Results

The number of applicants and entries for Nikon Photo Contest International 2006-2007 increased by 50 percent compared to the last event. The total number of applicants for the 2006-2007 contest was about 47,000. This indicates Nikon Photo Contest International's worldwide visibility by the many photo lovers and aspiring professional photographers. We've received various works including documentary style photos reflecting society and artistic photos extending sentiment and personal sense. Applicants offered a myriad of interpretations based on the contest's theme "At the heart of the image." Though their interpretations were unique and varied, we were delighted by the amount of entries strongly invoking inspiration and emotional response. These inspirational entries, reaffirmed the significance of using "At the heart of the image" as the theme of the contest. The Grand Prize was selected with this in mind. The final stage of the selection process produced two finalists for the Grand Prize, an image of two fishermen (crossing waves) and an image of a dolphin (Breaking the silence). To have the final images for the Grand Prize coincidentally capture the spirit of water, an essential element to life on earth, was a revelation. It is with great pride and honor that I introduce the top prizes chosen for Nikon Photo Contest International 2006-2007. Mr. Yoshitaka Nakatani, Chief of Judges

Grand Prize crossing waves Tung Khanh Le (Viet Nam) The anticipation works on our imagination which is why this photo moved all of us and was selected for the Grand Prize. Expression is executed in its composition, invoking an emotional response. The touch, feel, and look of this photo is rather documentary-like but the rough waves and the details create expressive dynamism. -By Mr. Nakatani I initially selected another photo for the Grand Prize. However, looking at this, the uncertainty of what the two fishermen are going to do and will happen next, delivers a truly powerful sense of anticipation. This photo requires the viewer to use his or her imagination. This is what excited me and prompted me to think. As a result, I gradually came to favor this photo as my choice. -By Mr. Nakamura What I found very interesting about this photo is that you don't really know what happened on the scene. The fishermen are either trying to escape or fish - it's not quite clear, and the photo does not attempt to make it clear. -By Mr. Maass

1st Prize from Free subject category Breaking the silence Joao Quaresma (Portugal) This photo is about a dream. It gives us a dream. -By Mr. Nakatani I saw many photos which capture a dolphin's jump but this photo reveals something that I haven't seen before. It is unique so I wanted to recommend it very highly. -By Mr. Miyoshi It's hard to capture this moment. It provides an uplifting feeling. Dolphins have their own lives and this image offers a glimpse into this life. -By Mr. Yamaguchi

1st Prize from "Smile, Smile, Smile!" category Nothing to Laugh Hanne-Lena Malat (Germany) The irony and cynicism displayed in this black humoristic image is inherent in its subject's inability or unwillingness to smile. We will never know if she is unable to smile due to a physical or emotional disability. What is really interesting is the photographer's intention to express irony which is effectively captured in this photo. -By Mr. Nakatani Even though there is no such situation, a "smile" is featured. I found this photo very interesting. -By Ms. Pennella This black humoristic photo can evoke many responses. Every time I see this photo, I find new message. -By Ms. Imaoka

	The copyright of award winning photographs of Nikon Photo Contest International 2006-2007 belongs to photographers and is protected by law. The images can be viewed on your monitor for non-commercial and personal purpose,and should not be used otherwise. The images are not allowed to be modified, used for commercial purpose, nor should they be publicly displayed.
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