08-09 Results

Europe and Africa

Flow of Life
Elena Chernyshova (Russia)

Shooting situations

This photo was taken in Srinigar, a summer capital of the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Life in the city and its surroundings are strongly linked with the Dal lake and some others to which it is connected. Houses and houseboats are built on lakes and their islands. Boats play an important role in communication.

Feelings towards this work and how it interprets "At the heart of the image"

Kashmir is often referred as a region of tension and conflicts. But above all it's a wonderful place that dazzles by its beauty and impresses by the serenity of its life-flow.
A woman and her daughter are passing by in the area of the Floating Gardens, leaving a rippling trial on the calm surface of water.
Life is happening here. Its calm pulsation is a heart of image.

Further comments

I love to travel to different parts of the world and to observe common life.
This photo was taken during a three-year bicycle trip around Eurasia. I used a bicycle to be nearer to people and to feel more of the environment.

This photo exhibits characteristics of a fairy tale. It is simple, with warm colors, nice light and with its title "Flow of Life" we get a sense of a scene taking place.
When I discovered another photograph from the same photographer which intrigued me, I got the feeling that this photographer was an emerging talent.
-By Ms. Claudia Hinterseer

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Asia, Oceania and Middle East

AMEN2
Aydin Berk Bilgin (Turkey)

Shooting situations

"AMEN2" was shot at daytime at the Eyup Sultan Mosque in Istanbul. Built in 1458, the mosque was one of the first to be erected in the city after its Ottoman conquest. Today the neighborhood of Eyup is an area populated by fundamental Islamists. This photo was taken at the mosque's courtyard.

Feelings towards this work and how it interprets "At the heart of the image"

At the heart of this image is a Muslim man at prayer before a mosque wall of Ottoman-era ceramics. One assumes that at the heart of this man at this specific moment of concentration must be just one thing: God. Even though I am not a practicing believer, I was captured by the intensity of the light that seemed to connect the praying man to the calligraphy of "Allah" to his upper left on the wall he is facing. The light seemed to illuminate in writing what was in the man's heart at that very moment.

Further comments

This photograph is a single print from a series (2007-2008) focusing on the Eyup neighborhood.

The lighting in this photo is what caught my attention. The mystic light of the mosque which met with the beautiful background texture of the tiles is dramatic. It is not an easy task to enter a mosque and take photos during praying with such a good light. The contrast of the image is excellent and you can feel the moment of silence through the lights and shadows expressed perfectly in this photo. This photo went up to the last round of selections several times, but was unable to get an award. That's why I choose the photographer as an emerging talent.
-By Mr. Alptekin Baloğlu

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North, Central and South America

Ganges Bather
Danny Ghitis (U.S.A.)

Shooting situations

An elderly woman is assisted in bathing in the Ganges river during one of the holiest days in the Hindu calendar, Makar Sankranti, on January 13, 2008.

Feelings towards this work and how it interprets "At the heart of the image"

The family I approached allowed me, without any words, to become part of their holiday ritual. The connection with the woman was intimate despite the brevity of this moment. Spiritual ecstasy can be achieved at 1/320 of a second.

Further comments

I believe photography is more than the elements of author and subject, but the relationship between both whose sum is greater than its parts.

I chose this image because it has warmth and intimacy. This scene, bathing in the Ganges, is one that is photographed very often and I was impressed with the photographer's ability to capture something unique. He made an effort to get close to his subject and captured a beautiful moment in time.
-By Ms. Ami Vitale

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Japan and Korea

Let's think all.
Yuuta Kawai (Japan)

Shooting situations

I passed through the bustling street by the station in to an arcade in Otaru, Hokkaido. It was a desolate area, full of abandoned shops. I stopped to see an old woman sitting on a bench, looking into her coin purse.

Feelings towards this work and how it interprets "At the heart of the image"

I find peace in the smiles of elders and children. When I see them not smiling, many emotions go through my head. Taking their photos is my means of encouraging these people.

Further comments

This was the first time I was moved by a subject since I started up photography.

While this photograph seems like an ordinary portrait, it is really depicting solitude in society. The biggest problem here is that there is no one else around to be seen. In other words, "what is not seen" is also critical to this picture. Japanese society is regarded as an affluent one, but the reality is that there are many people in this country today who seem to lack compassion and concern for others. Instead of living in an indifferent society that lacks consideration for others, I hope to be in a world where we can all stop and ask "are you okay?" to anyone, before they fall into a situation like shown in this photograph.
-By Ms. Sayaka Ikemoto

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Runners-up

Haerbin Zoo, 2007
Renhui Zhao (United Kingdom)

Shooting situations

This shot was taken at the back of the apes enclosure in Haerbin Zoo. This space is not easily accessed by the public.

Feelings towards this work and how it interprets "At the heart of the image"

In front of the zoo enclosures, all the animals seem to be comfortable living in the zoo. At the back of these enclosures, one tends to see things differently. The monkey's emotions and eyes conveyed the true essence of captivity, thus capturing 'the heart of the image'.

Further comments

This series of work investigates the captivity of animals in the zoo and how this reflects the relationship between humans and animals.

The tireless drover
Pavel Astrakhov (Russia)

Shooting situations

This photo was taken in the Kaluga area in August 2008. This is the one day out of the entire year that he has the day off.

Feelings towards this work and how it interprets "At the heart of the image"

This work captures the lives of small populations in the corners of our immense Russia. I wished to see something greater, than simply the work of this boy. To take a good photo, it is necessary to understand and respect the human life which you have met and wish to capture. "The tireless drover" is an image of the small person who does the big work.

Further comments

I followed the young drover all day to achieve the desirable result shown here.

Re:Incarnation
Natalia Burduli (Georgia)

Shooting situations

This photo was taken in Samtavisi, Georgia.

Feelings towards this work and how it interprets "At the heart of the image"

When I saw this tree, I thought that something after our death exists for sure - something that makes us come back. The tree provided a proof of the endlessness of life.

Further comments

N/A

El Confita
Jacob Cockle (United Kingdom)

Shooting situations

This photo is of the secluded waves in Gran Canaria, surrounded by desert. For two weeks every year, this area becomes the arena for the World Body Boarding Finals. The wave is extremely dangerous and unique, and attracts surfers from all around the world.

Feelings towards this work and how it interprets "At the heart of the image"

I had been picturing this image and the angle in my head for a long time. The wave can break over your head for this shot, so it is an extreme, and dangerous position. It demands full mental and physical commitment and requires you to swim where the waves are breaking while underneath you is dry reef.

Further comments

This is definitely my favorite action shot and I am extremely satisfied with the result and feel that my hard work paid off. I also feel the composition adds to the impact. This is an image I will never get bored with.

unfortunately
Bai Yu (China)

Shooting situations

In the field edge of the Beijing Olympic Sports Center Stadium.

Feelings towards this work and how it interprets "At the heart of the image"

N/A

Further comments

Chinese player Cao Zhongrong making a mistake in the men's modern pentathlon competition of the Beijing Olympic Games.

See the C and Sea
Sales Jr Manuel (Australia)

Shooting situations

This shot was taken at Bondi Beach in Sydney during the Sculpture by the Sea exhibit. This shot was taken during a late, cloudy, winter afternoon.

Feelings towards this work and how it interprets "At the heart of the image"

Feelings towards this work and how it interprets "At the heart of the image"

Further comments

I believe this image truly reflects the theme "at the heart of the image." The subject was supposed to be a large sculpture with a hole in the middle but at the heart of the image there was something else - something more delightful, more amazing. There is more beyond the subject. It embodies the balance between the calmness of the sea and the harshness of the storm.

Nighttime is wonderful
Chaiwat Traitongsat (Thailand)

Shooting situations

This photo was shot in the Chaing-Mai province, Thailand. Yi-peng Festival in northern Thailand the Yi-peng Northern Lantern Festival is still being celebrated. Tubular lanterns resembling hot air balloons, are lit and released into the night sky as an offering to the Lord Buddha.

Feelings towards this work and how it interprets "At the heart of the image"

N/A

Further comments

Receiving this award is a great honor. The contest means a lot to me because it is international. I feel great pride in being a part of this contest, and I am inspired by this contest to continue my work.

Fisherman
Tun Tun Win (Myanmar)

Shooting situations

The subject is an Inthar fisherman from Inlay lake. Inlay lake and row boats are very famous among tourist in Myanmar.

Feelings towards this work and how it interprets "At the heart of the image"

I like the word and theme "at the heart of the image." Our photos are our heart and our cameras are equipments of our heart.

Further comments

Taking photos is not only my hobby but also my reason to create art. I will always take photos with the guidance of my heart.

Green wrapper
Jorge Enrique Garcia Melo (Colombia)

Shooting situations

This photograph was made during a field work project in 2008. I was in the heart of the Andean mountains of Colombia, in Lérida, Tolima. I was studying the fauna and flora of the region. This charismatic frog called the "glass frog" emerged from a leaf during the night.

Feelings towards this work and how it interprets "At the heart of the image"

N/A

Further comments

When people combine nature studies with photography, the results are amazing. These images allows artists who would otherwise not have the opportunity to "voice" their ideas. Nature photography also allows people to be aware about the conservation of endangered species.

permit
Nat Lander (Canada)

Shooting situations

This image was shot in the Historic Distillery District in Toronto, Ontario, on a rainy day in the summer of 2008.

Feelings towards this work and how it interprets "At the heart of the image"

This work was inspired by my muse, the woman in this photograph. To me, this piece is not only about the longing that she is portraying but also about my personal connection to her, my longing for her. "At the heart of the image" for me is about passion. Not only should the image have heart, or emotion, but we, as photographers should feel something as we are taking it - it should have our heart as well.

Further comments

My work is more often then not directed by my heart, and always influenced by my direct surroundings. As a queer photographer, I have an intimate connection to a community and a culture that a lot of photographers do not. I enjoy imagery that deals with ideas of beauty and glamour, but with a raw edge, an alternative edge, and frequently a queer edge. Recently, I have been working with ideas of the muse, and obsession.

My friends
Justin Carrasquillo (USA)

Shooting situations

This photo was taken in Minneapolis, MN and my buddy Eddy was making jealous as usual. This time I brought my camera along.

Feelings towards this work and how it interprets "At the heart of the image"

N/A

Further comments

I like to stick out by shooting stuff that a little different and outside of the ordinary. I've always been intrigued by break dancing and wanted to capture its beauty. It's a very cool sport and makes for a very cool image.

Female smokers
Guillermo Ayala Jacobs (Peru)

Shooting situations

This photo was taken in Lima city, Perú, when I was going along with the Lord of Miracles procession.

Feelings towards this work and how it interprets "At the heart of the image"

I liked the idea to taking a picture with a back light to stress the smoke that emanated from these "female smokers." A backlit image emphasized the visual force of this women group, and their relation to faith and religion.

Further comments

The Lord of Miracles is one of most important religious processions. It has many participants. I was inspired to become a part of it last year to document the event with my photography.

kiss
Ken Kurabayashi (Japan)

Shooting situations

I took this photograph in my living room. The subjects are my sister, and her two children.

Feelings towards this work and how it interprets "At the heart of the image"

This photo conveys a moment filled with love and its traces.
This is my 'heart of the image.'

Further comments

I work as a designer and a photographer.

Circular Motion
Tomoki Nakagawa (Japan)

Shooting situations

This image contains wind turbines in Hojo, of the Tottori prefecture in Japan. I wanted to capture a shot of the diurnal movement of the northern sky along with the wind turbines. I snapped away at every opportunity, and on this particular night, I captured a shooting star in the last moments of the night.

Feelings towards this work and how it interprets "At the heart of the image"

I want to explore the possibilities of photography. Cameras can capture scenes that are not visible to the naked eye. I am inspired by the idea of outer space, the earth, the wind and human beings as one, united.

Further comments

N/A

Takumi
Megumi Saito (Japan)

Shooting situations

This photo was taken in Sato Katagami-ten, Hachiouji city, Tokyo.
The subject is an artisan of screen-printing.

Feelings towards this work and how it interprets "At the heart of the image"

I was really moved by the craftsmanship and passion of the subject in this photo.
I wanted to document his work in a photo.

Further comments

I was studying fashion and I wanted to make an original screen-print, so I asked him make a screen for me.

Jungle gym
Yu Shiromura (Japan)

Shooting situations

On the tiny island of Hatsushima, located in the Higashiizu of Izu Peninsula in the Shizuoka prefecture of Japan, there is a large manmade structure made of iron pillars, approximately 20 meters underwater. I took this photo from inside that structure.

Feelings towards this work and how it interprets "At the heart of the image"

Images exist in my heart before I actually take the pictures. I try to express the thoughts and imagery I feel when looking at my subjects. When I looked at this iron structure, it reminded me of the jungle gym I used to play on as a child.

Further comments

I was nearly suffocating as I held my breath to take this picture. I held my breath so that no bubbles would appear in the photo. When I framed the shot with just the right composition, I looked straight up, made eye-contact with my friend who provided the best pose for the shot.

Terms of use

The copyright of award winning photographs of Nikon Photo Contest International 2008-2009 belongs to its photographers and is protected by law.
The images can be viewed on your monitor for non-commercial and personal purposes, and should not be used otherwise.
Images are not allowed to be modified, used for commercial purposes, or publicly displayed.