One moment. One world. Nikon Photo Contest International 2004-2005 Announcement of Winners

Nikon Photo Contest International 2004-2005: An overview

The theme for the 30th contest was "At the heart of the image" - a theme which is both the brand statement of Nikon Imaging Company and an invitation for photographers to capture their emotions. Within this theme, entries were requested in two different categories, "Art" and "Documentary." Entries were accepted from September 1 to November 30, 2004 and were received from all over the world by conventional mail and via the Internet.

Summary of Entries

More than 10,000 entrants submitted in excess of 31,000 photographs, with works coming from a total of 117 countries and regions - the largest number of countries and regions from which the contest has attracted entries to date. It was also notable that approximately 65% of entrants submitted their entries via the Internet.

With more and more people embracing digital cameras and the Internet, the contest has seen an increase in entries from more parts of the world, from a broader range of age groups, and from professionals and amateurs alike. As a result, the contest has been extremely successful in achieving its aim of working as "an opportunity for photographers around the world to communicate" with the emotion of each photographer evident in their work and the images capturing society and different aspects of human nature.

Judging, Awards and Prizes

A team of ten acclaimed photographers working internationally were appointed as judges.
The judges from Japan were: Mr. Tsuneo Enari, Mr. Hiromi Tsuchida, Mr. Hiroshi Ohshima, Mr. Hiroshi Suga, Mr. Lyu Hanabusa, Mr. Mitsugu Ohnishi, and Mr. Mitsuhiko Imamori. The judges from overseas were: Mr. Ernst Fischer from the U.K., Ms. Bridget Besaw Gorman from U.S.A., and Mr. Chris Yap from Singapore. The judges selected a total of 33 winners: one Grand Prize winner in addition to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Prize winners for each category.

Introduced for the very first time in this contest, the Emerging Talent Award was created with the purpose of supporting young photographers. Four winners and 16 Runners-up were selected for this award for outstanding photographs that exhibit a fresh perspective and convey the energy of youth, and have not been awarded a Grand, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd prize.

All in all, a total of 53 winners were selected: Grand Prize (1), 1st, 2nd, 3rd prizes for the Art category and the Documentary category (16 and 16), Emerging Talent Award (4) and Runners-up (16).

Winner of the Grand Prize

The Grand Prize was awarded to Mr.Vincent Maure of Norway, for his work entitled "Malnutrition in the Congo (DRC) Girl Is Taking Care of Orphan." Taken using a straightforward, orthodox approach, it was felt to be an image of high quality that succeeds in conveying strong emotions.

Winners of the Emerging Talent Awards

The Emerging Talent Awards were presented to Ms. Jean Balke of Germany for her work entitled "Volcanic World on Java," to Mr. Patrick Dilkie of Canada for "Through the Eyes," to Ms. Ran Zhao of Singapore for "Tree's Victory," and to Ms. Satoko Fujimoto of Japan for "Myself." As its name suggests, this award is for photographers who have submitted works that show their strong potential for photographic expression in the future.

All of the results described above can be seen along with the winning works on the Nikon Photo Contest International Web site (http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/activity/npci/index.htm). The site will also feature a Mini-Gallery from late September 2005, featuring works of Emerging Talent Award winners and runners-up other than those entered into the contest.

• Nikon Photo Contest International Web site

Through this contest, Nikon Corporation remains committed to providing ongoing opportunities for photographers around the world to communicate and to enrich photographic culture for professionals and amateurs alike.

Winning works of the Nikon Photo Contest International 2004-2005

The Grand Prize

This award is presented for the most outstanding photograph among all the entries submitted, regardless of category.

1st Prize: Art Category

This prize is awarded for the most outstanding photograph among entries submitted to the Art category. Entries are judged on the extent to which they exhibit artistic qualities and convey a fresh sense of creativity.

1st Prize: Documentary Category

This prize is awarded for the most outstanding photograph among entries submitted to the Documentary category. Entries are judged on the extent to which they communicate the time and the background of the scene and show the magic that exists in daily life.

Emerging Talent Awards

This award is presented to four photographers under the age of 30, who have submitted outstanding photographs that show a fresh perspective, demonstrate high-level expressive power and convey the energy of youth, yet have not been awarded a Grand, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd prize.