Frank Turner Award
The Frank Turner Award, represented by it accompanying trophy, is the most prestigious award given by the VCC. This award was created to honour Frank Turner, a long time member of the club. Frank Turner was an accomplished photographer who won many awards for his art, but he was also an important and vital member of this club. He served on the executive of the club in several positions including President over a number of years and also taught and shared his passion and talent for photography selflessly with other members. When he passed away, his Pentax camera was made into this trophy to honour both him and his remarkable contributions to the club.
The selection of the winner of the trophy is by tradition made by the last three winners independently from the executive of the club. The criteria are not written in stone, but rather are left to the discretion of the selectors. However the winners are always accomplished photographers who have made a significant contribution to the VCC over a period of time.
Frank Turner Award - 2010-11
Normally there is a single recipient of the award, but, for 2010-11, the award was, most appropriately, made jointly to Carole Valkenier and Ian Pope, partners in life and in photography. (Photo, above, courtesy Kathryn Dunphy).
Carole is known as one of the premier underwater photographers in BC. She has participated in many underwater research projects as a photographer and diver including projects for the Underwater Archaeological Society of BC, Marine Ecology Station in Sidney, Vancouver Aquarium, Artificial Reef Society, of BC, and Reef Environmental Education Foundation. Her images have been published by Canadian Camera, Oggi (Japan), DIVER magazine, and others. Carole has also been guest speaker with her slide essays at the national "Canada Camera Conference," at the Fredericton (New Brunswick) Photographic Society, and at various groups around British Columbia. Carole is an accomplished all-around photographer who takes stunning photographs on land as well as in the ocean. She excels in documentary photography with winning images from Bosnia, the Seattle area and elsewhere.
Carole, with the assistance of Ian, has arranged and put on our annual banquet for longer than many of us can remember. Carole and Ian were not singular in their contributions to the club and its well-being. Carole always contributed to Photographers in Action slide shows for the public, participated in club competitions and helped other executive members such as the membership chair person with signing up new members and manning the membership table at meetings. Ian does not show his photographs, but also enjoys photography and takes excellent images. Ian is, and has been, a positive force in the club, both directly and also for his behind the scenes assistance to Carole.
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