The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) runs an annual competition called the ‘Star Prize for Photography’, for published rural photographs. This is the world’s best international competition specifically for agricultural news photographs – there is no other competition like it.
3 Judges from different countries determine this annual award. This year, the judges included two IFAJ Executive Committee members – Masaru Yamada, a specialist agricultural journalist who for 30 years has worked for an agricultural daily in Japan, specialising in international agricultural news, and Hans Siemes, a freelance agricultural journalist and author, and President of the Dutch Organisation of Agricultural Journalists (Nederlandse Vereniging vor Landbouwjournalisten). Plus myself.
In 2008 there were 118 entries from 18 countries. For the first time ‘Star Prize’ photography entries had to be in one of three different categories – ‘people’, ‘nature/landscape’ or ‘production’. This made the judging process of comparison easier, however the final winners were only agreed on after much thought and discussion because there were many excellent images.
The overall winner, 3 category winners and ‘Commended’ awards were announced at this year’s IFAJ conference in Austria, in mid September. To view the 2008 entries and winners visit the IFAJ website.
Thanks to the sponsor, De Laval, and Dr Katharina Seuser for the time and effort put into the administrative side of the competition.
Tags: Fiona Lake Photography