We are thrilled to announce the addition of The New Yorker picture editor Whitney Johnson to our panel! Whitney's joined us just in time to review all the contenders in the Hey, Hot Shot! 2009 Second Edition competition. This preeminent group of arts professionals just got better—and you want this group to see your work! (hint hint!)

Of Whitney joining the review team, Hey, Hot Shot! founder Jen Bekman says,

I'm delighted that the talented Ms. Johnson is joining the team. Whitney and I got to know each other as reviewers at various top-tier photography events across the country. Plus, she works at my favorite magazine. When she came to Hosang Park's opening a few weeks ago, I suggested to her—as I always do with people whom I enjoy and admire—that she be a panelist. She said, All you have to do is ask—and I did!

As the newest member of team Hey, Hot Shot!, Whitney will help review and select the Second Edition Hot Shots of 2009. Here's a touch more about her:

Whitney Johnson is the picture editor at The New Yorker where she is responsible for producing shoots and researching visual material for political, cultural, and social stories. Prior to joining the magazine, Whitney worked at the Open Society Institute & Soros Foundations Network for over five years, where she worked closely with photographers, commissioning work for publications and coordinating a documentary photography exhibition and international grant competition. She holds a BA from Barnard College, and is pursuing a MA in American Studies, with a focus on photography and social change, at Columbia University.

Welcome Whitney! We can't wait for your exacting eye to help sift through all these talented contenders as we seek out the newest Hot Shots!