Let’s face it: photography contests are often more about promoting the contest or the publisher than the photographer. “Read the fine print before entering” is more than good advice, as little details like reassigned copyright can wind up being big details indeed. With the disclaimer out of the way, here are some results absolutely worth highlighting.
First up, two of my favorites from the 8th Annual International Landscape Photographer of the Year competition:
Spectacular, from the location to the fog to, of course, the comet. More than right place, right time, it’s just right. Well done.
This one combines beauty with something frightening, a not-so-subtle reminder that the future we face is about more than just wielding a camera.
See the rest of the Landscape Photographer winners here. (Via DPReview.)
Next, let’s look at something less well-known: the UK’s International Garden Photographer of the Year, starting with this:
Wow. Everything about that shot is just perfect. Congrats to Magdalena Wasiczek.
Recognize the bridge? (Never mind.) Quintessentially English and beautifully done.
This is one of six, called Portfolio shots, by Ingrid Popplewell. Re-imagined, indeed.
This one’s filed in the abstract category, and something that could be envisioned as a book cover. Nicely done.
See more the the BBC’s roundup, or visit the competition’s website.
Bonus update: DPReview brings you the Travel Photographer of the Year, too.
Bonus update 2: The BBC covers the Underwater Photographer of the Year. (Because there aren’t enough of these contests to go around.)