|
|
Sony World Photography Awards 2008
Dennis Hissink : April 30th 2008 - 00:00 CET
|
|
|
 Sony World Photography Awards 2008 : Last week I stayed in Cannes for a few days. Sony invited me to witness the announcement of the winner of the World Photography Awards sponsored by Sony. Currently Sony put a lot of effort in conquering a digital SLR market share. Continuing the success of the Cybershot series compact cameras that made Sony famous worldwide, Sony took their first step into the DSLR market in May 2006 with the introduction of the Sony Alpha 100. One year later, in September, the Alpha 700 was born, a DSLR camera for the advanced or semi-pro photographer. In the mean time word had spread that Sony were developing a DSLR for the Pro. At the time of the CES 2008 the actual launch of the Sony DLSR-A200 took place.
|
Sony Alpha Digital SLR Cameras
Three weeks later, during the PMA 2008 in Las Vegas, Sony revealed a high resolution image sensor (24 Megapixels) that is the base for a professional DSLR camera to be built around it. Besides this heavy weapon, the Alpha 200, including two new Alpha DSLR cameras strengthened Sony's arsenal; the Sony Alpha 350 and the Alpha 300. Looking back at it, things developed very fast, and Sony's next step is eagerly awaited; the step that will establish Sony's brand name in the professional DSLR market.
Sony World Photography Awards
It's obvious that Sony take DSLR photography seriously. Sony appear on every event and every occasion whether it is the media or a show, the spotlight is on the Sony Alpha DSLR camera. The Sony World Photography Awards is naturally one of the events that attract attention worldwide. The amateur photographer was allowed to submit his/her portfolio (3 pictures) to be judged by a panel consisting of Academy members. The nine final winners of the various categories were awarded with an exhibition of their work in the prestigious Palais des Festivals in Cannes. The Academy later announced the final winner of the amateurs. The professional photographer was allowed to send in his/her portfolio (10 pictures) for each category after which three finalists per category were chosen. An exhibition of the oeuvre of the winners of the 11 categories was also open to the public in the Palais des Festival. 700 guests from the photo industry and the media visited the Sony World Photography Awards 2008 evening.
Vanessa Winship Photographer of the Year
Vanessa Winship from the United Kingdom was announced Photographer of the Year. Her submission for the category Portraits was chosen from thousands of pictures sent in by both professional and amateur photographers. Besides the title of 'Photographer of the Year', Vanessa Winship also receives an amount of 25,000 dollars in cash. 'Honorary Board' panel member, Elliot Erwin, handed over the Award to Vanessa Winship in the Palais des Festival, in the presence of 700 VIPs and the top of the photography world. The eleven winning professional photographers coming from eight countries, also received an Award on the Awards evening.
Phil Stern Legacy Award winner of the year 2008
A special moment on the Sony World Photography Awards evening was the presentation of the 'Legacy Award'. This is an award intended for a photographer that has made a special contribution to the world of photography. Legacy Award winner of the year 2008 was Phil Stern. Phil Stern held a memorable speech and shared his opinion about photography then and now in a short but impressive way. The standing ovation Phil received was the perfect moment to end the evening of the Sony World Photography Awards 2008.
Sony Photography Awards Cannes
The World Photography Awards (WPA) focus already on next year's event. The event and the way it was held this time, is hopefully the beginning of one of many shows. The Sony WPA 2008 is a true sign of appreciation for the works of photographers worldwide, for both the amateur and professional photographer. Cannes has another impressive event to look back on and to look forward to so I'd say: see you next year!
|
|
|
|
