ARLES, France — It is a daunting task to pick through the huge choice of photography exhibited this summer at the Rencontres d’Arles — all the more so in this season’s baking heat.

In addition to more than 50 shows listed in the program of the prestigious international photography festival, dozens of additional venues in the city and around it in the South of France have joined in celebrating the medium.

This year is the 50th edition of the festival, and while much of the Rencontres d’Arles program is dedicated to 20th-century photography, space has also been made for contemporary artists.

Six rising photographers with work at Arles explained their approaches to the art form. Here are edited extracts from their explanations.