Another dream has been fulfilled for Brooke DiDonato.
DiDonato, a 2012 alumna, was awarded fourth place in Photographer’s Forum magazine “2013 Best of College Photography” contest for “Exorcism,” one of the powerfully evocative photographs from “Dreamscape Diary,” her astounding one-year conceptual photography diary. The prize-winning photo will be featured in the May issue of the magazine.
“Exorcism” also won a gold medal in the Illustration category of the 2012 College Photography of the Year competition.
For DiDonato, “Exorcism” represents “an attempt to release one’s personal demons.” The photo also represents a level of national recognition she didn’t envision when she conceived the idea of a year-long photo diary. “I'm still in awe over the amount of recognition this photo has received. I've been entering contests through Photographer's forum for over two years now but have never placed until now. It's a very exciting milestone for me,” DiDonato said.
Her accomplishment is well recognized within JMC, as well. “This latest award is an indication of how Brooke's imaginative photography skills appeal to different audiences and judges,” said Dave LaBelle, coordinator of visual journalism. “Placing this high with so many thousands of entries is walking in mighty tall cotton. I expect we will hear a lot more about this creative young lady in the years to come.”
The “Dreamscape Diary” exhibit was displayed in Franklin Hall from late 2012 through February 2013, marking the first time JMC has featured a solo-student photography exhibit.