ICI Imagedata Student Awards 2003

The winners of the ICI Imagedata Student Digital Photographer of the Year were recently presented with their awards at a prestigious ceremony at ICI's headquarters in London.

ICI Imagedata is a leading European manufacturer of digital imaging products, such as the Olmec™ range of photo quality inkjet papers and the OP600 Photo Factory dye sublimation printer.

Now in its second year, the competition was open to students studying photography as part of a college or university course and, once again, there was an excellent standard of entries from all over the UK and Ireland. Students submitted their entries - printed on Olmec™ 260gsm gloss paper - in four categories: PEOPLE, PLACES, STILL LIFE, & THE NATURAL WORLD plus a special award for CREATIVE USE OF DIGITAL MANIPULATION.

Category winners were awarded with £250 cash plus a Lowepro Trecker camera bag, with the overall winner receiving an additional £2,000. The winning college was also presented with £500 worth of Olmec™ imaging products.

The Awards were introduced by Andrew Wilkinson, Sales & Marketing Director, who explained why ICI Imagedata created the competition. "We believe it is important to encourage and reward student photographers who have embraced digital image manipulation and processing."

"Our inkjet photo quality papers papers and dye sublimation printers are just two of the digital imaging technologies that are changing the way people print photographs - replacing traditional wet chemical development with something easier, faster, more accessible, more fun - and more democratic!"

He added "In creating this competition, we wanted to show the professional photographers of the future how digital images can be meaningful, tell a story, stimulate emotion, unnerve or enlighten - even make a hippopotamus walk on the moon! In short, bring something incremental to the great body of photographic work created using traditional techniques."

OVERALL AWARD WINNER - 'Image of Tree'

Daniel White, Institute of Art, Design & Technology, Dun Laoghaire

Winner of the Natural World Category, Daniel White was awarded the overall prize for his image 'Tree'.

The judges were impressed by natural splendour of the image and how, through the use of natural light, Daniel had created a spooky fairytale atmosphere.

Daniel, who is a third year Diploma in Commercial Photography student, shot the image on a Bromica CTRS camera. He says "I wanted to convey a sense of the mystical and spirituality."

Daniel was delighted to receive his award. He has already undertaken some commercial work and aims to be a freelancer specialising in travel, nature and portraiture.

PEOPLE CATEGORY

WINNER - 'Mannequin' Niall O'Brien, Institute of Art, Design & Technology Dun Laoghaire

Niall O'Brien is a third year student on the Diploma in Photography course.

The judges liked the way that what appeared at first sight to be a good straight portrait had been digitally retouched to create the appearance of artifice with echoes of Blade Runner.

Niall shot the image on a Mamiya RB 6x7 camera. He says "I used Photoshop in such a way that the model becomes a mannequin."

With some commercial experience of editorial and PR photography, Niall would like to be as successful as possible in his future career.

COMMENDED

'At the End of Breath' Emma Critchley, Brighton University
Editorial Photography

'Wet' Hanno Niemond, Salisbury College
BA in Photography

'Castaway' Richard Pickavance, Norwich School of Art & Design
BA (Hons) Graphic Design

PLACES CATEGORY

WINNER - 'Blue Streaks to Heaven' George Coppock
Leeds College of Art & Design

George Coppock is a second year student on the HND Photography course.

The judges commented on the strong, evocative image that was conceptual rather than literal, saying more about the journey than getting there.

George shot the image on a Olympus Digital camera. He says "I have attempted to create a light painting."

George has has significant commercial experience - working as a freelance and assistant photographer in various studios. His ambition is to become a fashion photographer.

COMMENDED

'Night Scene' Malcolm Banthorpe, Buckinghamshire Chilterns
University College
BA (Hons) Fine Art

'Playa Grande' Diane Frazer, Reading College
HND Photography & Digital Imaging

'Parking House' Johan Brand, Napier University
PFI - Photo, Film & Imaging

STILL LIFE CATEGORY

WINNER - 'Cafe Window in Saltaire' David Gleave, Reading College

David Gleave is a second year student on the Photography & Digital Imaging HND course.

The judges liked the composition and creative use of line and colour, and the humorous and unusual interpretation of the still life theme.

David shot the image on a Canon EOS D60 camera. He says "The arrangement of the condiments reminded me of the redundant chimney stacks of the old mills."

David's aim is to become a professional photographer.

COMMENDED

Homoeostatis' Ewan Watson, Brighton University
Editorial Photography

'Toaster' Henry Pringle, Leicester College
National Diploma in Photography

'Water 3' Neus Grandia, Reading College
HND Photography & Digital Imaging

THE NATURAL WORLD CATEGORY

The Natural World Category was sponsored by Lowepro UK Ltd - suppliers of quality carrying systems for photographic gear and UK Distributor for the Olmec range of photo quality papers.

WINNER - 'Image of Tree' (see above)

Daniel White, Institute of Art, Design & Technology, Dun Laoghaire

Overall prize winner. The judges felt that this image captured the natural world with a natural splendour.

COMMENDED

'Hawaii' Dominic Salter, Sheffield College - Norton Centre
Press Photography

'The Pots 'O' Gartness' Neil Campbell, Reid Kerr College
HND Professional Photography & Imaging

'Autumn Water' Michael Powley, Norwich School of Art & Design
BA (Hons) Graphic Design: Photography

CREATIVE USE OF IMAGE MANIPULATION

WINNER - 'Mannequin' (see above)

Niall O'Brien, Institute of Art, Design & Technology
Dun Laoghaire

Category winner for People. The judges were impressed in the subtle use of digital manipulation to transform a straight portrait into a 'doll-like' artificial image.

COMMENDED

'Toaster' Henry Pringle, Leicester College
National Diploma in Photography

'Out of Time' Peter Duffy, Reid Kerr College
HND Professional Photography & Imaging

'Big Brother' Nick Plater, Midhurst Sixth Form College
Photography AS