Gemma Astbury former learner from Leicester College won the coveted title of ‘Fujifilm Student Photographer of the Year 2016’ – she was also the Curator’s choice winner in February.

Leicester College was the source of the most entries in the Awards and the Photo Department will be presented with £500 worth of film from Fujifilm.

Gemma won £200 worth of Fujifilm film, a professional quality portfolio by Metroprint (www.metro-print.co.uk) and a one-to-one printing/consultancy session with one of their top printers. She will also receive a special bundle of Instax goodies, including Instax cameras, Instax printer and films.

The winning image ‘Happisburgh Fences’ was shot on Fujichrome Vevia 100 transparency film and cross processed, creating “a dreamlike haze with the rocks standing like a wall between the audience and the sea”, according to Gemma.

The theme for this year’s Awards was ‘Shoot From The Hip’ with students needing to show skill and knowledge of the rules when shooting from the hip and any influences such as candid photography.

The awards were open to all students in the UK, not just those undertaking courses involving photography.

Director Steve Macleod of Metroprint said: “Since its win in February, this photograph has really stuck with me. At first glance the image feels ephemeral, disposable and transient. However when studying in more detail it evokes feelings of past times, memories and loss.”

“It’s hard to judge images such as these as they can so be viewed as fleeting glances that can be discarded so easily – at the same time they can recall deep abstract feelings which can impact and remain in the memory.”

Photo by: Charlie Beerling

Fujifilm’s Product Manager of PhotoImaging, Gabriel Da Costa, commented on the Awards: “Each year we delight in seeing such photographic creativity from students across the UK. Gemma is a worthy winner of this year’s Awards and we wish her every success in her photographic career.