BY AUTILIA ANTONUCCI

Fashion photographer and Curtin University graduate Penny Lane has been selected as one of three finalists in the Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards photography category.

SHOOTING STAR: Local fashion photographer Penny Lane is a finalist in the Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards.

SOYA attracted over 10,000 entries submitted by more than 1600 young artists, designers, filmmakers, photographers and musicians.

Qantas spokeswoman Sophia Connelly said SOYA gave financial support for emerging creative leaders and included $10,000 in flights and grant money.

“The award helps expand their horizons and develop contacts nationally and internationally,” Ms Connelly said.

“Each finalist is at a crucial moment in their careers and in the process of establishing their own unique voice and vision, so the money and flights help give them a chance to grow.”

She said the award connects new stars to industry mentors and leaders to help develop their careers.

Ms Lane initially studied fashion but finished her degree in 2005 with a double major in design photography.

“When I was studying [fashion] we made collections and had to document them, so I picked up my camera and started taking photos of my own work for assessments,” she said.

“I was purely doing it for the enjoyment factor and then I realised you can have a job doing that.”

Ms Lane said it would be rewarding to win because as a freelance photographer she did not receive a lot of feedback.

“I don’t know how the general public receives my work, so it’s really flattering to receive compliments,” she said.

Previous SOYA winners included former WA fashion label Antipodium, independent band Wolf and Cub and film director Rebecca Parker.

The winners will be announced on November 11 at Foundation Hall at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney.

Published in the Western Independent October 2010