Nikon announces submission dates for international photo contest

The 33rd Nikon Photo Contest International is sponsored by Nikon, and provides an opportunity for photographers of all skill levels around the world to communicate and contribute to photographic culture. Since it’s inception in 1969, the competition has steadily gained notoriety with photographers from every corner of the Earth with more than 320,000 photographers submitting more than 1,310,000 photos.

More than 18,000 photographers from 153 countries submitted more than 51,000 photos for the 2008-2009 competition. These numbers represent a new record for the largest number of entries by the most applicants from the most countries ever, making the Nikon Photo Contest International a truly global event.

Entries for the 2010-2011 contest will be accepted for two categories; The first category is a free subject category (A) and the second entitled "Energy" (B). Photos of any subject or theme are invited for the free subject category. Entries for the "Energy" category should be photos that capture the energy of sights and subjects that inspires, motivates or excites. Images covering a broad range of subject matter from throughout the world are expected for both categories. Entrants may not enter the same photo in both categories simultaneously.

Returning once again this year is The Emerging Talent Award, designed to embrace the growing number of younger photographers and provide them with an opportunity to share their photos with the world. Each year, young photographers capture many of the photos entered, and this award recognizes the importance of the next generation of photographers.

Entries will be judged by well-known photographers currently active on the world stage. A total of 53 prizes will be awarded, with one photo to receive the contest Grand Prize. From each category, 16 photos will receive first, second and third prizes. Four photos entered by photographers aged 29 or younger will receive Emerging Talent Awards, while 16 Emerging Talent Award runners-up will have the chance to exhibit their entries in the contest Mini Gallery.

Winners will be announced in June 2011 with an exhibition of the winning photographs planned. The goal of the Nikon Photo Contest International is to provide an opportunity for photographers to express themselves and to share their own feelings and impressions with people around the world through their photographs.