Copi Vojta

CMC Spring Valley Alumnus (class of 2009)

Derek Johnston, program director of photography at CMC, said that when Copi Vojta arrived at Spring Valley, he brought a passion for fly-fishing.

“His love and understanding of the sport – and more importantly, an understanding of why the pursuit of fish on a fly rod and being in these environments was special to him – allowed him to make images that went beyond the typical ‘grip and grin’ images and other clichés that were the norm in this type of photography,” Johnston said.

To be a successful photographer, he added, a person must find their own unique vision and voice. Vojta found success in fly-fishing trade magazines, standing out so much that the editors at “The Flyfish Journal” head-hunted him. Vojta is currently the photo editor at the magazine and works remotely from Carbondale.

The magazine was recently awarded a Western Publishing Association "Maggie" award for best quarterly, about which Johnston said, “Copi Vojta’s vision is a critical component to this collective voice.”

Vojta, who attended the ceremony, said, “The best thing this school has going for it is the passionate faculty and staff.”