SLR Photography Guide

Digital Camera photographer of the year 2009 now open

Enteries are now open for one of the World’s biggest photography competitions, Digital Camera Photographer Of The Year 2009. Prize money is totalling 10 000 pounds and categories include:

This is Britain | World in motion | Man-made | Planet earth | Destination everywhere | Fashion | Landscapes | People and portraits | Black and white | Digital vision

Photographers can submit 5 entries per category, with the competition closing on 30th September 2009. This has changed from pervious years, where each category had their own closing date.

There is a maximum size of 2MB per photograph, which should be uploaded in jpg format. You also need to submit a name for the photograph, description and camera equipment details including settings such as ISO, Exposure, Aperture, Focal length etc.

One of the most frequently asked questions concerns image editing. Here is the official reponse for photographers to consider when preparing their submissions:

‘You should use image enhancement and digital darkroom techniques to
optimise an entry into the competition, such as touching up a portrait,
building a panorama or creating an HDR image from multiple exposures.
Adding or removing significant elements of a composition is discouraged
in all but the Creative Vision category. Where appropriate, original
files may be requested if a photograph reaches the shortlist of
photographs selected by the independent panel of judges.’

To enter this photography competition, register at: http://poty2009.dcmag.co.uk/3913562626721204406/how-to-enter.html

Digital Camera photographer of the year 2007

The winners have been announced for Digital Camera Magazine’s annual photo competition, where photographers competed for the title of Photographer Of The Year 2007 and prize money of £15,000.

For those that enjoy submitting their work to photography competitions, it’s useful to view past winners, taking note especially of judges comments so you can see what it was about the image that stood out from the rest. Studying the reasoning behind winning photographs can be a huge learning curve for all photographers and help you improve your skills.

Overall winner, Photographer Of The Year 2007 (also portrait photographer of the year)

The overall winner was Andrzej Dragan of Poland who photographed an anorexic model (who is now undergoing treatment for her condition). This winning image shows how photographs that convey emotion stand out from the rest.

The judges comments:

“One of the most powerful portraits that I’ve ever seen. The technical quality, lighting and composition are matched by the extremely emotive power of the subject.”

“With this beautiful young face and what looks like an aged body, this was a clear winner, despite the harrowing nature of the image. The photo almost defies belief. It’s also helped by clear, simple lighting and composition. What this does demonstrate is how a good, simple treatment of such a remarkable subject can still produce a memorable image.”

“A heartbreaking photo that must have required a great deal of trust between photographer and subject.”

Other categories

Numerous sub categories including macro, landscape, portraits, animal, botanical, street, achitectual, fine art, black and white and documentary, also offered prizes ranging from £1,000 cash to magazine subscriptions.

Macro photographer competition winner

The macro winner was Peter Firus of Australia, who photographed two hoverflies mating in midair. Capturing a split moment in time with such perfect precision, definately made this macro photograph stand out from the rest.

Judges comments included:

It might not be the most artistic shot in the world, but to capture such a difficult subject in good light and pin-sharp detail, represents a superb photographic achievement by any standards.”

“A hugely ambitious shot with both insects’ heads in focus and done without a sophisticated flash set-up.”

Landscape photography competition winner

Landscape photographer of the year was won by Bob Garrigus of the UK.

Judges comments were:

This landscape has the elusive ‘wow’ factor that elevates it above the other entries in this category. The curious ice formation in the foreground gives the shot an other-worldly feel.”

“The colours are amazingly rich and vibrant in this shot. Combined with the cool ice it’s a brilliant contrast of temperatures and mood.”

Fine Art photography winner

The Fine Art category winner was Francesco Ridolfi of Italy. This image leaves the viewer wondering where the diver actually went. He / she obviously didn’t dive into the pool.

Judges comments included:

“Superb composition, nice feel and good light. An unusual take on a fairly ordinary subject.”

“A great visual pun and the primary colours work really well too!”

Botanical photographer of the year

Judges comments:

“This isn’t a finely detailed study of what a Hepatica looks like, it’s all about the surge of hope we all feel with the return of spring. It doesn’t even matter that the flower isn’t in focus as the strong, complementary colours are much more valuable to the shot. Everything signals excitement.”

Street photographer of the year

Street photographer of the year was Yaman Ibrahim of Malaysia, who captured this winning shot shown below.

Judges comments:

“A shot where you feel instant empathy and connection. It’s perfectly balanced and composed with superb colour and clarity.”

“Good design and storytelling.”

For all other category winners and a list of judges comments for second and third place winners, visit Digital Camera Magazine.