Holland College Photography and Digital Imaging student Katelyn Fraser of Charlottetown won the prize for best portrait in the student awards section of the Professional Photographers of Canada National Convention and Image Competition in London, Ontario recently.

The 23-year-old and nine of her classmates submitted images, competing against students from seven colleges across the country. Of the 31 images Holland College students submitted, 12 were accepted for display. Two other images received awards of merit, Greg Adey’s Ascension (which earned Adey the Student Photographer of the Year award at the Professional Photographers’ Atlantic competition earlier this year), and Mike Webb’s image, Valient. Images by students Nicole Moon, Spencer Birt, Yvonne Anderson and Colleen Fagner were also accepted for display.

Photography and Digital Imaging instructor Alex Murchison said winning the award is quite an honour.

“With submissions from so many talented students, the competition was stiff. We were all delighted when Katelyn’s name was announced as winner for best portrait at the closing banquet. It’s quite an accolade for someone starting out in the industry,” he noted.

"This award has really given me additional motivation and confidence to continue working in the field of photography. I would advise all students to get as much exposure as possible."