Suzanne thanks for your thoughts and suggestions, you gave me some things to think about. Yes raising awareness is my main goal, that is the idea behind the show also, the goal is to have the work seen by more people. I would also like to publish a book (probably going to self publish in the next year).
I do not know how effective photos are towards change by themselves but I think they can help lead people to knowledge and understanding which can lead to to change.
"For me, the idea was that through photography one could interact with the world, be a witness to society's problems and act on them......It wasn't that photography ended wars exactly, but it engaged in debate. It was part of a social dialogue."
tmike...I have tried to remain open minded. My way of thinking is that you should sort of be like a sponge and absorb all opinions around you, even if you do not agree with them. In a way I am happy if people say negative or positive things about the work, any reaction is certainly better than no reaction at all.
I have learned from the suggestions and criticisms that members have posted and find that APUG is a great resource for all of us as long as we treat it with respect. My goal in joining APUG was to learn from the people here and to grow as a photographer and I feel that is happening now.
Your right of course I have to make the final cuts myself to tell the story I want to tell. Boy this would be easier if I had several 1 man shows already; trying to get your first show and yet not conform to what the gallery desires is a tough one.
I think what I will do is put the work together and see if I am happy with it, if not I will pass on this submission.