The Question we had a few times now: Is New Zealand in, is Dubai in.. is Saudi Arabia or Turkey in?

Here is a map from Asia, where your entry should be from. Please follow this updated link below from “Wikipedia”.  (See full list of countries within Asia below)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia#Physical_geography

Be aware that i updated this link on the 1st of September 2009, as i posted by mistake an old, uncomplete political map from Asia.

“Wikipedia” shows all countries, country flags and country names now. (Political & Physical Geography) I hope that helps to put things straight and I like to apologize for any confusion i caused with the old data and reply posted.

Unfortunately New Zealand is still not in ;-), that would be Asia & Pacific, but Dubai and Saudi Arabia?? Absolutely!!

Best
Felix

Countries within Asia

Lynette is asking: Can u pls elaborate on FACES OF FREEDOM as well? thank you!

Answer:  I checked back with the AG office on this matter. The wording is misleading on this and we will adjust it.

It should say that this is an “Open Category” to photograph anything that is “Asia” and of course is shot in Asia. I hope this helps to clarify.

And.. of course you can enter in more then just one category.

Thanks

felix

This competition is supported by Canon and they offer some of the top prizes, but that in no way mean your images shot with any other camera brand will not be judged the same way. The judges are not influenced by the use of your camera brand.

However i like to take the chance here to thank Canon again, not only for their support of this competition, but for their general progressive attitude to support many activities, photographers and competitions worldwide.

As mentioned earlier, there is no golden rule to win a competition like this, however here are a few tips and thoughts to consider.

One of the most common mistakes is either not to read the rules and criteria, or to ignore them. So lets talk about the criteria then:

1.) Relevance to the theme

Ask yourself if the image you enter fits the category described in the first place. If you enter in the Portraiture category, then it should not be a picture of a temple with no people. As better as your image fits naturally in that category, as more likely the judges accept it as such. There is still plenty of room for you to play with.

2.) Technical Execution

The most common problem we see here, is poorly executed post production. Keep the integrity of the image and the story in mind. Over saturated colors, over sharpened, badly applied dodging and burning… the list goes on. Photoshop is part of your workflow, but there is a fine line of getting the best out of your pictures and “overdo” it. 

The other common problem is blown highlights or generally an exposure that does the image not justice. In the same category would camera shake and back focusing be found. We have such precise gear today, there is no excuse for a badly executed image. If it does not life up to your highest demands, then chances are smaller your image will make it to the final round.

This said, bear in mind that an image can be grainy, “overexposed”, out of focus or could come with any other technical “flaws”. As long there is an intend visible and it helps to tell the story… even better. It does not mean because an image is blur its not technical perfect. 

3.) Originality & Impact

An image has only a couple of seconds to convince a judge to look at it longer. If it lacks impact, chances are it gets lost amongst the thousands. Keep in mind that there are many images and somehow yours has to stand out in a good way. Which leads us to originality. Entering an image from Angkor Wat is of course appreciated, but chances are yours is not the only one. Famous places have been seen over and over again by a photo editor.

If you enter with an image from a famous location or attraction (and please do so), show us something different or something that wows.

4. Compositions

There are many rules and helping tips for better compositions out there. To follow them or break them with intend can lead to an image with more context and impact. The composition should support and magnify the story you are showing. The obvious may not always be the best. Keep in mind that your way to compose& frame the image will lead the viewers eyes.

5. Content & Evocative Quality of an Image

This is a though one, but let me describe like this: Some images evoke feelings, others not. Some images have a life, others don’t. When ever an image has a “soul” it is able to make a connection with the viewer. It makes us think, angry, smile, laugh or cry. It will trigger something that reaches further then the obvious graphical shell. Its where the technical quality ends and the story telling starts.

I hope above will help you to look at your images with new eyes and will help your editing & selection process

Felix Hug

This competition offers 3 open categories to enter your images.

1. Faces of Earth

2. Faces of Asia

3. Faces of the Wild

Some of you may have been a bit confused of where to enter your images, so let me go through this in a bit more detail here:

1. “Faces of Earth”

sums up all those great images of Landscapes, Seascapes and other scenic images. Architectural pictures would go here, as well as Monuments. Images that show the viewer unmistakably where he is, as well as that newly discovered place, you just came across. 

It could be the Taj Mahal or Ankor Wat, The Amazing beaches of Borocay or the Aerial picture of the Maldives. The jungle of Borneo in the morning mist, or the mountain range of the Himalayas.

Whatever the choice is: Wow us with stunning views and the feel of “I wanna be there”. Although humans or other living creatures may and sometimes should be present to give context, mood or scale, they will most likely not be the main subjects in this pictures.

Ask yourself in those cases if the images fit better in category 2 or 3.

2. “Faces of Asia”

Thats where the judges like to see those amazing Portraitures and People shots. Bear in mind though, that a portraiture does not have to be a close tight shot.

There is the classical portraiture, as well as the environmental portraiture. It can go as far as capturing the intimate moment of people in their surrounding. Whatever your choice is: People and their story are the “main act” in this shots.

If you should get stuck, think about the great imagery of Olivier Follmy or Steve Mc Curry here to name some reference.

3. “Faces of the Wild”

This is a bit more straight forward. You could say its the above category, but the focus is on the animals.

Frans Lanting springs to my mind as a perfect example of reference.