We couldn't be more excited to announce that Alec Soth, renowned photographer and founder of Little Brown Mushroom Books, will be serving as the guest curator for our 5th—and final—month of Hey, Hot Shot! 2010.

Alec Soth has emerged as one of the preeminent photographers of our time, working seamlessly across genres as fine artist, storyteller and documentarian. Soth's creative projects combine photography, video, sound and writing (and more!) into inspiring stories that emerge from his journeys on the meandering roads of America. In 2008, Soth was named a full-time member of Magnum Photos and this September, the first U.S. survey of Soth's work, From Here to There, will open at the Walker Art Center, not to be missed if you are anywhere near Minneapolis.

Two Towels, 2005, from Niagara by Alec Soth

To readers of this blog, he needs no introduction, especially as of late, with all of the interesting projects and upcoming exhibitions keeping his name at the top of our feeds and conversations. But before you race to upload your images, read on for details about the award and more about Alec's work.

Alec will be reviewing all work submitted between July 30th and August 20th (two days before the end of the overall competition entry period on August 22nd). The entrant of his choice will be featured on our blog and newsletter, and receive what he has dubbed the "Little Brown Mushroom Love Pack" which includes:

- An autographed edition of Bedknobs & Broomsticks by Trent Parke (from the SOLD OUT edition of 1,000)
- Lost Boy Mountain by Lester B. Morrison (edition of 1,000)
- The Last Days of W by Alec Soth (from the SOLD OUT edition of 10,000)
- and a screen-printed LBM t-shirt

"The Little Brown Mushroom Love-Pack"

Before starting LBM Books in 2008, Soth released several books of his own work with publisher Steidl: Dog Days, Bogota, Sleeping by the Mississippi and Niagara—all of which have become instant classics and collectibles. So it's no surprise that LBM has been producing some amazing (and quickly sold out) books.

But LBM is only a sliver of what Alec has been up to. In conjunction with his aforementioned show at the Walker Art Center, a book will also be published to accompany the exhibition. After that, another book project, a collaboration with photographer Catherine Opie and fashion designers Rodarte, will be released in November. You can keep tabs on Alec and LBM's ventures by following their blog, Twitter and Tumblr. Soth also maintains a blog at the New York Times, Continental Picture Show, featuring photo and video from his adventures around the country. One of Alec's images is part of Land Use Survey, our summer exhibition currently on view at Jen Bekman Gallery through August 15th.

Finally, you'd be remiss not to read through this insightful interview with Soth on Big RED & Shiny from last November to hear Alec discuss his various projects in his own words.

It is an honor to give you the opportunity to get your work in front of the eyes of one of the most respected—and busiest(!)—photographers around. Best of luck to everyone entering and let us know if you have any questions—about Alec's prize or anything related to HHS!—by leaving a comment or replying to us on Twitter @heyhotshot.

Ready to apply now? Go for it!