Nikon Photo Contest 2020-2021: Call for Entries

September 24, 2020

The world's largest international photo contest

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce that entries for the Nikon Photo Contest 2020-2021 will be accepted from 1:00 p.m. on October 22nd, 2020. (all dates and times are listed in JST)

• Nikon Photo Contest 2020-2021 website

The Nikon Photo Contest was first held in 1969 and is currently the world's largest international photo contest. It aims to enrich imaging culture by providing an opportunity for professional and amateur photographers around the world to engage with one another. In the previous 37th Contest, in which the Nikon Photo Contest celebrated its 50th anniversary, a total of 33,000 photographers from 170 countries and regions across the world submitted 97,369 works, marking a new record for the number of entrants and works submitted.

Neville Brody Selected as Lead Judge

Comments from Neville Brody (Summary)

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. 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.
This will be the third time I have been asked to lead the jury for this competition, and I am humbled and honored to be given this new challenge and responsibility. The Nikon Photo Contest has evolved in these few years, dynamically embracing change and a greater and more direct connection with the human spirit. Entering the contest will provide an amazing window for your work. We are looking for your creative, dynamic, and personal views, and hope to provide a platform to help you share that excellence with the world, both professionally and publicly.

• *Judges will be announced on the Nikon Photo Contest 2020-2021 website as they are appointed.

Nikon Photo Contest 2020-2021 Overview

The Nikon Photo Contest 2020-2021, the 38th Contest since its beginning, will be comprised of a photo competition and a short film competition, both of which will accept entries in the Open and Next Generation categories.
The theme for the Open category is "Connect". We ask that you explore the meaning and significance of communication, as well as the bonds that connect people to the world, and through imaging express your unique perspective on the "connection" you experience around you.
The theme for the Next Generation category, open to photographers 25 years old and younger, is "Passion". Passion evokes action, engenders empathy, and possesses the power to create the future. At times, it can move the world. We want you to convey through imaging the pure and devoted passion from your perspective.
Announcement of the winners of the Nikon Photo Contest 2020-2021 is scheduled for July 2021.

Eligibility

The Contest is open to all professional and amateur photographers, regardless of age, gender, or nationality.

Entry categories

1. Photo Competition

i. Open Category

Theme: Connect
Entry format: Single photo or photo story (two to five images)
Any equipment may be used
No age restrictions

ii. The Next Generation Category

Theme: Passion
Entry format: Single photo or photo story (two to five images)
Any equipment may be used
Entrants must be 25 years of age or younger (as of December 31, 2020)

2. Short Film Competition

i. Open Category

Theme: Connect
Entry format: 180- to 300-second-long video *If any language is used within the video, English language subtitles must be included
Any equipment may be used
No age restrictions

ii. Next Generation Category

Theme: Passion
Entry format: 180- to 300-second-long video *If any language is used within the video, English language subtitles must be included
Any equipment may be used
Entrants must be 25 years of age or younger (as of December 31, 2020)

Entry period

Please note that entry deadlines differ depending on the category.

• Photo Competition: Open Category

  October 22nd, 2020 1:00 p.m. to January 25th, 2021 1:00 p.m. (all dates and times JST)

• Photo Competition: Next Generation Category

  October 22nd, 2020 1:00 p.m. to February 1st, 2021 1:00 p.m. (all dates and times JST)

• Short Film Competition: Open Category

  October 22nd, 2020 1:00 p.m. to February 8th, 2021 1:00 p.m. (all dates and times JST)

• Short Film Competition: Next Generation Category

  October 22nd, 2020 1:00 p.m. to February 15th, 2021 1:00 p.m. (all dates and times JST)

How to enter

Enter the contest by providing the required information in the entry form on the Nikon Photo Contest 2020-2021 website.
The form will be available from October 22nd, 2020, 1:00 p.m. (all dates and times JST).
Visit the Nikon Photo Contest 2020-2021 website for further details regarding Contest eligibility, submission rules, judging, etc.

Awards and Prizes

A total of 24 works will receive Excellence Awards and Special Encouragement Awards presented for each category in the two competition formats (Photo and Short Film). In addition, one Grand Prize winner will be selected from among the Excellence Award winners in each category. Nikon's Selection Award winners will be selected by employees of the Nikon Group from works that pass the initial judging phase.

Swipe horizontally to view full table.

• *The Grand Prize winner will be selected from Excellence Award winners in each category.
• *A Grand Prize winner may not be selected.
• *Nikon's Selection Award winners will be selected by Nikon Group employees from among works that pass the first round of judging.
• *Next Generation category winners will be requested to submit official documents proving their date of birth. In the event that such documentation is not provided, winning status will be revoked.
• *Lenses and accessories will be decided by Nikon.
• *Prizes to be awarded are subject to change without prior notice, and cannot be exchanged, transferred, or redeemed for cash.

The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.

Share