The NTD International Photography Competition (NIPC) invites photographers to compete for its new award, titled: Best Sports Photography. The winner will receive $2,000 cash or $2,000 worth of photography products and equipment.
Thomas Jefferson lauded exercise beyond physical fitness. “I give more time to exercise of the body than of the mind, believing it wholesome to both,” he wrote on Dec. 15, 1810. Any sportsperson would concur; an individual or team player develops camaraderie and the muscles of diligence and perseverance.
A sports photographer captures great sporting moments. A great sports photographer captures the action and the indomitable human spirit. NIPC judge, photographer Renee Luo told The Epoch Times: “Sports photography inspires courage in people, representing a spirit of bravery, determination, fearlessness in the face of difficulties, overcoming personal weaknesses, and more.”
The new NIPC award recognizes the specific skills required to take moving sports moments.
Luo, who has been part of the NIPC judging panel since the first competition in 2008, says sports photographers need a thorough understanding of the different sports, be competent in taking action shots, and know the characteristics of people of different ages and genders. Then they can “capture the most exciting and dynamic moments, particularly those that are thrilling and allow viewers to emotionally connect with the scene frozen in time.”
She explained that sports images are “generally captured in wide-angle shots, showcasing the explosive power of individuals or the competition among groups of people, often with an intense, fiery atmosphere. This requires clear facial expressions, as only with facial expressions can the speed and intensity of the sport be portrayed.”
The sports award is an NIPC first, but budding entrants can look to previous competition award winners for inspiration. They submitted a wide range of sports images—from community sports, to age-old cultural activities and international events like the Olympics.
Hubert Januar won a Silver Award in the Society & Humanity category of the Third NIPC for his photograph of the traditional Indonesian bull racing event: “Pacu Jawi.” Januar captured a focused jockey balancing on a wooden plow, while steering his two charging bulls on the rice field race track.
In the Fourth NIPC, Tsai-Chieh Liu won a Bronze Award in the News & Global Events category for a thrilling rugby tackle image of three players. A player has just kicked the ball to his teammate who clutches the ball while an opponent tackles him to the ground.
The NTD International Photography Competition
Now in its fifth iteration, the NIPC invites photographers around the world to enter uplifting images.Hosted by The Epoch Times’ sister outlet, NTD, the NIPC is one in a series of international art and cultural competitions that celebrate time-honored traditions. The competition’s mission is to “preserve traditional aesthetics,” so each entry must be free of digital editing. However, photographers can adjust the brightness, sharpness, and color balance of their images.
The NIPC focuses on photographers’ technical skills and manual dexterity, including hand-eye skills when setting up a shot. It invites entrants to submit luminous, naturalistic images that depict beauty and kindness.
Selected NIPC Award-winning Sports Photographs
