Judges
Michael Durr
Polina Osherov
Michael Durr
After graduating with a degree in visual communications from Illinois State University, Michael began his career in Central Illinois creating commercials and on-air promotions for local television affiliates. From 2008 to 2012, he worked for The Marketing Store where he created content for McDonald’s and Coca-Cola. From there, he worked for Maddock Douglas, an innovation consulting firm, where he developed an internal photo/video offering. In 2016, Michael became a Creative Director for FÁS Chicago, where he worked primarily for Case Construction. He now resides in Indianapolis with his wife and two sons and owns and operates Ripple Media Productions.
In addition, he works in partnership with Kevin Raber, CEO and Publisher of PhotoPXL.com, as a video producer. He and his wife also own North Indy Magazine, an Indianapolis Towne Post publication that promotes local businesses and covers stories of the people and places throughout Northern Indianapolis.
The North Indy Magazine is a monthly publication focusing on a variety of editorial content from new restaurants, local businesses, musicians, artists, nonprofit groups and more. As a photographer, Michael photographs a lot of the stories himself and also works with other talented photographers, writers and designers to create what he and his wife hope to become a place for creativity and positivity within the local community.
You can follow Michael on Instagram @instadurr and @thisisnorthindy.
Polina Osherov
Polina Osherov is a commercial photographer, community builder and entrepreneur. Originally from Moscow, Russia she moved to Indianapolis, Indiana in 1999 by way of Melbourne, Australia and Chicago, Illinois. In 1995, she and her husband launched Chalkguy Media International, a media company that provides speaking and consulting services. In 2005, Polina launched her photography business, which in a strange twist of fate led to her being one of the founders and ultimately the Executive Director of 501c3 non-profit, PATTERN, in 2010, and becoming the Editor-in-Chief of PATTERN magazine, in 2012.
At the helm of PATTERN and PATTERN magazine, Polina has produced over 150 events, mentored 120+ interns, published 21 issues of PATTERN magazine, and led dozens of campaigns and projects for culture and community-oriented companies and brands.
As an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder, her personal and professional life are dedicated to improving community infrastructure, retooling systems of collaboration and changing cultural economies to create inclusive opportunities for Indy’s creatives and makers.
IG: @patternmagazine @posherov
patternindy.com polinaosherov.com