Canon's EYEcon photographic competition recognises future stars

Fleur Verhoeven has been named the winner of the 2011 Canon EYEcon photographic competition with a portfolio the judges described as a controversial and powerful use of imagery.

Fleur, a second year photography student from the Universal College of Learning (UCOL), will be awarded a prize pack unlike any other. The combination of cash, Canon products and a full day on location with each of the three EYEcon mentors – Chris Sisarich, Hannah Johnston and Johannes van Kan – makes it the most substantial prize for a competition at this level.

Leading New Zealand photographers Sisarich, Johnston and van Kan judged the submissions of work in a lengthy and detailed judging process.

Fleur’s four submitted images were praised by the judging panel as having a perfect balance of photographic technique and compelling story telling.

“Fleur’s work is thought provoking,” stated one judge’s comment. “The control and composition shows impeccable skill and the underlying message in the series is extremely compelling.”

Fleur says that the Canon EYEcon competition helped her to believe in herself as a photographer, “First off I would like to thank Canon for giving me this incredible opportunity. Winning this years competition is one of the most amazing experiences and I cannot wait to find out what’s next.”

Rochelle Mora, Brand Manager – Imaging at Canon New Zealand, said they are thrilled with the outcome of the 2011 EYEcon photographic competition which reached tertiary photographic students and apprentice photographers across the country.

“The response was outstanding and the calibre of the final portfolios showcased the incredible talent and creativity of our future stars in the photographic industry. Year on year we see a raising of the bar in this competition and we’re sure that next year will be no exception.

“We are excited to be able to offer this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to Fleur. This competition encourages our up-and-coming talent to explore what and who inspires them as a photographer,” says Rochelle.

Second place was awarded to Bianca Mar’e-Fletcher, also a second year student at UCOL. The judges said Bianca’s submission was a “beautiful series that leads the viewer to want to learn more about the subject’s story,”

This year’s competition saw strong contention for a place and the judges felt that special mention was fitting for Tony Kim, from UCOL and Benny Magon from Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology. Who both submitted unique, creative depictions of life in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes.



Fleur Verhoeven will receive:

· $4,000.00 Canon dollars to spend on any Canon Digital SLR, lenses, Canon printer and/or Canon photo paper and inks. (RRP incl GST, directly from Canon New Zealand Ltd)

· Canon PIXMA Pro 9500 MKII Printer RRP $1599

· $1,000.00 cash

· A day each with of the three Canon EYEcon mentor photographers
(flights and accommodation included)

· A2 Large format print of their own image of choice

· NZIPP membership for one year

· AIPA membership for one year


Bianca Mar’e-Fletcher will receive:

· $2,000.00 Canon dollars to spend on any Canon Digital SLR, lenses, Canon printer and/or Canon photo paper and inks. (RRP incl GST, directly from Canon New Zealand Ltd)

· Canon PIXMA Pro 9000 MKII RRP $1149

· NZIPP membership for one year


· AIPA membership for one year



Organisation / Institute (UCOL) of first place winner (Fleur Verhoeven) will receive:

$2,000.00 Canon dollars to spend on any Canon Digital SLR, lenses, Canon printer and/or Canon photo paper and inks. (RRP incl GST, directly from Canon New Zealand Ltd)