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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS INAUGURATES FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND
SHOWCASE OF GLOBAL PHOTOGRAPHIC
March 10, 2003
The International Photography Awards, a global celebration
of photographic acumen and imagination, was launched
today in Los Angeles. This unique international competition
aims to salute the achievements of the world's finest
photographers, to discover new and emerging talent,
and to promote the appreciation of photography all over
the world.
"For years we have witnessed lack of recognition
for the great talent and contributions of photographers
both here and abroad," said H. Farmani, the executive
director of the International Photography Awards. "We
plan to shine the spotlight on the brilliant work of
both professionals and amateurs alike."
The centerpiece of this annual competition will be the
presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards and honorariums
to several of the towering masters of the craft, including
such potential winners as Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton
and Sebastioa Salgado. The IPA has assembled an Advisory
Board of esteemed photo editors, curators, gallery owners,
and other luminaries from the international photography
community to identify and nominate the men and women
whose life’s work in the fields of fashion, photojournalism,
advertising, and fine art merit the highest reverence
and applause.
In addition, the IPA invites professional and nonprofessional
photographers to submit their best work before its respected
panel of judges. Everyone with a camera and a passion
to excel is eligible to compete for the coveted title
of International Photographer of the Year and a $10,000
grand prize. All nonprofessional entries will also compete
for the New Discovery Award, a trophy presented to the
best up-and-coming artist in an effort to cultivate
and encourage emerging talent from all over the planet.
A glamorous Gala Awards ceremony, held at the home of
the Golden Globes in Beverly Hills, will cap off the
competition each year. Winners and nominees from countries
across the globe will gather to pay tribute to the year's
most outstanding achievements and to honor the all-time
greats. The first IPA Gala will be held at the Beverly
Hilton Hotel on December 7, 2003.
Winners of the first annual International Photography
Awards will set the standard of photographic excellence
for years to come. In addition to the top prizes, all
entrants will compete for certificates of achievement
in seven major categories that include Photojournalism,
Advertising, Nature Photography, Architectural Photography,
Portraiture and Fine Art.
The deadline to enter photographs in this year’s
competition is September 30, 2003. Entry forms and details
about the IPA competition and gala are available at
www.photoawards.com.
"We intend to become the foremost annual event
in the world of photography, bringing together thousands
of photo enthusiasts and celebrities in a celebration
of this marvelous art form and profession," said
Farmani, who also serves as president and founder of
Focus on AIDS, a highly regarded charity auction of
photography that benefits AIDS research and educational
organizations around the world. "I’m confident
that the excitement and integrity surrounding the International
Photography Awards will make it the one event the entire
photographic community looks forward to each year."
For additional information on the International Photography
Awards,
please contact – Doug
Smith 310-659-0122
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