Eleanor’s apple to hang in Hugh Lane

A North Clare teenager will have a photograph hung in one of the country’s most prestigious galleries next month after it made the shortlist in a national photography competition.
Seventeen-year-old Eleanor Collins from Mary Immaculate Secondary School, Lisdoonvarna, is one of 12 pupils from across Ireland shortlisted in the Le Crunch Photobyte Schools Photography Competition 2012.
Eleanor’s unique apple-themed photograph captured the judges’ attention and will now be displayed at a special exhibition in the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin for the competition grand final on May 14. The photograph will also be on display at Le Crunch stands in selected Dunnes Stores across Ireland and the public will be invited to vote for their favourite composition.
Eleanor entered the competition after seeing a poster in the art classroom at school about six weeks ago.
“I thought it sounded interesting and something I would like to do so I said ‘why not’? I have been interested in photography for the past few years but I haven’t taken it seriously. After this, I might invest in a new camera and maybe give photography a bit more time,” she told The Clare Champion.
Eleanor explained how she created the shortlisted image. “I wasn’t sure what I would do so I thought I would try to play with light, rather than just taking a boring picture of an apple. I also decided I might try to put a pattern on the apple itself. Then I thought I would incorporate the name of the competition, ‘Oui to Le Crunch’, into the image. I just did it in my kitchen. I cut into the apple with a normal knife then I hung the apple on a string above where I was going to take it. I put a torch on my shoulder, which I used as the only light source. I rested in on my shoulder and took the picture. I tried a few different angles and tried it with the shadow on the wall in the background but I thought the original photo turned out the best,” she stated. Eleanor was pleasantly surprised by making the shortlist and says she is looking forward to seeing her photograph exhibited in the Hugh Lane Gallery. 
Photographer Aidan Oliver, who was part of the judging panel, said, “The standard was fantastic. Some of the photographs were ingenious, hugely unique pieces that showed a very high level of creativity. The judges sought out those who really thought about the apple and its form and who really took the time to understand the brief. The younger pupils in particular delivered way beyond expectations. In the end, we went for shots that showed flair and artistic detail and a passion for creating a great image.”
Prizes will be awarded to the top three entrants in each category of pupils at primary school level, junior (age 5-9) and senior (age 10-13) and post-primary school level, junior (age 12-15) and senior (age 16-19) at the national final. The Dunnes Stores People’s Choice Award grand prizewinner will be selected by customers of Dunnes Stores at in-store displays across Ireland. To see the other shortlisted entries, log on to www.ouitolecrunch.com.