National Geographic International Photography Contest 2011
This is a photo of our beautiful little angel, Aena, who was born in October and this photo was taken when she was just two weeks ago. My wife was holding her in her arms when I thought of taking this shot, specifically using a very shallow depth of field to focus on her eyes whilst looking up at me.
It was difficult getting her to look directly at the camera so it took a few attempts but I got the shot eventually. As you can imagine I absolutely love this image and it has a very personal meaning for us and it is quite a powerful image at the same time.
Back in November, I decided to enter this image into the National Geographic International Photography Contest 2011 into the People category as well as another image into the Places category. I forgot all about it until I received an e-mail from Rebecca informing me that I had shortlisted as a prize winner for the competition for this photo, which I had appropriately title "My World in my Hands". To say I was very pleased would be an understatement especially so soon after my success in the Landscape Photographer of the Year competition.
Anyway, I was asked to sign the release forms to allow the sponsors the right to use the image in their advertising etc as is common with such competitions. As the image was of my daughter, I started to have second thoughts at this stage and decided to think it over. In the end decided I wasn't 100% comfortable and asked to withdraw from the competition and apologised. Thankfully, Rebecca completely understood my decision and I was glad they weren't mad at me! She was even kind enough to e-mail me the judge's comment on my image.
The comments were very welcome and I am delighted how my image was received by the competition judge.
To top it all off, I even received a copy of the Visions of Earth book published by National Geographic for making the finalist list - very kind and generous of them.
The results are now out and my image is featured as an "honourable mention" on the website (and also features on the homepage) alongside the winning/top images. Congratulations to Perly Freeman and the runners-up on their success.Unfortunately, although I will never know if the final outcome would have been different had I not withdrawn, but I am very happy with how far I got. It isn't everyday you get to be a finalist in a National Geographic photo competition and with a photo of your beautiful daughter no less.
I am in no doubt what her reaction will be when I tell this story in years to come...
Aena
“This is a great shot of a newborn. I have seen a lot of baby photos, but this one has some unique qualities. I love the composition and shallow depth of feel, the dark background is really nice. With the newborn looking directly into the camera, is what makes this image so strong. It really depicts the beauty of new life.”