, these guys are all beating the crap out of each other, but the music brings them together in a way that is almost indescribable. Gabe and Zac are the centerpieces for my other two performance photos. I chose them because I appreciate artists who include theatrics within their sets. It just makes a show that much more memorable to me, and I love over-the-top things in general. The two portraits I included express my love for fashion. I met the "ATL Baddies" at the Marquette in Atlanta. I was blown away by their confidence and welcoming personalities, I was delighted that they let me capture a photo. My friend Lena is the sparkling gem on the dumpster, she has always been a muse of mine. This look was for Halloween, but I would not put it past her to wear that as a day to day outfit. I hope that my selections give you a sense of what performance art and fashion can mean to someone. Whether it gives you an escape or helps build your confidence, I'm grateful that these two things will always be around.
Taylor Heppner
My name is Taylor Heppner, I'm a student at PSC majoring in technical photography. I grew up in Navarre and have lived in Pensacola and appreciate everything the area has to offer.
Displaying vulnerability and self intimacy through my work is one of my main focuses in photography. Being empowered by the raw human form has inspired me the most. Growing up in a world that is so subjective and judgemental has made me strive to show empowerment and beauty through my photography.
Displaying vulnerability and self intimacy through my work is one of my main focuses in photography. Being empowered by the raw human form has inspired me the most. Growing up in a world that is so subjective and judgemental has made me strive to show empowerment and beauty through my photography.
Natalee Stuart
I grew up in Pensacola, where I developed a deep appreciation for individuality and self-expression. Drawn to the energy of the punk scene, I find inspiration in its bold personalities and defiant spirit. For the past two years, I have focused on portrait photography, working both in studio and on location to capture raw, unfiltered energy. My work blends both candid moments and carefully staged setups, using direction and styling to emphasize the unique character of each subject. Whether spontaneous or constructed, my goal is to create images that feel authentic. I strive to capture something that both my subjects and I connect with.
Chrysta Avers
Chrysta Avers is a multimedia artist and amateur film photographer based in Pensacola, Fl. Utilizing lush hues, they capture the warmth, joy, and resourcefulness of southern queer culture.
Sable Parazine
Sable lazuli-bridges lives in cantonment Florida, making almost daily trips to Pensacola. Often times having to wait on friends to be ready to go, or to pick them up from work, she spends alot of time milling about. Picking up photography let her share her milling about with friends.
Mike iLL Kilmer
Mike iLL Kilmer born in Montgomery Alabama to civil rights activists. Raised in Hoboken New Jersey. Obsessed with words and music and in a larger sense, communication and perhaps community and spirituality. Married to Rivka and raising two children 12 and 15. Making Giggle Out Loud music.
The attached examples are (PDF renditions of) scalable vector graphics created with the Adobe Capture application. A vector image is a mathematical representation of a shape or combination of shapes, for example an "ellipse" and a few "path"s could generate a simple stick figure, which could be rendered in any size and color combination and perhaps animated. They are very light weight requiring very little computer memory. Rather than being a "picture" each one is a complex "shape" which, perhaps combined with its title–maybe even without–tells of participates in the telling of a story.
The attached examples are (PDF renditions of) scalable vector graphics created with the Adobe Capture application. A vector image is a mathematical representation of a shape or combination of shapes, for example an "ellipse" and a few "path"s could generate a simple stick figure, which could be rendered in any size and color combination and perhaps animated. They are very light weight requiring very little computer memory. Rather than being a "picture" each one is a complex "shape" which, perhaps combined with its title–maybe even without–tells of participates in the telling of a story.
Dani Jimenez
My name is Dani Jimenez, and I am from a small city in Baldwin County, Alabama. From a young age, I have always held an immense love for the intricacies of nature. I tend to fall in love with every tiny flower, towering tree, and glimmer of light and shadow that crosses my path.
In 2020, I began my degree in photographic technology, where I was greatly inspired by the work of Jerry Uelsmann. I graduated with an Associate of Arts in the spring of 2023 from Pensacola State College. In 2021, I became particularly fond of photographing different natural subjects and digitally compositing images to glorify the beauty of nature in new ways.
There was a long period when I struggled with my health, and my work has often served as a display of my emotions while grappling with illness or as a symbol of different periods of life.
Today, I am working towards a degree in radiologic technology- a more medically focused form of imagery. However, imagery in every form will always shape my heart. I continue to photograph natural subjects frequently and have recently found great joy in visiting and photographing various State and National Parks.
In 2020, I began my degree in photographic technology, where I was greatly inspired by the work of Jerry Uelsmann. I graduated with an Associate of Arts in the spring of 2023 from Pensacola State College. In 2021, I became particularly fond of photographing different natural subjects and digitally compositing images to glorify the beauty of nature in new ways.
There was a long period when I struggled with my health, and my work has often served as a display of my emotions while grappling with illness or as a symbol of different periods of life.
Today, I am working towards a degree in radiologic technology- a more medically focused form of imagery. However, imagery in every form will always shape my heart. I continue to photograph natural subjects frequently and have recently found great joy in visiting and photographing various State and National Parks.
Rae Spann
Rae Spann is a queer artist studying the photographic process at the University of West Florida. They are interested in the scientific study of art mediums as well as the study of psychosocial behavior. “Paraphilia” attempts to explore the figurative expressions of sexuality and the cultural implications of shame placed on the nude form.