Fantastic news from Isle of Wight College about former student, Alice Armfield, whose portrait of some family friends has been shortlisted in the top three of a national competition. Ed
The Isle of Wight College’s A Level Photography student Alice Armfield (18) from Cowes has reached the final of a national photography competition that recognises the outstanding creative talents of students across the country.
Alice, is one of three students to be shortlisted for the final of the Association of Colleges (AoC) Student Photographer of the Year 2015. The finalists were chosen based on the level of creativity and the ability to demonstrate this year’s theme of ‘What Matters Most’.
In the top three
The competition was judged by Michael Pritchard, Director General of the Royal Photographic Society who commented on Alice’s photograph of a situational portrait of a couple was selected for the final saying:
“I can read multiple layers into this image. At one level, the couple are surrounded by things that matter to them, each other included, but more deeply the image says to me more about their life history together in that environment.”
Click on the image to see larger version
Alice who studied A Levels at The Isle of Wight College, said:
“I was recommended to enter the competition by my A2 Photography teachers Hannah and Arlene. The title of the brief was “What Matters Most”, and I entered a couple of my photographs from my A Level project; one of my grandparents and one of a couple of family friends, both in their homes, surrounded by things important to them.
“I received a phone call from the Association of Colleges telling me that one of my photographs had been selected and I was a finalist – I was not told which picture had been selected until later, and this is the final image; I was told the news a few days before I left to study photography at the University of Portsmouth, so it was a huge confidence boost for me!
“I entered the competition because I feel that as a photographer or an artist, or anybody in a creative field (especially ones just starting out in a career), it is important to get your name known by as many people as possible, and entering competitions is a good way to do this.
“In November, I am invited to attend a Gala Dinner with the heads of the Association Of Colleges, as well as the other finalists, where I will find out where my photograph was placed – at this point, it is enough for me to know that my photographs have been recognised and praised enough to make it into the top three of a nationwide competition! I am very excited to hear the results, and to start my studies in Portsmouth.”
Obvious talent
College Principal, Debbie Lavin said
“I am delighted for Alice. She has a passion for photography and an obvious talent. I send her my very best wishes for when the ultimate winner is announced.”
Martin Doel, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said:
“This year’s entries were of a very high standard with a great sense of creativity and imagination. Alice’s image is well-composed and captures what matters most to the subjects in the photo. It is a worthy contender for this national award.”
The winner of the Association of Colleges (AoC) Student Photographer of the Year 2015 and runners-up will be announced at AoC’s Annual Conference and Exhibition in Birmingham on 18 November.
Image: © Alice Armfield
