Contact: Margaret Kovar
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Mississippi State graphic design major student Austin C. Edwards is among the top finalists in the Photographer's Forum 32nd Annual Student Photography Contest.
Chosen from more than 12,000 entries submitted from around the world, the work by the junior Gulfport resident will be featured in the Best of Photography 2012 collection.
Published by Photographer's Forum magazine, the collection features the top creations of amateur photographers. The book may be purchased at http://pfmagazine.com/.
Edwards' image is a background printed on watercolor paper, colored with watercolor pencils and washed with linseed oil. A portion also features fluorescent acrylic paint to make it glow under black light.
Edwards, who created the work for the final project in his photography survey class, said the image is among eight in a mixed media series based on childhood fears, loves and memories. The photo's focus is his great-grandmother, who lived during the Cold War, he explained.
"Becoming a selected entry has led me to submit three more photos to this year's contest in hope of more published entries," he said.
"I am not surprised that Austin was selected as a finalist," said professor Marita Gootee. "He created the image in my entry-level photography class. It just shows his incredible talent."
Gootee is the MSU art department's photography coordinator. Over the decades, students of the veteran educator have had works included in the Best of Photography editions.
Edward said he never imagined "submitting work to a photography contest, let alone becoming a selected entry. I am elated overall and can't wait to buy the book and show off to my friends and family."
He is the son of Chadwick and Daniele Edwards.