Legal Studies major a finalist in international college photography contest

Ken Cloyd, a Legal Studies major at the University of Illinois Springfield, is a finalist in the "Best of College Photography 2011" contest, co-sponsored by Photographer’s Forum Magazine and Nikon.

Out of over 13,000 entries from the United States, Canada, and around the world, Ken’s submitted photograph, “Piza of the Prairie” was selected from a group made up of primarily art and photography students. Professional photographers judged the photo submission.

“I was really surprised that my photo was selected because this is just a hobby for me and I had never entered a photography contest before,” said Cloyd.

All contest finalists, top 8% of all entries, will be published in the hardcover book Best of College Photography 2011. The winning photos will be published in the May 2011 issue of Photographer’s Forum and entered into Nikon’s Emerging Photographers Hall of Fame.

This marks the fourth year in a row a UIS student from Communication Professor Michael Duvall’s photography class has been selected as a finalist.

“Ken has successfully developed a photographer’s eye and strong grasp of the technical issues,” said Duvall. “Given the pervasive nature of photography in the business world today, he will likely use these skills in his career while he continues to enjoy his creative development.”

The grand prize for the contest is $2,000, plus a Nikon D90 camera and lens system. Prizes will also be awarded to second, third and fourth place winners.