Photography/Videography Student Hong Yan Recognized Nationally and Awarded Creative Education Bursary

NBCCD Photography/Videography student Hong Yan is making a name for himself both in and outside the classroom. After completing his first year in the program, Yan represented New Brunswick at the 2026 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC), the country’s only national skilled trades and technology competition. Each year, more than 550 competitors from across Canada compete in over 40 disciplines, showcasing the next generation of skilled professionals and creative talent.

Representing New Brunswick on the National Stage

Despite competing against students from across the country, Yan impressed industry professionals with his creativity, technical skills, and ability to perform under pressure.

“Yan’s performance at nationals was really impressive,” said photographer and New Brunswick National Technical Committee Chair for Photography, Wes Perry. “He was more decisive than most competitors usually are when it came to his concepts and posing, which gave him more time to shoot and edit. In most of his assignments, he chose simple and impactful compositions.”

Perry also praised Yan’s personal project submission, noting the thoughtful planning and execution behind the work.

“His personal project triptych required excellent planning and resulted in a series of images that was both understated and, in my biased opinion, a cut above the rest in its complexity and thoughtfulness,” he said. “Since Yan is ‘just’ in his first year at NBCCD, I’m really hoping we see him again next year, going for the gold.”

Hong Yan working at the 2026 Skills Canada competition.

Recognized for Creative Excellence

In addition to his success at Skills Canada Nationals, Yan was recently awarded an ArtsNB Arts Scholarship. The Arts Scholarships Program recognizes New Brunswick students who have demonstrated exceptional artistic talent and potential while pursuing careers in the arts.

Yan was also named the inaugural recipient of the JL Biff Mitchell Creative Education Bursary, presented by the Jane LeBlanc Legacy Fund. Announced during a Celebration of Life for Fredericton artist and arts advocate Biff Mitchell, the bursary supports students pursuing structured creative learning in photography, writing, and drawing.

Building a Future in Photography

Yan has developed a strong interest in documenting meaningful moments through travel and everyday life.

Currently entering his second year in NBCCD’s Photography/Videography program, Yan is expanding his knowledge of photography and visual storytelling. Congratulations to Hong on these outstanding achievements. We look forward to seeing where his creative journey takes him next.