Melville, NY—Nikon Inc. announced that submissions for the 38th Nikon Photo Contest will open on October 22, 2020 at 12:00 a.m. EDT. Started in 1969, the Nikon Photo Contest is among the world’s largest international photo contests. Moreover, it provides an opportunity for creators to connect through visual storytelling and to enrich imaging culture. To date, more than 440,000 photographers have submitted 1.7+ million imaging works.
A prestigious group of individuals will evaluate entries for the 2020–2021 Nikon Photo Contest. They will include world-renowned art director Neville Brody, who was selected to return as lead judge for a third consecutive year. What’s more, Brody is an inspirational figure whose work spans over three decades and continues to inspire the next generation of emerging artists. Nikon will announce additional judges on the 2020–2021 contest website as they are appointed. 
“In these challenging times, we need creative and cultural opportunities to remind us of our humanity and resilience; both celebrating and observing the planet and our communities in new ways,” said Neville Brody. “The Nikon Photo Contest is one of the most respected and key opportunities to explore these new questions and possible ways of thinking, where imagination meets connection.”
“The Nikon Photo Contest has evolved in these few years; it has dynamically embraced change and a greater and more direct connection with the human spirit. Entering the contest will provide an amazing window for your work,” Brody added. “We are looking for your creative, dynamic and personal views; we also hope to provide a platform to help you share that excellence with the world, both professionally and publicly.”
38th Nikon Photo Contest
The 2020–2021 contest will comprise a photo competition as well as a short film competition. They are open to all professional and amateur photographers. Entries to both competitions will be accepted in two categories: Open and Next Generation.
Furthermore, the theme for the Open category submissions is “Connect.” Individuals are asked to showcase the unique connections they experience; highlight the bonds that connect people to the world; and also explore the meaning of communication.
In addition, the theme for the Next Generation category, which is open to photographers 25 years of age or younger, is “Passion.” For this category, entrants must demonstrate their perspective on the way passion evokes action, empathy and power to create change for the future.
Moreover, the contest will honor a total of 24 submissions with Excellence Awards and Special Encouragement Awards. Additionally, judges will select one grand prize winner from the Excellence Award winners in each category.
What’s more, Nikon employees will select one photo and one short film submission that pass the first round of judging; they will honor them as Nikon’s Selection Award winners.
Award recipients will receive a certification in addition to a cash prize or one of Nikon’s Z series mirrorless cameras, depending on the award. The announcement of winners for the 2020–2021 Nikon Photo Contest is scheduled for July 2021.
Photo Contest Entry Categories
Open Category; Theme: Connect
The entry format for this category is a single photo or photo story (two to five images) submission. Entrants may use any equipment to capture their submissions. In addition, there are no age requirements.
Next Generation Category; Theme: Passion
The entry format here is also a single photo or photo story (two to five images) submission. Again, there are no equipment requirements. However, entrants must be 25 years old or younger as of December 31, 2020.
Short Film Competitions
Open Category; Theme: Connect
Entrants must submit a video (MOV or MP4) that is 180–300 seconds in duration. Moreover, if any language is used within the video, English language subtitles must be included. Videographers can use any equipment to create their videos and there are no age requirements.
Next Generation Category; Theme: Passion
Submissions here as well are videos (MOV or MP4) 180–300 seconds in duration. Also, if any language is used within the video, entrants must incorporate English language subtitles. There are no equipment requirements. However, entrants must be 25 or younger as of December 31, 2020.
Entry Periods
Please note that entry deadlines differ depending on the category. All dates and times are Eastern Time.
- • Photo Competition: Open Category: October 22 at 12:00 a.m. EDT to January 24, 2021 at 11:00 p.m. EST
- • Photo Competition: Next Generation Category: October 22 at 12:00 a.m. EDT to January 31, 2021 at 11:00 p.m. EST
- • Short Film Competition: Open Category: October 22 at 12:00 a.m. EDT to February 7, 2021 at 11:00 p.m. EST
- • Short Film Competition: Next Generation Category: October 22 at 12:00 a.m. EDT to February 14, 2021 at 11:00 p.m. EST
For complete instructions on how to apply as well as for prize details on the 2020–2021 Nikon Photo Contest, visit nikon-photocontest.com/en. The entry form will be available beginning Thursday, October 22, 2020.
