News Photographers Snap Up National Prizes! 15.05.2022

A-level Photography students from The College of Richard Collyer have enjoyed success in the London Metropolitan University photography competition “Your People, Your Places, Your Things 2022”. Year 1 student Ella Strutt won the ‘Your Things’ category with her still life image. Ella’s winning photograph was a mandala created from a scanography image of her personal possessions, with a bold use of colour and pattern.

Ella said: “Thank you to the London Met for hosting this competition, everyone’s work was amazing. Since I joined Collyer’s, I have gained so much knowledge and been able to develop my personal style.

“Thanks to my teachers, Laura and Rebecca, for giving me the opportunity and confidence to apply for this competition.”

A number of students from the college’s photography department were highly commended, including Kobi Axel Mushandu, Lauren Baines, Oliver Martin, and Polly Simpson. Carolina Olim Felix and Victoria Ward’s photographs were shortlisted, while students Jasmine Yates, Alcina Baroni, and Evie Woollett were runners-up in their categories.

Collyer’s Head of Photography and Assistant Director of the Faculty for Arts, Laura Andrews, explained: “Students from schools and colleges around the country were invited to submit a photograph of their favourite people, place, or thing, reflecting the ethos and practise of the BA (Hons) Photography course at the London Met. The top 24 shortlisted entries and all images that were highly commended were included in an online digital exhibition hosted by the London Metropolitan’s School of Art, Architecture and Design. The work of all 24 finalists will also be included in a competition section of a printed magazine being made by the school’s second-year students.”

Collyer’s staff, and students with their families joined the live online event to hear the results and feedback from the judges. The competition was judged by a panel including London Met Photography BA graduates, photographers, senior lecturers, and course leader James Russell Cant.

The judges said: “There are so many amazing pieces this year, it is really hard to judge. It is a privilege to see other artists’ work”

Lauren Baines said “”it was a bit of a shock to be honest. Studying photography has been some of the most fun I’ve had in an educational setting and this course has really helped me to develop my love and skills in the subject”.

Victoria Ward said: “I am happy I took part and surprised at how I did!”

Evie Woollett said “I love taking photographs of architecture concentrating on shadows, contrast, and patterns. I look forward to trying more techniques next year and seeing which direction my work goes in.”

Jasmine Yates’ dramatic fantasy portrait was also runner up. She said: “My photograph was part of a project based on Alice in Wonderland, I wanted to create an atmospheric and powerful image. A-level Photography has given me the time space to explore and develop my creativity and I will take this into my future as I go on to study Film Production at university.”

Alcina Baroni’s colourful, imaginative still life image was also awarded runner up in the ‘Things’ category, she said “I think the competition was a good opportunity and has boosted my confidence in photography.”

Carolina Olim Felix, whose colourful abstract bubble image was shortlisted said: “It was inspirational to see other young photographers’ work and the varied subject matter on display.”

Oliver Martin said: “I have great fun going out and taking my photograph and was happy to see that it was highly commended. I will keep on entering competitions as it is a great way to develop my skills and gain experience.”

Kobi Axel Mushandu’s photograph was highly commended in the ‘People’ category. She said: “This is a big deal to me, and I appreciate being noticed for my fashion shoot about masculine and feminine clothing. I enjoyed working on it, figuring out styling and composition.”

Rebecca Moon, Teacher of Photography said: “I could not be prouder of what our students have achieved. Both first and second years took the leap and sent their work out into the real world and were thankfully awarded accordingly. They are a credit to the college and demonstrate just a slice of the talent of the up-and-coming artists in the cohort. I hope this great success will inspire all students to take up future opportunities to share and showcase their outstanding talents.”

Laura Andrews added “Well done to all of the students that entered the competition, they are a credit to Collyer’s!”

Collyer’s Deputy Principal Steve Martell said: “We have a superb photography department and I’m delighted that our gifted young photographers are rightly being recognised on the national stage.”

London Met Photography Competition – Your People, Your Places, Your Things 2022 https://www.ldnmetarts.photography/fe-student-competition-2022