Recent Longwood graduate selected a finalist in international photography competition

Laura Nodtvedt, who graduated from Longwood University in December 2007, has been selected as a finalist in the 28th Annual College Photography Contest.

The contest, sponsored by Photographer’s Forum magazine and Nikon, drew entries from more than 4,000 students from about 30 countries. A digital color photograph by Nodtvedt, who lives in Danville, will be published in Best of College Photography Annual 2008, a hardbound book due out in June.

“The photo is an environmental portrait of a young boy lying on his bedroom floor next to his toys,” she said. “A child’s surroundings and expressions speak to us without words. It is our responsibility as adults to take the time to listen.”

She also was a finalist in the 27th Annual College Photography Contest. That image was of an old lawnmower next to a wooden shed in the dark with special lighting.

Nodtvedt transferred to Longwood after receiving an A.A.S. degree from Patrick Henry Community Community College. “I’m interested in a photography career, especially working for a magazine, or something creative or artistic,” she said.