Worldwide Submission Period Announced for the 33rd Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011

MELVILLE, N.Y., June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Nikon Corporation (Makoto Kimura, President) is pleased to announce that entries for the prestigious Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011 will be accepted between September 1 and November 30, 2010.  

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.  

The Categories:

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.

Entry Period:

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 through Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Entry Method:

Fill out the application form on the Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011 website (http://www.nikon-npci.com/) and transmit image data via the form.  

Number of Entries:

Two photos for each category (total of four) may be submitted.

Entry Format:

Image data captured with a digital still camera (excluding that captured by medium-format and larger digital cameras) and image data created by scanning an image captured with a film camera (35mm or APS) will be accepted. Images that have been digitally enhanced or edited with software will also be accepted.  

File Size:

10 MB or less per file

Image Format:

JPEG only

Awards and Prizes:

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.

The following prizes will be awarded:**

About Nikon

Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-UX or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

*Exhibition venue and dates to be decided at a later date.

**Prizes to be awarded are subject to change without previous announcement.  Prizes may not be exchanged for cash.

SOURCE Nikon Corporation