In this Bird Photographer of the Year category we encourage creativity in all its forms. Winning images might include those that are taken using creative camera techniques, for example slow shutter speeds and panning for fast-moving birds. In addition, we discard all the rules regarding digital manipulation and instead actively encourage you to use your skills and imagination to create images utilising the full potential of today's modern digital darkroom techniques. Montages from multiple frames, the removal of unsightly items, the wholesale replacement of backgrounds, and HDR stitches are all examples of the types of imagery that this category seeks to promote. Let your imagination run wild, use the digital technology to your advantage and create something different that takes our breath away.
Prizes include Swarovski CL Companion 8x30 binoculars worth around £800 and a chance to win £5,000 and the title of Bird Photographer of the Year 2018.
The photographer of the winning image in each category will receive a pair of Swarovski CL Companion 8x30 binoculars with a retail value of approximately £800. The winners will also receive a personal portfolio review by the Director of Photography at Alamy and a special seller's account receiving 100% of any sales revenue for 12 months. Those judged second in each of the categories will receive a runners-up prize of a clothing bundle worth £160 from outdoor clothing and equipment specialists Country Innovation, comprising the following items which can be viewed on their website: Venture Waistcoat Field Pouch CI Knitted Hat CI Knitted Gloves
Main Prize The photographer of the winning image chosen by the judging panel will win a cash prize of £5,000 and the title ‘Bird Photographer of the Year’. The winner will also receive a personal portfolio review by the Director of Photography at Alamy, have their work and personal interview featured on the Alamy website, social media and blog, plus a special seller's account with a personal account manager and receive 100% of sales revenue for 2 years.
Portfolio Prize The winner of the Best Portfolio chosen by the judging panel will receive to Olympus OM-D E M1 MKII camera body and M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F/4 IS PRO lens with a combined value £3,500. The winner will also receive a personal portfolio review by the Director of Photography at Alamy and a special seller's account receiving 100% of any sales revenue for 12 months.
Every photo submitted will be available for the crowd to rate once the submissions period has ended. In this contest, the entries are hidden until the rating period begins.
Some contests on Photocrowd also have a judge. After the submission period closes the judge chooses their favourite images and writes some image reviews. The crowd and judge results will be announced on the same day.
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