10-11 Results

The diverse entries for Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011 underwent the judging procedure at Nikon headquarters in February 2011. This year's contest invited entries into two categories: the "Free Subject" category and the "Energy" category. The "Free Subject" category called for works that convey a unique perspective and creativity. The second category, "Energy," invited applicants to submit images that capture the energy of sights and subjects that inspire, motivate or excite.

The judging procedure spanned three days, which included preliminary examinations which narrowed down the selection from over 60,000 entries to approximately 3,500 entries. 53 award winners were selected from this pool of 3,500 entries including the Grand Prize winner, 32 winners for the 1st to 3rd prize spots, 4 winners for the Emerging Talent Award, and 16 runners-up for the Emerging Talent Award.

After the preliminary examination, the 3,500 works were divided into groups within each section. Judges then selected their top choices. Those top works would then be placed onto a table and all judges would vote on the best work. After two days of repeating this procedure, the choices were narrowed to 180 works. By the third day, all works underwent a selection process and the award winners were determined.

Prizes were awarded from the bottom up. The Grand Prize was awarded after the first prize, and the first prize was awarded after the second prize. The procedure started with determining the winners in the Free Subject category. All works submitted to the Free Subject category that were still in the running after the second day were laid out onto a table. The number of entries was narrowed down by a selection process until 40 entries remained. These entries did not simply advance by the amount of votes each received, but also after undergoing discussions facilitated by the Chief of Judges.

In light of the fact that all entries had to be submitted digitally via the Internet, the issue regarding digital manipulation was hotly debated by the judges. This debate allowed judges to share their thoughts and concerns about how to deliberate on images that were obviously manipulated and constructed after the photo was taken. The judges also discussed how to improve the submission process for the next contest, particularly regarding the size of digital files.

Shortly after these fruitful discussions, the judges decided on the finalists for each of the prizes. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes and the winners for the Free Subject and Energy categories were determined by final vote and general consensus, respectively.

The stage was then set for the selection of the Grand Prize winner, which would either be the 1st prize winner for the Free Subject category or Energy category. The judges discussed the works in depth, and shared their thoughts on why they chose the selections that they did. After a stimulating discussion, the entry that displayed exceptional skill and impact was chosen as the Grand Prize winner by consensus. The seminar concluded with everyone applauding all the winners for Nikon Photo International Contest 2010-2011.

Comments from each judge

Mr. Hiromi Tsuchida, Chief of Judges

I am honored to serve as the Chief of Judges for this international photography contest. Selecting the Grand Prize winner from over 60,000 submissions was a challenging task that I was very honored to participate in. There is drama that ensues during the selection procedure and having to drop so many entries from the race is a sobering process. I would like to express my gratitude toward the 10 judges who came from many parts of the world and offered their perspectives and expertise to come to a consensus on a single Grand Prize winner. The debate is still on regarding how we shall evaluate digital photography in the future. It is not a matter of simply identifying a composite image versus an untouched image, but instead it is necessary to reevaluate some elements of the judgment procedure.

Mr. Teruo Sekiguchi, Judge

This was my first time participating as a judge for this contest. Many of the photographs I thought were deserving involved subjects and techniques outside of my specialty, for example, animal and insect shots. Therefore, I felt that it should be left up to the other judges who did specialize in these subjects to critique these photos. Some of these photos impressed me but did not make the cut. I felt that some entries which had potential fell through the cracks. That said, I am very satisfied with the Grand Prize winner.

Ms. Yoshino Oishi, Judge

I was moved by the power of all of these photographs representing so many cultures, so many lives. To see these photos is believing in the realities they capture. I was moved not only by the lives of people, but also by the lives of animals and plants. This impact exemplified the power of photography. It was a challenge was to single out one image, but ultimately this was our task as judges.
The resulting winners for the Grand Prize, Free subject and Energy categories were superb. It was unfortunate to see some works dropped because the judges could not vote unanimously on them. I look forward to the evolution of this contest and encourage photographers to submit their work to this contest.

Mr. Sanjiro Minamikawa, Judge

Starting my career as a film-based photographer the shift to digital media and manipulation is blindingly obvious. This contest proved this shift as many of the entries utilized the tools available in software. We are well into the digital era in photography and digital manipulation itself is evolving into a new skill. I would personally suggest a different set of criteria for digitally manipulated photos and photos that are not manipulated. The Grand Prize winning entry captures the power of water and youth colliding – it is an image that is overflowing with energy.

Mr. Hideo Suzuki, Judge

There were a several elements to consider as a judge for this contest. First was to consider the culture of photography and second was to consider the theme–energy. I believe that the Grand Prize winner was extremely appropriate for this theme. The subjects and composition in this image inspired this photograph. The photographer had to possess an artist's sensibility. In an age when one just has to push the shutter button to take a photograph, I began to ponder the question, "What compels someone to press the shutter?" I believe that the unconscious memory triggers the press of a button. The memory is recorded and in turn the recording is memorized. Therefore, I believe that skill and technology is not what defines the culture of photography. This was an epiphany I had as a judge for this contest – one that I hope to communicate to younger generations.

Mr. Hiroshi Osaka, Judge

A great photograph reflects the emotion the photographer feels for his subject. Considering the massive amount of entries, my eyes gravitated toward photos that were full of impact or highlighted something very subtle and delicate.
I feel that many of the past winning entries for this contest left much more of an impression on me. This may be because most photographs were shot in film back then. The mindset of a photographer shifts when shooting in film versus digital. Photographs shot in film are more deliberate and require more emotion from the photographer. Digital photographs are shot with more ease. With digital, it seems that the attention that used to be given to actually taking the shot has shifted to editing the photo after it was shot. A direct connection between the photographer and his subject is vital to any photograph and disturbing this connection may bring the world of photography into an undesirable direction.