Wed 26th Jan - Had a very interesting day seeing & discussing photography with the other judges of the AOP student Awards 2011. It was the last judging stage of the competition and our final task was to decide the AOP Student of the Year, the merits and the judges choice. I always find fascinating debating photography as opinions and taste can change substantially, however this time our overall winner was very clear. As from the merits, there could have been a few different options and it took some debate to finally decide the two winning students. The standard of the final was very high and I am looking forward to meet the artists at the exhibition and see the prints on the wall. In the panel of judges were: Aine Donovan (Art Buyer @ AMV BBDO), Miranda Gavin (Deputy and online Editor @ Hotshoe), Alyson Jones (Photographers Agent), Greg Funnel (photographer) and myself. Also facilitating the event were Bridget Flynn (AOP Awards project manager) and Marina Syrmakezi (AOP Gallery). Of course after such focussed & serious debates most of us decided to end the day with a quick drink and a relaxed chat at the pub across the road in lovely Old Street. The exhibition opens Wed 23rd March 2011.
AOP Gallery - 81 Leonard Street - London EC2A - for further info visit: http://awards.the-aop.org