Canon Europe, leader in imaging solutions, today extends congratulations to Mads Nissen, photographer of the winning World Press Photo of the Year 2014. The winning image shows Jon and Alex, a gay couple, during an intimate moment in St Petersburg, Russia. The picture is part of a larger project entitled "Homophobia in Russia" shot for Scanpix. Nissen's photo also claimed first prize in the Contemporary Issues category.
The World Press Photo Contest, which has been sponsored by Canon since 1992, is internationally seen as the world's most prestigious competition for photojournalists. The competition is now in its 58th year and this year saw 97,912 images submitted by 5,692 professional photographers from 131 countries. The judging panel of this year's contest awarded prizes in eight themed categories, with one image out of all photos submitted being chosen as World Press Photo of the Year.
"Every year, we proudly support international photojournalists, and recognise their talents through World Press Photo" comments Kieran Magee, Marketing Director, Professional Imaging, Canon Europe. "Nissen's powerful image subtly brings to light a contemporary, news worthy issue and tells a story with great artistry."
Nissen took his winning image on a Canon EOS 5D Mark III shot at an aperture of 2.2 and 1/200th second exposure and ISO 1600.
As winner of the World Press Photo of the Year 2014, Nissen will receive a cash prize of €10,000 from World Press Photo at an awards ceremony in Amsterdam. In addition, Canon Europe will provide him with a professional DSLR camera and lens kit.
The prize-winning pictures will be displayed in an exhibition touring around 100 cities in about 45 countries. The first 2015 World Press Photo exhibition opens in Amsterdam on 18 April 2015. The images included in the exhibition will be printed on Canon large format printers and Océ Arizona flatbed printers.
