Rick Murai, Yuba College’s Photography Instructor, has once again been recognized and awarded for his recent work submitted in the prestigious, British-based, “Travel Photographer Of The Year” competition. Murai won 1st place in the “World In Motion” portfolio category for his four images submitted from Bhutan. He also won 3rd place for having the best single image in his “Amazing Places” portfolio. The winning photos can be viewed at www.tpoty.com
Murai was previously awarded for his one shot image in the “Special Places, Amazing Faces” category of this competition in 2007 with a photo from Laos and has also been cited as one of the top ten Travel Photographers by the Egyptian-based “Travel Photographer.” According to Murai, this competition showcases the type of work that he enjoys most. He says, “It is an honor being recognized in an international competition by such respected editors and curators.”
Entries were received from over 70 countries, submitted in 8 different categories. The esteemed panel of judges chose from 77 shortlisted portfolios, or finalists, and the photographers retained all rights to their photos. This is a well known competition and the winners have received much respect for their work. Along with the actual award and a $1,000 cash prize, Murai also won some computer hardware and Adobe software. His work will be showcased in one of many travelling exhibitions touring the nation and will also be featured in the “British Journal of Photography,” “Photoplus (UK),” and “Tutti Fotografi (Italy).”
Murai’s other recent accomplishments include an exhibit in “The Arts Building Gallery” in Auburn for a “Distant Lands Close At Hand” show, with Murai himself being the featured artist for the Artist’s Talk. He won the “Juror’s Award” at the 2010 California state fair. He does a lot of work for the “Lensbaby” company and had an interview published online, viewable at lensbaby.com/richardmurai. His work is widely known, shown, and collected.
It isn’t often that students have the advantage to learn from such a world renowned professor and should definitely take the chance while it is still available. Murai teaches several courses ranging from basic (black and white) to advanced photography, along with digital, introduction to photoshop, and a once weekly lab.
He does two weekend workshops per year. Photo students experienced Mendocino in the fall and are looking forward to Yosemite National Park this spring. This may be be the last workshop offered by Murai; unfortunately he will be retiring in a little over a year but will continue teaching privately as he continues pursuing his love of art and travel.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity. If you are interested in photography, this is your chance to learn from the best!
Heather Meunier, current Print Editor of The Prospector, is a 4th semester Journalism student, and 3rd semester English tutor who also freelances for the Yuba-Sutter Community magazine. She has a passion for reading, writing, photography, and travel and plans to one day have a full time writing career or be a publicist. She prefers to write positive stories about inspiring people doing beneficial things in the community. You can reach her at prospector.hmeunier@gmail.com if you have comments or suggestions.
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