A photography learner at Leicester College has won the coveted title of Fujifilm Student Photographer of the Year 2013, beating 1,200 entrants from across the UK.

Nick Linnett, who’s enrolled on the part-time Foundation Degree course in Photography with Video, at Leicester College’s St Margaret’s Campus, won the prestigious award with his image of a double-exposure shot of traffic lights against a bright building, the St George’s central, widely known as the Blue Tower.

He impressed judges with his technical ability and striking colours.

The Fujifilm Student Awards is the longest running and most prestigious student photography awards in the UK.

Explaining the inspiration behind his image, Nick said: ”It’s a building in Leicester which many consider to be an eyesore, however I wanted to show it in a different way so decided to take some multiple exposures using my trusty Canon. I took this shot using double exposure in camera. I wanted to get the traffic light changing colour as well, and the result was better than I had hoped with the pastel colours of the building coming through really well and the whole effect being totally different to normal digital shots of this location.”

Nick praised staff at Leicester College for helping him become involved in the project. He said: “Entering the competition was part of one of our modules. Therefore the images I came up with and which helped me win were inspired by my course-work at College.

“I’d always photographed Leicester a lot as a hobby and being back on the photography course I began photographing the city again. Leicester College supported me to try something different.

“I’m really pleased with the win. It’s a real confidence builder and to win nationally is even better.”

Nick returned to education as an adult learner after a break of almost thirty years. He continues to work in marketing but his real passion is photography.

He said following his dream was worth the hard work.

He explained: “I always took a real interest in photography in my old role. It was always linked to my work. But it was more the creative side of photography I wanted to come back to. I didn’t know what to expect when I enrolled at Leicester College and I was pleasantly surprised when I came back.

“It’s been a wonderful experience so far and I’m returning for my final year in September. There is a lot of competition out there, but having the support of my tutors and the support of the College really helps.”

Marco Salotti, as Programme Leader for the part-time Foundation Degree in Photography, at Leicester College, praised Nick’s efforts.

He said: “Nick submitted this winning image at the stage of his third year part-time course where we ask learners to begin to work much more independently on self-negotiated projects. Winning this prestigious award is a great testament to both Nick’s intelligence and creativity. In some ways it also rewards the hard work and reflects the quality of the Photography Department at Leicester College.

“We continually push our learners to gain recognition beyond the requirements of their course and hope that this award will offer Nick many new opportunities in the future.”

Gabriel Da Costa from Fujifilm Professional commented on the award: “Through the awards being open to all students this year, we were able to attract a variety of talent. Judging was a difficult task due to the quality of entries, but Nick’s image fits the brief perfectly and I am sure we will be hearing a lot more from him in the future.”

2013 marks the 28th anniversary of the competition, making it the longest running and most prestigious student photography awards in the UK.

Nick will be presented with £200 worth of Fujifilm films, a trophy, plus 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.