On May 28th the News Photographers Association of Canada (NPAC) announced its 2010 selection of Canada’s finest photojournalists including twelve Loyalist College graduates who placed in 14 of the 18 categories. The prestigious awards were presented at the Association’s annual awards ceremony in Winnipeg. NPAC celebrates and champions quality and ethical photography in journalism. Members of the organization include professional press photographers, photo editors and photojournalism students from across Canada.
One of the highest honours went to Galit Rodan who received the Student Photographer of the Year Award for the work she did while a student at the College. “I knew very little about photography prior to coming to Loyalist so everything I learned was through the faculty there. Winning a national award is an exciting way to begin my career.” Galit is currently working as an intern at the Toronto Star.
Tyler Anderson, a 2002 Loyalist graduate and National Post staff photographer, received the Photojournalist of the Year award. This is the second time he has received this honour, having been named the 2006 recipient as well. Tyler also teaches video and multimedia journalism at the College. “The number of Loyalist graduates recognized at this national awards ceremony shows the esteem with which graduates of the program are held within the industry,” said Tyler Anderson. “Loyalist stands out. It’s instant credibility when you say you are a Loyalist Photojournalism graduate. I love what I do. Every day I wake up excited, looking forward to where I’ll be going and what I’ll be doing. Going to Loyalist was the best decision I ever made.”
Globe and Mail Staff Visual Journalist John Lehmann, who received awards in four of the categories, commented that, “As a photographer I’ve recorded history, influenced public opinion and been an eyewitness to life and death. Working as a photojournalist is a privilege that comes with a great responsibility to be accurate and honest to both the people you are reporting on and those you are reporting to.”
“Loyalist Photojournalism graduates are deeply respected for their talent, commitment and hard work,” said Loyalist President Maureen Piercy. “In addition to the numerous awards that highlight their accomplishments, they are also valued members of the industry. They are frequently asked to contribute at conferences as speakers and contest judges which is an ongoing testament to their leadership in the field of photojournalism.”
The following Loyalist graduates were recognized by the NPAC:
Student Photographer of the Year – Galit Rodan, Toronto Star Intern
Photojournalist of the Year – Tyler Anderson, National Post
Spot News – Steve Russell, The Toronto Star, third place
General News – John Lehmann, The Globe and Mail, first place
General News – Rick Madonik, The Toronto Star, second place
General News – Darren Calabrese, The Canadian Press, third place
Feature – Peter Power, The Globe and Mail, third place
Social Issues – John Lehmann, The Globe and Mail, second place
Pictorial – John Lehmann, The Globe and Mail, third place
Sports Action – Cole Burston, Moncton Times and Transcript, third place
Sports Action – Blair Gable, Independent Photojournalist, honorable mention
Sports Feature – John Lehmann, The Globe and Mail, first place
Olympic Action – Rick Madonik, The Toronto Star, second place
Olympic Feature – Jenna Hauck, The Chilliwack Progress, second place
Picture Story – Peter Power, The Globe and Mail, first place
Single Multi-Media – Ryan Jackson, Edmonton Journal, third place
Single Multi-Media – Melissa Tait, The Record (Kitchener), honorable mention
Team Multimedia – Ryan Jackson, Edmonton Journal, first place
Team Multimedia – Peter Power, The Globe and Mail, honorable mention
For information about the Loyalist Photojournalism program click here.
Media Contact: Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College (613) 969-1913, ext. 2332, email: mwarren@loyalistc.on.ca