If a picture really is worth a thousand words, then Red River College instructor Rodney Braun has a lot to say.

A Professional Photography instructor at the College for nearly four years, Braun was recently named Manitoba’s Photographer of the Year by the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC).

The award was based on a sampling of four photos submitted to a panel of industry peers from across Canada. The submissions (see above example) showcase Braun’s talents as a portrait photographer; together with his wife, he runs Eve Studios, where he specializes in beauty and nude art photography for women.

“You always kind of hope you’re the best — but rarely do you find out you are,” quips Braun, who’s originally from Saskatoon but moved to Winnipeg with his family in 2000.

“It’s always good to hear that your peers consider you in that position!”

Before moving to Winnipeg, Braun (shown at left) worked with youth and as a paramedic, so he was well-prepared for the daily pressures that came with his job as an instructor.

He teaches a mix of disciplines — everything from portraiture to smartphone photography to marketing and project management — and says he’s happiest when he sees light bulbs (or should that be flashbulbs?) going off over his students’ heads.

“The most rewarding thing is seeing how excited students get when they learn a new skill,” he explains, “and then seeing them take that to the next level, where they can actually make money through that skill.”

RRC’s Professional Photography program is delivered through the School of Continuing Education. Click here for more information.