More national awards for UCOL Photography

More national awards for UCOL Photography

UCOL Photography student Fleur Verhoeven has won the 2011 Canon EYEcon photographic competition with a portfolio the judges described as a controversial and powerful use of imagery.

Fleur, a second year student on UCOL’s Bachelor of Applied Visual Imaging programme, receives a prize pack unlike any other. The combination of cash, Canon products and a full day on location with each of the three EYEcon mentors – Chris Sisarich, Hannah Johnston and Johannes van Kan – makes it the most substantial prize for a competition at this level.

Second place was awarded to Bianca Mar’e-Fletcher, also a second year Photography student at UCOL. Fellow UCOL student Tony Kim received a special mention.

Leading New Zealand photographers Sisarich, Johnston and van Kan judged the submissions of work in a lengthy and detailed judging process. Fleur’s four submitted images were praised by the judging panel as having a perfect balance of photographic technique and compelling story telling. “Fleur’s work is thought provoking,” stated one judge’s comment. “The control and composition shows impeccable skill and the underlying message in the series is extremely compelling.”

The judges said Bianca’s submission was a “beautiful series that leads the viewer to want to learn more about the subject’s story.”

Fleur says that the Canon EYEcon competition helped her to believe in herself as a photographer, “First off I would like to thank Canon for giving me this incredible opportunity. Winning this year’s competition is one of the most amazing experiences and I cannot wait to find out what’s next.”

The 2011 EYEcon photographic competition attracted entries from tertiary photographic students and apprentice photographers across the country.

The judges said this year’s competition saw strong contention for a place and gave a special mention to student Tony Kim, from UCOL who submitted unique, creative depictions of life in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes.

As winner Fleur receives $4,000 to spend on Canon products, a $1599 printer, a further $1000 cash and mentoring from the judges. UCOL also receives $2,000 worth of Canon products. Bianca receives $2,000 worth of canon products and a printer.

The Head of UCOL’s School of Photography, Art and Design Rachel Hoskin says the Canon EYECON results are outstanding and she and the school’s academic staff congratulate the successful students. This year’s successes for UCOL follow last year’s first placing in the Canon EYECON for third year BAVI student, now graduate, Kevin Bone.

UCOL students also won a record 52 awards at this year’s Epson/New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers Iris Professional Photography Awards, including the award for top student.

To see the photographs click here.

ENDS

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