.: Nikon Photo Contest International 2008-2009 Announcement of Winners

Nikon Corporation (President: Michio Kariya) is pleased to announce the winners of the Nikon Photo Contest International 2008-2009 – one of the world's largest and most prestigious photo contests.
Held since 1969 and currently staged once every other year, the contest provides an opportunity for photographers around the world to communicate and to enrich photographic culture for professionals and amateurs alike.
For the 32nd staging of the contest, the Nikon Photo Contest International 2008-2009 ran with the theme "At the heart of the image," which is also the brand statement of Nikon Imaging Company. Attracting more than 51,000 photographs from 153 countries and regions, or 1.1 times the number of entries than the previous contest, the Nikon Photo Contest International 2008-2009 generated interest from the largest number of countries and regions in recent years.

A total of 54 prize winners were selected from among the large number of entries, with Mr. Maung Maung Gyi from Myanmar selected as the winner of the Grand Prize for his work entitled "Cave Of Hope."
In commenting on the contest, the 10 international photography professionals who formed the international judging panel stated that there were a large number of unique entries with strong, individual views, reflecting the entrants' passion for photography. The judges learned new ways to view photography by experiencing firsthand how other judges in the panels interpreted the works.

The contest aims to attract an even greater number of participants, the end goal being to further develop a venue that allows people from around the world to share their vision, and to thereby actively contribute to the world's photographic culture.
The winners along with their works can be seen on the Nikon Photo Contest International website beginning August 6, 2009 (http://www.nikon-npci.com/).

Winning works of the Nikon Photo Contest International 2008-2009

The Grand Prize

"Cave Of Hope"Maung Maung Gyi (Myanmar)

The Grand Prize was awarded to Mr. Maung Maung Gyi of Myanmar for his work entitled "Cave Of Hope." The photo is a deeply impressive, dramatic entry that is reminiscent of a religious painting. Judges' comments include "there is a depth in this photo that never gets old. If one looks at this photo many years from now, they will still be moved by its quiet yet powerful nature," and "one will be overcome with pious thoughts just by looking at this photo.

NIKKOR 75th Anniversary Award

"At the heart of the Kaszuby forest"Kacper Kowalski (Poland)

The NIKKOR 75th Anniversary Award was presented to Mr. Kacper Kowalski of Poland for his work entitled "At the heart of the kaszuby forrest." This image is awe-inspiring thanks to its unique angle and its subject, a never-before-seen landscape.

1st Prize : Free subject category

"Quarrel"Zsolt Kudich (Hungary)

1st Prize was awarded to Mr. Zsolt Kudich of Hungary for his work entitled " Quarrel." This shot captures the split-second expressions of two birds in a tensely set composition. The precise framing beautifully depicting the strength in life, and the strong impact this photo has are testaments to the solid techniques of the photographer.

1st Prize : "My Planet" category

"Friends"Peter Allinson (U.S.A.)

1st Prize was awarded to Mr. Peter Allinson of the U.S.A. for his work entitled "Friends." The superb angling of the shot makes the whale look as if it is smiling. This photo raises environmental awareness not by elaborate explanations but with its unstaged portrayal of nature. It shows the photography’s power to convey important messages regardless of generation.