New Eyes will open on the 6th of January

After the success of “All of Asia” last year and “India!” three years ago, we’re coming back with another great international travel photography competition: “New Eyes”.

It was time for us to broaden our horizons and after focussing on India and Asia it was time for us to have a look at the entire world… through your eyes! Well, through your lenses!

True to our theme, this year we’re looking for photos that would frame the ordinary of far away lands in an extraordinary fashion and the extraordinary of your home town as if we were there with you when you took the shot: because after all “the real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes”.

This year we’re are giving away the camera of your choice, among the best of the best now available on the market. Get ready, review your shots and select your best three: the competition opens on the 6th of January 2016.

All of Asia: winner announced!

Roberto Fenanti has been nominated as the winner of “All of Asia”, the second international travel photography competition organised and run by 1000for1.com.

Myanmar, © Roberto Fenanti

Myanmar, © Roberto Fenanti

Roberto’s perfectly timed image captures an everyday moment but under unusual conditions, with an extraordinary lighting and in the marvellous setting of Bagan’s temples.

Roberto is not new to 1000for1 and in the first edition his picture of the Rat Temple made it to the final selection. A proof that commitment pays off!

© Roberto Fenanti

© Roberto Fenanti

We got in touch with Roberto and we took the liberty of asking him a few questions.

First of all, congratulations for the prize: good job! The whole jury agreed that your photo was the best one although there were so many good shots. How did you react when you received the news of your victory? Did you think you had any chance?

When you announced that I was the winner I couldn’t believe it, even though I have to confess I had high expectations. Then my mood changed to an utmost ecstatic joy, for receiving such an important international award is really gratifying.

 

Your picture stands out among many others views of Bagan, not only because of the very peculiar light but also because you managed to capture that incredible detail of the shepherds among the dust their cows are raising. How did you manage to create such a beautiful image?

The photograph was taken at sunset from the Pyathada pagoda in the Bagan’s plain of temples, in Myanmar. My attention was captured by the dust that I could see rise among the trees and bushes and I figured out a herd was passing through. I waited until the shepherd arrived where the contrast was higher and where his outline was made clearer by the dust: I shot at that magic moment where you are sure you are in the process of creating something special.

 

What is your approach to this kind of photos? Do you plan a lot in advance or do you trust your instincts?

The latter, for sure. I’m as instinctive as possible, because these things happen without any warning and you have to be ready to freeze that single moment in time, without forgetting to set your camera according to the environment and light around you.

 

What kind of advice would you give to other people who would like to take photos of Bagan? And more generally Myanmar?

In my opinion, to shoot from any temple in Bagan I would suggest to bring a good telelens, without forgetting to bring along a more conventional lens like the 24-70 mm that is always with me in any of my trips. Bagan is packed with tourists and sometimes it gets very hard to find the ideal position to shoot the sunset, because of the crowd. I would definitely recommend to arrive quite early on the temples’ terraces to find the best spot.

 

You are an amateur photographer but also a painter: what was your first passion? What is your approach to photography and is photography influencing painting or the other way round?

Photography has always been a passion since childhood for me, but painting marked a true turning point in my photographic development. Through painting I started looking at everything from the point of view of light, colour and framing, things that I found later on in photography. From 2006 I’ve started attending the local camera club in Thiene, Italy, and that helped me tremendously in refining my vision of photography. Whenever I shoot, I live through a series of experiences that mix photography and painting. Painting gives you full control of the creative process, allowing plenty of time to lay out your ideas on the canvas, choosing the right balance and colours. In photography the process is of course quicker but you have to frame very rapidly: in that instance time works against, and you have to be extremely quick to decide how and when releasing the shutter.

 

We hope that winning “All of Asia” will serve you as a drive to create other stunning images: do you have any other trip planned?

I am really attracted to Asia and I would like to go to Cambodia and Vietnam soon. I find that people over there are wonderful, sociable and always ready to help out people in need without asking anything in return, probably because consumerism hasn’t blinded them yet.


 

The jury have also awarded four honourable mentions: these go to Jakub Rybicki, Chee Keong Lim, Neil Herbert and Muhammad Mostafigur Rahman

All honourable mentions are allowed to participate free of charge in the next competition organised by 1000for1.

Afghanistan, © Jakub Rybicki

Afghanistan, © Jakub Rybicki

Myanmar, © Chee Keong Lim

Myanmar, © Chee Keong Lim

Myanmar, © Neil Herbert

Myanmar, © Neil Herbert

Bangladesh, © Muhammad Mostafigur Rahman

Bangladesh, © Muhammad Mostafigur Rahman

All of Asia: entries are closed

The submission period for “1000for1’s All of Asia” is officially over: we wish all participants the best of luck with their submissions. We thank you very much for the privilege of seeing your images and we wish you many happy moments behind the viewfinder in 2015.

In the next few days 1000for1’s staff will start reviewing each and every image and will present the judges with a selection of the best photographs, the ones that truly represent the spirit of Asia.

The jury will then examine the shortlisted photographs starting on February the 15th and by the same date a gallery containing the best submissions will be published.

The winner will be announced on February the 28th. Come back by that date to find out who will be the proud owner of a MacBook Proand a Wacom tabler (or richer by $3000).

All of Asia: Deadline extended

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To cover our expenses and make sure we’ll be able to provide you with great competitions in the future as well, we had to extend the final submission date: the deadline for “All of Asia” is now the 31st of January 2015.

So, if you haven’t submitted your photographs yet, you have an extra month to do so!

Don’t miss the chance to win either a 15” Retina MacBook Pro AND a Wacom Intuous Pro Tablet OR $3000log in and submit your pictures!

For the participants who have already participated, please bear with us a little bit more, you won’t be disappointed!

Featured artist: Yelena Karimova

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Why we liked it: Yelena’s photo mixes distant observation and intimacy, behind a bamboo frame she’s managed to create a strong connection with her subject that responded with a lovely expression that captures the viewer.

Yelena, tell us something about yourself…

I am a happy mother of two and a photo nomad. Living in Singapore, our 5th country in the last 4 years. I love slow cooking, travel but most of all photography. I was born in the Soviet Union, I grew up in Kazakhstan and lived in Ukraine, Poland, the United States and Singapore.
My approach to photography is capturing simple beauty. I’ve started not a long time ago but I’ve never thought about this seriously, I’ve just treated this as my lovely hobby ’til today.
You can find my work at www.facebook.com/noframephotography.

Where was this picture taken? Can you tell us something more about it?

It was taken in the Japanese Garden park in Western Singapore. It used to be a wastewater collection point, converted into a beautiful recreation zone for people living in the western part of the city.

What are you trying to convey with your photography?

Japan themed picture is part of a bigger project – Faces of Singapore – which attempts to bring to life the multitude and diversity of modern day Singapore.

What is the place that inspires you the most and why?

I don’t have a favourite place,  but a time of day for sure – sunset! It is truly a magic moment when you can observe full light spectrum and ‘viewing angle’ changes – objects transform into something different.

What is your long term goal with photography?

I believe the biggest advantage with photography is the ability to capture and store life’s moments, that are maybe small for the rest of the world, but big for those that are witnessing it. My long term goal is to bring this vantage point to as many people as I can.

Are you as fascinated by Asia as Yelena? Do you have some images to share with us? Take part in “All of Asia” then, create a profile and submit your photos!

Featured artist: Richard Pommérat

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Why we liked it: the subject of Richard’s photo is not an uncommon sight in Asian metropolis, where old ladies and men somewhat struggle with the modernity that nowadays surrounds them, in this perfectly timed shot though this contrast is amplified by the blurred speed of the taxi compared to the almost sisyphean figure of the woman pushing a load of cardboards.

Richard, what is your story? When did photography enter your life?

I am a French fashion and portrait photographer. I always had a creative side but struggled finding what medium could help me express it. I cannot really draw and despite several attempts, cannot play the guitar. I always enjoyed looking at pictures but never really thought of using this medium. I did however document my different trips abroad with a point and shoot camera and enjoyed how relaxed it made me, walking around a town I dont know and looking for things to capture. I was fortunate to travel to London for the 2012 Olympics and thought it would be great to capture these one in a lifetime moments with a more decent camera. I started looking into gear and it opened my eyes to all that was going on in the photography world, which was completely passing me by. I am completely hooked now and am still in awe of the amount of creative people that you can come across. I quite enjoy fashion and portraits photography because I believe it allows me to offer a surreal vision of reality. I do however still enjoy street and travel photography as that is where I started and I still like how it helps me break the ice with strangers and create a connection with them.

My website is www.richardpommerat.com

What motivated you to participate in this competition?

My mother is from Singapore. Having grown up in France, I always had a fascination about Asia which I think was a way to retain half of my identity. I heard about this competition several days after I came back from a 3 week trip there where I really wanted to capture how vibrant and busy this place was. I fell even more in love with Asia and wanted to share it, this competition seemed like a great platform to do so!

Where was this picture taken? Can you tell us something more about it?

This picture was taken in Hong Kong. It shows one of the many old persons going around the city pushing these filled up carts. It looks surreal compared to the modern and edgy image we have of Asia. When I saw the car passing that old lady by, I thought it was a great way to translate the contradiction of today’s Asia.

That’s exactly why we found your photo very interesting! What are you trying to convey with your photography?

As Asia develops in a highly modern society, some old traditions might disappear. This contrast is what makes Asia so unique and in my opinion, the biggest challenge that will face the Asian countries is to keep growing whilst not leaving behind parts of their identity which may disappear.

What is the place that inspires you the most and why?

I have a soft spot for Hong Kong. This place is invigorating. It has all the advantages of a big western city but there is also this grunginess that makes it so unique. On top of this, though it seems at that people are always shouting at you, Cantonese is like a sweet tune to me, my grandparents being originally from Canton. Finally, for a foodie like me, it is heaven on Earth!

What is your long term goal with photography?

I am looking into transitionning to being a full time photographer and perhaps relocating to Asia in that regard. I am also trying to create a collective of creatives (photographers, videographers, make up artists, etc…) in order to help each other out and creating crazy stuff together. If any of your readers are interested, let me know!

Readers: are you interested? If so check out Richard’s website and give him a shout. In the meanwhile, do you think you have some story to share with us? If so then take part in “All of Asia”, create a profile and submit your photos!

 

Featured Artist: Nilanjan Basu

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© Nilanjan Basu

Why we liked it: Nilanjan managed to stop in a beautifully framed photo a moment of sheer joy with the boys jumping in the water looking almost as one captured in a sequence at different times.

Nilanjan, can you tell us something about yourself?

I am Nilanjan Basu, Indian, working as an engineering professional since 2003. Basically I am an amateur photographer. Since I was 18 years old, I started taking photographs of my friends and family, landscapes, etc. I bought my first camera (a Kodak Chroma) in the year 2000 with my first salary. That was the beginning of my own photography. Finally after saving adequate money, I was able to buy my DSLR Camera Nikon D5000 in the year 2010. I am not only passionate about photography, but also it gives me plenty of happiness. Photography reduces my tension.

Where was this picture taken? Can you tell us something more about it?

This photograph was taken in India. That day I was roaming along the bank of the river Gange with my camera. Then I saw some local boys are playing in the river water. Their faces were delighted with joy and happiness. Suddenly for some moment I lost myself remembering my childhood friends, the old days when we use to enjoy days and nights with friends. Friendship, specially, childhood friendship is real blessing for all of us. Friendship brings joy and happiness. We must not forget our childhood friends with whom we played throughout the day and we use to share every story of our life. I miss my childhood friends a lot and these boys gave me real pleasure of life.

What are you trying to convey with your photography?

Rivers. A river knows many stories of human life. It has witnessed happiness, it has witnessed sorrow, it has witnessed death. Whenever I sit alone on a river bank, I get lost into deep thoughts looking into the flowing water. There I can see many faces of human life. Sitting on a river bank helps me to know myself.

What do you want to do with your photography?

I want to capture best moments, so that I can deliver wonderful photographs to the world. I want to become a photographer who can make people happy with his photographs.

What is your own private river? Have you taken any photo in the place that inspire you most? Then register here and show them to us! “All of Asia” ends on the 30th of December 2014.

Featured Artist: Matteo Vannini

© Matteo Vannini

© Matteo Vannini

Why we liked it: we felt that Matteo’s photo was both familiar and uncommon at the same time, the urban landscape could represent any sprawling metropolis in the world yet the temples that dot the city, the coloured rooftops and the contrast between high rise and small buildings make this photo quintessentially Asian.

Matteo, tell us something about you and how you started with photography?

My name is Matteo Vannini, I’m 30 years old, born in Bologna (Italy) and I began to travel around the world for my company since 2004. From the beginning of my career I have worked in Asia, especially in Japan , China and Korea. In Japan, the passion for photography exploded in me. I wanted to find a way to express my experiences and impress in the memories. So in 2008 I bought my first DSLR and since then not a day goes by without taking a photograph.
You can see my website, blog and portfolio at the following link: http://www.oby.photography.

Where was this picture taken? Can you tell us something more about it?

This picture was taken in Busan (or Pusan) the biggest city of South Korea, after Seoul. It was taken on top of the Busan Tower, a symbol for the citizens of Busan and tourist destination. From the station Nampo, you reach Yongdusan Park from which rises the tower of 120m. I used a Fujifilm X-T1 and a 10mm wide angle lens.

What are you trying to convey with your photography?

I think Ansel Adams said: “I always thought good photos were like good jokes. If you have to explain it, it just isn’t that good.
Anyway, I’ll try.
Asia’s population growth is at the top of the world. Walking through the city you feel small, very small, into an ocean of people, cars, houses, asphalt and concrete.
Watching this “small” world from above, this feeling is even greater. We are small pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that will never end.

So, you said that you travel a lot for your work, where have you been in Asia?

I’ve been In Japan (Tokyo, Utsonomiya, Kyoto, Osaka and Fukuoka) several times a year from 2004 to 2010.
In China (Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shanghai) several times a year from 2011 to 2013.
In South Korea 3 times this year.
I’ve also married asian culture in 2010. Literally because I met my wife in Tokyo, but she is non Japanese… she is Taiwanese (long and funny story).

OK let’s keep the long and funny stories private and tell us one final thing, what is your long term goal with photography?

I love photography and I love to travel. My goal is to become a full time travel photographer.

Do you travel as much as Matteo? If you have some memory to share register here and submit your pictures! “All of Asia” ends on the 30th of December 2014.

Featured Artist: David Gabriel Moreno

1000for1.com-all-of-asia-by-David-Gabriel-Moreno

© David Gabriel Moreno

Why we liked it: sometimes photos tell a distinct story, sometimes they let the viewer wander to create a story of his or her own. This is the feeling we experienced by watching David’s photo. What is the girl doing? Where is she? Is she at a market? Why is she taking off her elegant shoes in the street? Where was the photographer? The different answers we came up with left our imagination move from one story to another, and that is the power of this photograph and photography in general.

David, do you mind sharing with us you approach to photography?

I started doing photography about 3 years ago when I bought a dslr.  I was in art school at the time, but not for photography.  I was drawing, doing conceptual work, studying history and theory, etc.  I wasn’t really confident as an artist.  I didn’t believe in the work I was making.
I tried photography and liked the process.  Set the exposure decide where to move, where to point the camera, push the button, and avoid screwing it up.  That sounds pretty simple and it is more straightforward in ways, but I would never call it an instant art process.  Drawing and painting take a long time, so does (good) photography.  I like it because it’s a different kind of discipline.  If I draw, then I’m sitting inside all day, it drives me crazy.  It’s maddening.  If I’m in an interesting place, I can walk around all day and photograph, and much of the time that’s what it takes to make a good photograph.  And I have to accept that sometimes I don’t see anything.  Seeing takes practice and practice is necessary to make good work.
Each photograph is a deterministic product; it happens because I left my apartment when I did, went down a certain street, doubled back, stopped for a snack, changed my mind, saw something happen, and didn’t screw it up somehow.  If anything happened differently I might be down the street a quarter of a mile, which I’m sure has happened many times.  There’s no right way to do it but to go out into the world and participate.  Photography is my excuse to participate.  Moving through the world is the process; the brush strokes, the hatching of photography.
My website is: www.DavidGabrielMoreno.com but I upload to my Flickr more often.

What motivated you to participate in this competition?

I entered the competition because I happen to be in Thailand now and I’ve made a number of objectively good photographs in a short period of time.  It’s a completely new environment to me.  The population density, activity patterns, and transportation habits are all very conducive to people photography.  In most American cities, people don’t live in the city; they live in their home or their car.  It can be difficult to find anything worth seeing.

Where was this picture taken? Can you tell us something more about it?

The photograph was made recently during a parade put on by the school I teach at.  The students stayed up all night doing their makeup and fixing their costumes for the parade and performances taking place the next morning.  The town is Nong Khai, it sits right across the Mekong river from Laos.  The people there are closely tied to Laosians; they speak a Thai/Lao hybrid dialect and this girl is wearing a costume based on Laos dress.  She and other students in her group had stopped to take a rest on the sidewalk after having walked about 1.3 km.  The girls lined up the shoe pairs next to one another.  I thought I might get a subject on that spot.  The dresses of passing female students served nicely as flanking curtains to the center stage.

What are you trying to convey with your photography?

I believe empathy is very important with this kind of photography.  I don’t necessarily mean empathy for the subject in the exact situation that is taking place in front of the lens.  I mean, a sophisticated understanding of the human condition(s).  Photographs are inherently fictional.  I’m rarely ever actually trying to document truthfully any event that’s transpiring in my presence.  But I think it’s important to be aware of the emotional/symbolic/cultural/etc cues that can be read into whatever you’re framing.  These things help you construct a tight, concise(ish) photograph.  I think this is something that the best documentary photogs and photojournalists are very aware of.  I’m interested in photographing humans and conveying human sentiments.

What is the place that inspires you the most and why?

I think I am inspired by any place I don’t know; any place that’s new to me.  I always look for busy places because it is a way of finding the best possibility of something happening; but if I’m in the same place for too long, busy or not, I will become slightly bored and lose my eyes a bit.  It’s best to spend a month here and there, I think, years will make any place seem tiresome.  But to be specific, I think I feel a little whimsical about Seoul.  I didn’t get to spend much time there, but it felt alive and modern but with old memories and thorough public transit.  I would live there for a while.

Where do you want to take your photography?

In the long-term, I’m interested in doing documentary projects that are relevant to the world or at least interesting to me.  I would like to photograph things that are happening and things people don’t know are happening.  I’m also interested in teaching university after I get my MFA.  Mostly, I just want to keep living and photographing.

Fascinated by David’s view on photography? Join him by registering here and submitting your pictures! “All of Asia” ends on the 30th of December 2014.