Madrid, Spain—The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) announced the TIPA Picture This Camera Shots photo contest winning pictures and photographers. The contest is a celebration of photographic equipment and its users.
Moreover, TIPA received thousands of images via the Picter website from photographers from the four corners of the world. It was a testament to the worldwide reach of TIPA websites and publications.
“Cameras are like musical instruments. They only unfold their magic in the hands of a creative and skillful user. But without them, neither sounds nor images are created, proving that both are a crucial element in the creative process. And that’s why musicians and photographers alike have a special relationship with their instruments, which is reflected in the winning pictures of our competition,” said Thomas Gerwers, chairman of the Technical Image Press Association.
TIPA Picture This Camera Shots Categories
There were three submission categories. They enabled photographers to explore the following relationships: My Camera and I; My Camera in Action; as well as What’s in My Camera Bag.
Along with display of the chosen images in TIPA member outlets, cash awards of 500 euros ($541) went to the winner of each category. In addition, TIPA awarded an overall grand prize of 1500 euros ($1,625) for best in show.
Furthermore, a panel of experts composed of TIPA members judged the winning images. They all complimented the range of techniques and visions displayed by the worldwide array of entrants. Along with the prizewinners, TIPA also named a special shortlist of additional images in each category as honorable mentions.
My Camera and I
Marie Le Moigne took the winning image in this category. It impressed the judges with its intermixture of text, subject, scene, tonality as well as mood to reveal an intimate self-portrait and inner journey. The result shows how the camera is a powerful tool for self-expression and interpersonal dialog.
Le Moigne is an established visual artist as well as teacher of design and applied arts. Additionally, she has an extensive exhibit portfolio and record. According to her submission statement, her artistic practice “…explores the bridges between visual arts and literature.” Moreover, she often “engages and reflects on societal issues such as feminism, the body, and memory through publications and design journals.”
What’s in My Camera Bag
Since 2020, Artur Abramiv has covered the ethno-culture of remote Carpathian peoples; national food and drink; as well as animal rights and protection. What’s more, he works as a regular contributor to National Geographic Traveller. He has also covered human rights violations by totalitarian and authoritarian regimes. In addition, he is a contract photographer for Zuma Press and Getty Images for the Guardian, Der Spiegel, MSNBC News and other media.
For this category, Abramiv shared another aspect of his work. It is a counterbalancing and equally passionate subject—the glory of high mountain terrain. His kit illustrates an important lesson for all photographers, to “always be prepared.” Furthermore, he has built it to match the conditions at hand, especially when they are extreme. The judges felt that his image evokes a lesson on how experience coupled with preparation allows any photographer to make the most out of any photo opportunity.
My Camera in Action: Grand Prize Winner
The grand prize and My Camera in Action winning photograph by Leszek Paradowski impressed the judges with its combination of concept, technique and staging. It is pleasing in light, color and, of course, locale. Paradowski was true to the category in presenting a highly creative vision of not only a self-portrait of him working with his camera but also a wonderful depiction of where photography can lead us as we explore our own creative paths.
In his own words: “One September morning I went to the lake, hoping that I might find exceptional conditions for photography. It turned out that I had made the perfect choice, as the scenery was unique. Unfortunately, I lacked an idea for a unique shot, so I came up with the idea to experiment a bit. I mounted the main camera on a tripod, planned the frame and programmed a series of photos with a time delay. I took my spare camera and started posing first on the water surface, then immersed myself, and this photo was taken.”
A Worldwide Event
In all, entrants came from the around the world, including almost every European country as well as China, Australia, Brazil, Russia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Iran, India, Togo and the USA. The contest entrants reflected that photography is indeed a universal language.
“We were very pleased to receive so many submissions from photographers around the world,” added Gerwers. “The wide range of techniques and personal points of view displayed the incredibly creative eye fostered by the art and craft of photography, and, as importantly, highlights the very personal relationship between photographers and their gear.
“It proves that images and ideas, coupled with the tools of creativity, create a powerful means of engaging in personal expression and awareness. We salute the winners and sincerely thank all who participated in our Picture This contest. We have already begun plans for future such events.”
