The winners of the Nikon Photo Contest International 2006-2007 have just been announced, chosen from more than 47,000 photographs. The theme for the 31st contest was “At the heart of the image”. A total of 53 prize winners were selected from 16,000 participants from 135 countries. The contest is held since 1969 and currently staged once every other year.

Nikon Europe Press Release

Nikon announces winners Nikon Photo Contest International 2006-2007

More than 47,000 photographs, from 16,000 participants, from 135 countries and regions entered the contest!

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 13th September 2007: Nikon is pleased to announce the winners of the Nikon Photo Contest International 2006-2007, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious photo contests. The contest is held since 1969 and currently staged once every other year. The contest is an opportunity for photographers around the world to communicate and to enrich photographic culture for professionals and amateurs alike.

“Crossing waves”
A total of 53 prize winners were selected from among the large number of entries, with Mr. Tung Khanh Le from Vietnam selected as the winner of the Grand Prize for his work entitled “crossing waves”: a powerful image capturing a dynamic subject with a photojournalistic touch. This entry drew the praise of the judges as a work that, “creates images of something dramatic about to occur”, and, “instills the impression of something foreboding.” The photograph stimulates the imagination of the viewer, and creates a work that speaks straight to the heart. This prize is awarded to the photograph chosen as the most outstanding among all the entries submitted, regardless of category.

“At the heart of the image”
The theme for the 31st 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 freely express their emotions. The “Free subject” category welcomed all entries that expressed the photographer’s emotions in any manner the entrant pleased without restriction. The “Smile, Smile, Smile!” category called for lively photographs that capture heartwarming smiles found in daily life, or that conjure up memories or events that bring a smile to the face.

Personal record
This year the Nikon Photo Contest International 2006-2007 set a personal record in generating interest from more countries and regions than ever before in its history. More than 16,000 contestants submitted in excess of 47,000 photographs, with works coming from a total of 135 countries and regions. Viewed by region, the largest number of participants lives in Europe at 38% of the total, followed by Asia (29%) and North America (21%).

Right to Play
With the Photo Contest, Nikon Europe BV supported the Right to Play organisation. Nikon donated 2 Euros per entry into the Nikon Right to Play fund, resulting in an overall amount of 35,000 Euros. The principle of Right to Play is to encourage children to take part in sports and play, to help with their development and give them confidence. Most of the children helped by Right to Play are affected by war.

Emerging Talent Awards
Independent of the Grand, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Prizes, the Emerging Talent Awards are presented to four photographers under the age of 30 whose photographs show a fresh perspective, demonstrate high-level expressive power and convey the energy of youth. Selected to receive the award in Europe was Ms. Laurence Soulez of France for her work entitled “Destruction”. This work was chosen as those showing power, freshness and a young perspective that indicates great future potential as a photographer.

The prize winners along with their works can now be seen on the Nikon Photo Contest International and European web site. In addition, an exhibition of the prize-winning photographs is scheduled for October at Nikon Salons in Tokyo and Osaka.

To view all award winning photographs please visit the website of the Nikon Photo Contest at: http://nikonimaging.com/global/activity/npci/npci2006-2007/index.htm or at: www.npci.info

Photo Credit - “crossing waves” - Tung Khanh Le

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