Walsall College students snap up the top prize in photography competition

Photographs taken by students from Walsall College claimed first prize in a regional competition.

Talented students at the college took part in the recent Midlands regional British Institute of Professional Photography competition.

After entering into categories including illustrative, commercial and advertising against degree level students, two college pupils won first prize, with another receiving a merit.

Damian Addis and Luke Smith were victorious in the professional and student advertising categories, while HND student Fruzsina Schreck was given the merit. In addition former Degree students, Kristofor Green, Tracy Watkins-Smythe and Michael Scott were named as runners-up in the Professional Portraiture, Illustrative and Friend of the BIPP categories, respectively.

Photography Lecturer at Walsall College, Ian Male, said: "This is the third consecutive year our students have achieved success in this prestigious competition.

"We are delighted their talents have been recognised and it is a great credit to Damian in particular that his work as a student has been recognised in the professional category."

The college was awarded with affiliation to the BIPP in 2013 in recognition of the professional teaching standards on its photography courses.

Head of Curriculum for Photography, Alan Tyler said: "We are committed to working in partnership with professional bodies to ensure students gain the highest level of skills in line with industry standards, and are delighted that their talents have been recognised by the BIPP.

"Encouraging students to enter industry competitions is an important element of all our HE photography courses to ensure their skills are challenged and stretched, helping them to achieve and realise their full potential."