Graduate Adnan Saciragic wins again

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Adnan Saciragic, regional and national award-winning graduate of Holland College's Photography and Digital Imaging program.

Charlottetown, PE - Adnan Saciragic, a recent graduate of Holland College's Photography and Digital Imaging program continues to win awards for his work, this time at Atlantic Photo Supply's regional photographic print competition. He won first place and best of show for his entry Descendants of Lukomir. He also won an honorable mention and a first place in the commercial photography category.

In the spring, Saciragic placed in the top 30 of the Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators' (CAPIC) Rodeo4 competition for his compelling triptych Village in the Clouds; and the same work received a merit award in a national competition. The images are rich and compelling, depicting villagers who were displaced by war returning to their homes, Saciragic explained.

"Located in the Bjelasnica Mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lukomir is a village on the crossroads. Following the war, all villagers left their homes and moved to the surrounding areas of the capital city Sarajevo only to return in the summer months with their livestock."

The Bosnian-born Saciragic and his family moved to Charlottetown when he was a child. The depth of his understanding and compassion for his subject matter suggest sensitivity well beyond his years. He credits the Photography and Digital Imaging program at Holland College for honing his skills.

"The Photography and Digital Imaging program places a strong emphasis on understanding what makes, and how to take, a great image. Aside from the hands-on technical skills that are taught, we participated in weekly peer critiques, shared ideas, and collaborated with other photographers and visual artists," he said.

It seems to be a blend that works particularly well. Many students and alumni from the program garner regional and national awards on a regular basis. The students' skills are so impressive that, following the Atlantic Photo Supply regional competition in Nova Scotia, the company established an $800 bursary for second year students in the program.

Similarly, Grandpa's Antique Photo Studio is holding a competition for the college's Photography and Digital Imaging students, Every Picture Tells a Story. Students will vie for $500 for the most compelling image. The entries will be judged based on their ability to tell the story, their technical merit, and viewer appreciation.

Alex Murchison, instructor for the program, said the bursary and competition will serve as encouragement to students.

"We really appreciate this show of community support for our program and our students," said Murchinson. "Investments like those made by Grandpa's Antique Photo Studio and Atlantic Photo Supply, as well as many others, serve as great reward, motivation, and encouragement for our students," he said.

Saciragic is looking toward the future, too.

"I view photography not only as an exciting career, but also as a tool to explore the world and learn new things. I have many personal projects and plans that I would like to pursue, and photography will allow me to make them happen," he said.

To view Adnan Saciragic's work, visit adnansaciragic.blogspot.ca.

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