Students in Niagara College’s Photography program maximized their exposure at the 13th annual End of Year Photography Show on April 19.
The evening – attended by over 300 – spotlighted the work of more than 50 students who gathered to celebrate in the auditorium at the Welland Campus.
“The End of Year Show is like a Night at the Oscars for the Photography Program at Niagara College,” explained Stephen Dominick, photography program coordinator. “It is an evening to showcase and celebrate the work of our students on a grand scale.”
The event featured a screening of several hundred student photographs – from food to architecture, commercials to fine art – demonstrating artistic and photographic excellence.
Submissions for ‘Aperture,’ NC’s in-house photography competition for year one and two students, were among those screened.
Portfolio of the Year Award
President Sean Kennedy joined in for the highlight of the evening: the presentation of Portfolio of the Year to one graduating student.
Moscow-born Theo G’s work dazzled, earning him the top award and grand prize – a professional camera kit courtesy of sponsors Nikon Canada. Theo’s portfolio included profiles featuring striking elements of fantasy and horror inspired by his partner and muse and influenced by Japanese Manga, surrealist artists, and fashion portraiture. Read Theo’s story here.
“We are media students and content creators. Getting this exposure, having our works displayed and recognized not only by friends and family members, but also the professionals in the photography field, is a one-of-a-kind opportunity and a big honour,” said Theo.
Spencer Kapitan and Julieth Barreto won second and third, respectively, for Portfolio of the Year. 2021 Portfolio of the Year winner Alejandra Munoz, who missed out during the pandemic, was also honoured.
Members of NC’s Executive Team joined Kennedy to show their support for student talent: Vice-President, Academic, Fiona Allan, Vice-President, Advancement, Gord Arbeau. Dean of Media, Trades and Technology, Leo Tiberi, and Associate Dean of Media, Charles Kopun also attended.
Tym Hrycusko Memorial Trophy
One award was particularly special for both program coordinator and founder, Dominick, and Dean Tiberi: The Tym Hrycusko Memorial Trophy.
Julieth Barreto. Tym Hrycusko Memorial Trophy, Aperture Best of Show.
The award, presented to a graduating student for outstanding technical proficiency, exemplary ethical values and exceptional dedication to the profession of photography, is named in honour of NC’s former visual arts professor, Tym Hrycusko. Dominick met Hrycusko (who passed away in 2006) in a photography course Dominick was teaching at Brock University.
“Tym stayed late one night and asked why I wasn’t teaching at Niagara College,” said Dominick. “He encouraged me to write a course and put me in touch with Leo. Had Tym not given me the encouragement and the contact
information, the program would not have come about the way it did.”
With Tiberi’s support – and thanks to Hrycusko – Dominick founded the Photography program in 2010.
The award was presented to student Julieth Barreto.
Class of 2021 receive special recognition
The evening was a chance to celebrate the class of 2021 with the certificates and awards they missed out on during pandemic lockdown.
Among them was Terry Rotella, a retired schoolteacher who now teaches digital editing at NC.
“Being there as both a former student and as an instructor was a surreal but wonderful experience,” said Rotella, who credits Dominick and professor Grace Smith with planning the event. “I was so glad that my graduating year finally got the chance to be recognized.”
Despite the pandemic, Rotella describes her time as a student in the Photography program as some of the “happiest years” of her life.
When Dominick approached her to teach part-time, she was delighted by the chance to combine her previous profession in teaching with her new profession in photography.
“It was like being asked to join the All-Stars team. Of course I said yes,” said Rotella.
Inception 13
This summer, all program graduates will take away a special memento from their time in the program: Inception 13, a hard-cover book featuring student photography.
An archive of all student portfolios submitted since Photography program began are available to view at www.niagaracollegephotography.com.
