Brooklynn Jarvis Kelson, a senior in BYU’s photography program, was recently named Student Photographer of the Year by the University Photographers’ Association of America at the annual UPAA symposium in South Bend, Indiana. “I was really grateful to be recognized,” Kelson says. “It was a little overwhelming because as I walked up to accept the award, they gave me a standing ovation.”
Jaren Wilkey, director of BYU Photo, is proud of how much Kelson has grown in her time at BYU Photo. “Two years ago, she didn’t know how to use studio lights,” he says. “Two weeks ago, she helped teach a studio lighting workshop to dozens of full-time professional photographers.”
Kelson has been taught by award-winning university photographers Wilkey and Nate Edwards, whom she describes as “the best mentors I’ve ever had.” Edwards humbly returns the praise, saying, “This award is a testimony to Brooklynn’s work ethic, her desire to learn, and the time she has dedicated to improving her skills.”
To read more about Brooklyn Jarvis Kelson and other College of Fine Arts & Communication students, please visit https://cfac.byu.edu/.
| Rank | State | Gifts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UT | 56 |
| 2 | CA | 24 |
| 3 | AZ | 11 |
