Judging Procedure

The Nikon Photo Contest International 2008-2009 welcomed entries from two categories: The "Free subject" category, and the "My Planet" category. In all, a total of 52 prize winners were selected, beginning with the Grand Prize and the newly established NIKKOR 75th Anniversary Award commemorating this year’s 75th anniversary of the NIKKOR brand lenses. In the selection process, the judges selected and narrowed down entries through voting for each category. At the end of two days, entries were reduced to an approximate number of 80. The topic that generated the most controversy during this year’s selection process was the judging of digital photography. As entries via the Internet made up more than 90% of the entries this year, the judges discussed the use of digital effects seen in many entries, and whether or not it is possible to give a fair evaluation of digitally manipulated images. With passionate discussions about photography, the selection process moved along smoothly and on the third day, the winning photographs were selected. This year's judges discussed the final selection process before deciding on the winning entries. The discussion included topics such as what elements in each photograph should be evaluated, and what each judge felt the purpose of the contest was. After each judge presented their opinions on their favorite picks for the Grand Prize, the final votes were cast. The judges all agreed upon the final Grand Prize winner, followed by the NIKKOR 75th Anniversary Award, and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize winners for each category. The selection process was concluded by a warm applause.

Mr. Yoshitaka Nakatani, Chief of Judges I am honored to serve again as the Chief of Judges for Nikon Photo Contest International this year. I was delighted to see more photos with power and meaningful substance than in the previous contest. An increase in entries from younger photographers also provided a great opportunity to explore new perspectives in photography. The topic of digital effects came up several times in discussion during the selection process. It is imperative that we evaluate and critique the impacts of digital manipulation to avoid straying from the passions we have as photographers. It was a great pleasure to discuss issues such as these with an international panel of judges.

Mr. Kazuyoshi Nomachi, Judge As the majority of entries came from the Internet, I saw many photographs, especially from Japan, that were clearly sent in with a casual mindset, as if they were simply uploading their personal photos onto their blogs. I would like entrants to seriously question themselves and their photographs when submitting them. They should be aware of the fact that their photos are to compete with photographers from around the globe in an international photo contest. That being said, I was relieved to see that the entries that remained in the main selection process were all of high quality. I especially felt that the photo of the bodybuilder and his audience rushing to take photos with their cell phones and digital cameras cleverly depicted the current times we live in. We also face new dilemmas that didn't exist during the film era. Digital manipulation and effects have become increasingly popular. I feel that you shouldn’t manipulate photos unless you have a strong, solid intention. It is also important to remember that adding digital effects can sometimes work against you.

Mr. Kazuyoshi Miyoshi, Judge This was my second time participating as a judge, and I felt that the entries this year were even more powerful than the previous year. There were so many beautiful, dramatic and compelling photographs that captured the beauty of our earth and its inhabitants. I could tell that the photographers were having fun when taking these photographs. The Grand Prize winning image had to be a photograph that people can come back to time and again into the future. It was important for me to choose a photograph that would stimulate new emotions every time you look at it and have a lasting impression. The selection process allowed me the opportunity to watch the reactions of other judges, and I was able to gain new perspectives.

Ms. Masako Imaoka, Judge The opportunity to see so many photographs from all over the world made me rethink photography. In the past, the majority of entrants to photo contests were photo enthusiasts, but with the development of digital technology, photography has become a popularized medium. When thinking about the power of photography, I realized that it is important to think beyond the photo industry, and to seek visions that touch the hearts of the general public. I would also like to thank the contest for including me in the selection process, which has been an inspiration to my own activities in photography.

Mr. Manabu Miyazaki, Judge The selection process was a great learning experience. One highly memorable photograph I would like to mention depicted a herd of sheep licking salt on the road with the Rocky Mountains in the background. That photograph raised an apt environmental question, which is one of my own missions as a photographer. People construct roads on the mountains, and sheep come down from the mountain to lick the salt contained in the deicing agent spread on the road surface. You can see a tiny glimpse of a car in the background as well. I was amazed by this photographer’s ability to present an environmental issue in such a comprehensive manner.

Mr. Takashi Yamaguchi, Judge The three-day selection process, filled with open debates, was a delightful experience. I am confident that we chose a photograph that is worthy of the Grand Prize. At the same time, I also felt that it was difficult to simultaneously judge photographs in so many different genres, including portraits, animals, and natural landscape photography. Overall, I am very satisfied with the results of the contest.