Stamford College Students Recognised in ILFORD International Student Photography Competition

Katie McLair, Level 3 Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication – Photography and Video student of Stamford College, has been crowned the ILFORD Photo International Student Photographer of the Year 2023/24, for her work titled ‘Wildflower Barn’. Fellow student, Katie Hammond, also advanced to the final round of judging, with her submission, ‘Companionship’.

Every year, the UK-based manufacturer of photography materials organises a student competition, open to individuals of any age, undertaking a full or part-time course at a school, college or university. This year, ILFORD set the theme of ‘Home’, tasking students to express their interpretation of what home meant to them, be it a person, place, object, or hobby. Hundreds of students from across the globe rose to the challenge, showcasing their unique perspectives.

Katie McLair’s winning entry portrays her grandfather and his partner, seated at their family farm. “I initially found the brief of ‘Home’ challenging, but I soon grasped an understanding of how I wanted to present this. To me, home is where your family is. I have fond memories of spending time at the farm when I was little, and it makes me feel safe”, she shared. Meanwhile, ‘Companionship’ depicts Midge, Katie Hammond’s family pet. “I love animals, so she was the perfect subject! I’ve learnt a lot about lighting techniques during my time at College, so I used a lighting set-up at home to pick out the texture of her fur, and the sparkle in her eyes”

Throughout the course, both students made great use of the College’s dark room, which allows for the processing of photographic film. “I used dodging and burning techniques to manipulate the exposure on my entry”, McLair shared. “The printing techniques I’d learnt helped me to produce a print that I’m really proud of”, Hammond emulated.

Katie McLair reminisced on the moment she learnt of her win, sharing, “I was surprised but so pleased to be recognised. My work has been spotlighted on ILFORD’s website and socials too – it feels so great that it’s out there for people to see!”. She continued, “It just goes to show, that you should take every opportunity that comes your way!”.

Lecturer in Photography, Mike Pickering, is filled with pride over the students’ achievements, sharing, “It’s truly amazing that two friends that sit next to each other every day have been recognised among hundreds of entrants! Embracing the College facilities, such as the dark room and studio lighting, they’ve progressed so much over the duration of the course. They’ve been a pleasure to teach, and are very deserving of this acknowledgment”.

Both McLair and Hammond look forward to elevating their photography skills at university level. “I’ll be studying BA Photography at the University of Lincoln”, Katie Hammond shared. “I can’t wait to see where this path takes me”, she continued. Meanwhile, Katie McLair has accepted an offer to study BA (Hons) Marine and Natural History Photography at Falmouth University. “I’m really looking forward to take advantage of the environment!”, Katie shared.

Inspire Education Group (IEG) congratulates Katie McLair and Katie Hammond, and wishes them the best of luck in their future endeavours.