Paris encounter earns student photographer runner-up gong
A PHOTOGRAPHER from Burbage has claimed runners-up spot in a prestigious national competition with a “timely and thoughtful” shot of an old man in Paris.
Paul Hands, who studies photography at De Montfort University in Leicester, said he was “really pleased” to have finished second in the Calumet Student Photographer of the Year 2016 competition.
The 41-year-old was recognised for his black-and-white photograph of an older gentleman in Paris, which judges said offered a “wonderful sense of depth and artistic flair”.
The third year mature student said: “I was on a university trip visiting Paris Photo, which is a major photography exhibition, when I saw the man walk by a painting which looked just like him.
In that split second I saw it and captured the shot. The only editing I needed to the picture was crop it by 2mm and my usual digital dark room post production.
“The rest did not need anything doing to it.
“I was really pleased to have been named a runner-up, but also a little disappointed as the winning package of prizes was so amazing and the competition is so well thought of among budding photographers.”
Paul won a £20 Calumet gift card and a year’s subscription to Professional Photography.
He now plans to continue with his degree alongside running his own photography business.
Calumet Photographic’s annual campaign was developed to encourage artistic photography among up-and-coming student photographers.
Jon Warner, managing director, said: “We were bowled over by the high level of talent which we saw this year and are proud we have, yet again, discovered some serious talent.
“The judging panel were struck by the timely and thoughtful composition of Paul’s image, which we felt offered a wonderful sense of depth and artistic flair to the shot.
“At Calumet we’re passionate about photography and supporting people looking to further their photographic abilities.
“We believe this helps to celebrate people’s love for pictures and encourages artistic photography.
“We would like to congratulate the winner and the runners-up and thank everyone for participating.”
The winner of the completion was a Leeds student called Henry Nathan with his shot of an image of light shining through a cave.
The 20-year-old’s picture won him a package of prizes worth more than £11,000.
For more information and to view the winning image visit: https://blog. calphoto. co.uk/2016/11/15/ student-photographer-ofthe-year-2016-winner