Olympics Backlash, Sony World Finalists, Provocative Exhibitions, and More…

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Contemporary Photography Here are the top stories that are trending in LensCulture right now. Plus, we highlight three photography-related events that may interest you. Cheers! Plane Watchers: Evicted in Estonia While the Western world criticizes the Russian Olympics for the upheaval of local living conditions in Sochi, whole villages are being uprooted in Estonia simply because the "old ways" are an eyesore near a prominent airport. By Annika Haas   Sony World Photography Awards Shortlist 2014 This year's Awards were the biggest ever — nearly 140,000 submissions from 166 countries. Discover photos from all 65 finalists.   What is a Photograph?  A blockbuster exhibition at the International Center for Photography explores this age-old question by looking at some of the most cutting-edge, envelope-pushing practitioners of the past 40 years. Transience On the fringes of society: Portraits of transitory individuals and the landscapes that they occupy. By Stephen Chalmers   Sochi: The 100 Days Before the Olympic Games The most expensive Olympic Games in history are taking place in Sochi, Russia. The $51 billion price tag has done more harm than good for the local residents. By Mikhail Mordasov   A Photograph is a Myth about a Delusion  A 48-page "invitation" to this one-man exhibition in Berlin is a work of art in itself. LensCulture shares the entire book in a full-screen slideshow. By Jeff Cowen   Wide Eyed A breathing body of images; a space to bounce and veer and double back while maintaining the sensation of being in a place of familiarity without specificity. By Jon Horvath   Now Open for Entries We are on a mission to discover a full range of great 21st century photo portraits. We are open to everything. All points of view. All levels of expertise. All corners of the world. All ideas of portraiture. Why Enter? Hebe Robinson:  Another Success Story Norwegian photographer Hebe Robinson produced our MOST VIEWED series of 2013 while she was still studying photography at Bilder Nordic School in Oslo, with her story Echoes of Lofoten. She was amazed at what happened to her career after she appeared in LensCulture. Hebe writes: "Thanks for promoting my work! The interest for my project is a bit overwhelming, but it is really rewarding being able to reach so many people. LensCulture really did make my breakthrough, and very exciting things are still happening…"  Her recent success stories include:  - Featured by CNN Photos and other online photo sites - Published in the Italian art magazine, RearViewMirror - Exhibition at the Athens Photo Festival - Exhibition at Fotografiets Hus, Oslo - Publication in D2, a Norwegian lifestyle/photography magazine - Publication in the Norwegian photo magazine Fotografi  And an even more exciting (but still secret) project in the works! Congratulations, Hebe, and we wish you continued success!   Other Photo Events You Should Know About: Every week, LensCulture highlights photography-related events around the world that stand out from the crowd. This week: TONIGHT:  Houston Center for Photography Print Auction With prints available by emerging talents as well as masters such as Edward Steichen, Aaron Siskind and Andre Kertesz, this is definitely a great opportunity for collectors. And the proceeds benefit a great organization!   Celeste Prize: Visible White "Personal Identities in the digital age." Awards for the best photography and video include cash prizes and an exhibition. LensCulture is pleased to be on the jury. Deadline for entries: February 28, 2014. Circulations 2014: Festival of Young European Photographers Come to Paris! Now in its fourth year, this festival showcases up and coming photographic talent from all over Europe. This preview highlights 52 of our favorites. Through March 16, 2014.