The third edition of the Saint Petersburg Month of Photography is starting on May 1st

Saint Petersburg Month of Photography Returns for its Third Edition in May 2025
Celebrating the Art of Photography Across Tampa Bay
Saint Petersburg Month of Photography (SPMOP) is back this May for its highly anticipated third edition, offering a month-long celebration of the art of photography across the Tampa Bay area. The festival will feature an exciting lineup of exhibitions, events, and programs, including a special showcase of the five finalists for the prestigious 2025 Photo Laureate award, as well as a solo exhibition by the current Photo Laureate, Ric Savid.
“We believe photography is both an art form and a powerful reflection of our community,” says Marieke van der Krabben, Executive Director of SPMOP. “The Photo Laureate program sits at the heart of this mission, giving a photographer the time and space to create a body of work that celebrates the diverse voices, stories, and landscapes of the Tampa Bay region. This exhibition represents the culmination of that journey—an inspiring testament to the power of creative trust.”
2025 Photo Laureate Finalists & Exhibition
On May 10th, SPMOP will unveil the much-anticipated exhibition showcasing the five finalists for the 2025 Photo Laureate award at the Morean Arts Center. The finalists include: Jesi Cason, Patricia Preston Mastry, Angelina Parrino, Christopher Wharton, and Stephen Zane. This exhibition will not only highlight the talent of these finalists but also serve as the backdrop for the announcement of the new Photo Laureate for 2025.
Ric Savid’s The Darkroom Silver Linings Exhibition
Kicking off the month’s celebrations, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts will host Ric Savid’s solo exhibition, The Darkroom Silver Linings, opening on May 1st. Savid, the 2024 Photo Laureate, presents a poignant collection of analog film portraits that celebrate the diverse spirit of Tampa Bay. Through his analog technique—rare in today’s digital world—Savid captures authentic, intimate moments that tell powerful stories about his subjects and the community they represent.
“The Darkroom Silver Linings exemplifies the essence of the Photo Laureate program: a personal, analog portrait of our region that reveals the beauty of its communities,” says van der Krabben. “Ric’s dedication to traditional darkroom techniques adds a timeless quality to his images, allowing us to slow down and truly see the people and places that make Tampa Bay unique.”
Savid’s portraits focus on individuals from all walks of life—from street vendors to well-known community figures—emphasizing the humanity and depth often lost in the digital age. His work offers a refreshing counterpoint to the fast-paced, screen-dominated world around us.
“This project has allowed me to connect with people in ways that feel meaningful,” says Savid. “In a time when we’re constantly distracted by screens, I’ve found that taking the time to listen and engage with my subjects has been incredibly rewarding.”
Savid is quick to acknowledge the element of serendipity in his portraits. “I don’t set up photos. The best ones always find me when I’m paying attention,” he explains. “I make sure to always ask permission to photograph, which creates a collaborative, respectful dynamic between me and the subject.”
More Exciting Events to Come
Additional events, exhibitions, and programs can be found on our website. To suggest an event, propose an exhibition, volunteer, or learn more about the festival, visit www.spmop.org.