by Alissa Blanchard

Charlottetown photographer James O'Halloran recently returned from the Maritime Professional Photographers Association annual convention in Halifax with the title "Atlantic Canadian Photographer of the Year". This is the second time James has received this award, making him the only P.E.I. photographer to have ever done so. The award, selected by a panel of six judges from across Canada and the United States, is awarded for consistency, versatility, and photographic excellence. James, a Montague native, has been a photographer for seventeen years.

Of Mr. O'Halloran's four images in the competition, two were selected for exhibit and one received an award of merit. The other print, entitled "Forces of Nature", depicted Mill River East resident JoAnne Murphy at the scenic outdoor location, Howard's Cove. This photograph received an award of excellence, top individual portrait and was honoured as the best overall portrait in the show.

James runs The Photography House in Charlottetown and also is the photography instructor at Holland College, The Holland College program has twenty two students from across Canada and covers all aspects of Commercial photography training. Many of James' students were also recognized at this year's competition. Students received numerous awards of merit and one award of excellence. Three of the four finalists for student of the year were James' pupils at Holland College: Jeff Radke, Edmonton, AB; Rachelle Doucette, Summerside, P.E.I.; Tracy Muise, Halifax, N.S.