On May 30, Applied Arts named the winners of its 2024 Student Awards, and Niagara College Photography students dominated the Photography category, representing seven of only 12 winning photos, and the only school in Ontario to make the cut.
Katherine Kay Ching, Kirsten Connelly, Brittany Kerr, Lesley McFarlane, Quentin McMurray, Aiden Melo and Logan Upham were named in the international competition recognizing creative excellence by students at secondary and post-secondary schools.
“This is a major win for the Photography program and our students at Niagara College,” said photography program coordinator Stephen Dominick. “Our students competed against those from schools worldwide, including many prominent ivy league arts colleges, institutes and universities. This is a proud moment for NC.”
The 2024 Student Awards is an international competition including entries from fifty-one secondary and post-secondary level schools from seven countries spanning across three continents. All entrants are currently or just completed a creative program.
“Congratulations to the seven Niagara College Canada’s Applied Arts Student Winners,” said Vicki Hoysa, Awards Manager and Publisher of Applied Arts. “The entries were judged independently by an international jury alongside global entries. You’ve demonstrated that you are on the path to a bright future.”
The College supported students by covering their costs to submit competition entries.
Katherine Ching from Subic, Zambales in the Philippines won for her daring photo Tentacled Embrace. Ching holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and worked as an insurance underwriter in Singapore for many years before being drawn to pursue her passion for the arts.
Her love of the arts began with painting, which she had little time for due to a demanding work schedule. On her quest to capture images she wanted to paint, and improve her skills and confidence as a photographer, Ching discovered NC.
“I researched various programs worldwide and found that Niagara College’s curriculum perfectly aligned with my goals of becoming a professional photographer.”
For her competition entry, Ching leaned into her love of portraiture and a desire to capture something unique and daring.
Enter the live octopus.
Ching wanted to contrast the freckles and soft skin of model and fellow student Kirsten Connelly with the intricate and nature pattern of the octopus’s exterior to evoke “a sense of curiosity and wonder.” Using soft lighting, Ching used soft, diffused lighting to create a glow on the model’s face and to enhance the texture of the octopus.
Katherine Ching.
“I aimed to keep the photograph as natural as possible, so I only did subtle adjustments to enhance the contrast and color balance, ensuring the freckles and the octopus’s textures stood out vividly.”
Ching credits Connelly – who also won for her photo Iced Indulgence – for letting her take risks.
Winning means that all Ching’s hard work paid off.
“It was unexpected… I was surprised that this competition was international. I have Stephen and Grace to thank… I will be forever grateful.”
Graduating at Spring Convocation was a moment for Ching to reflect on her time at NC.
“I am just so happy that I made the decision to take this program at Niagara College. The College is very supportive and treated everybody equally,” said Ching, who underscored how welcomed she felt as an international student.
“The photography program at Niagara College and the experience of being an NC student provide a well-rounded education that equips students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue successful careers in photography. It was the best decision I have made in my life.”
Ching hopes to have her own studio in the future and to offer workshops for aspiring photographers.
Brittany Kerr photographed by classmate Shana Coulas during trip to New York City.
Brittany Kerr of Niagara Falls won for her photo Rustic Harmony. She describes herself as the photographer of her friends group. The birth of her son made her realize how important photography is to capturing life’s special moments – and the catalyst for her studies at NC.
“The photography program has helped me prepare for my future as a photographer in so many ways, from helping me get over my fears of meeting and working with new clients, to being able to start and run my own photography business from the ground up and the best was giving me the opportunity to work with and meet so many other creative photographers during my time in the program,” said Kerr.
Inspired by a splash assignment and with the help of a classmate, Kerr threw flour at the hanging bread for various angles, combining them together in the final photo.
Kerr will cherish her time in the program and plans to start her own photography company.
“I had an incredible group of classmates who made each and every one of our classes such an incredible time filled with so many laughs, inside jokes, and memories that will last a lifetime.”
Winners
Iced Indulgence Kirsten Connelly
Rustic Harmony Brittany Kerr
Seafood Serenade Lesley McFarlane
Garden Corsage Logan Upham
Glass Canvas Quentin McMurray
Solitude in Snow Aiden Melo
Tentacled Embrace Katherine Kay Ching
