King's Ely sixth form student Gaia Giardinelli fought off competition from more than 170 students and won this year's Beyond the Frame photography competition, organised by Norwich University of the Arts (NUA).

The talented photographer impressed judges with striking images on the theme of ‘environment’ and they selected her for the prize - £1,000 worth of photographic equipment - from among 400 images. Gaia, aged 17,and fellow sixth former Lexy Chen, whose work was shortlisted, were was able to meet the judges and learn more about the photography industry at the NUA's Beyond the Frame exhibition and awards event earlier this month.

James Smith, BA Photography course leader at NUA, and chairman of the Beyond the Frame judging panel, said: 'Gaia’s image explores the relationship between nature and humanity. She challenges viewers to think about the dominance of mankind over the natural world and foregrounds the importance of plants and trees by making it the dominant element of the image."

The quality of students’ work and the breadth of ideas in response to our brief was truly impressive. This ranged from fashion to landscapes. We were delighted to meet our finalists at the inaugural Beyond the Frame exhibition at NUA – probably the first time many of the students will have exhibited their work outside their school or college.'

The competition was open to anyone aged 15+ at high school or college, and there were entries from Cumbria to the Channel Islands.

Gaia and Lexy’s success comes just weeks after King’s Ely Sixth Form student, Orla Simpson, won the UK ILFORD PHOTO 2017/18 Student Competition.

 

 

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