News from World Press Photo

Dear friend of World Press Photo,

As the year nears its end, we bring you news about the Joop Swart Masterclass, our exhibitions, and of course about the 2007 World Press Photo Contest.

2007 deadline approaching

In a little over a month, on 11 January 2007, the deadline for next year’s competition will be here. But there is no reason to wait: you may enter your material right now. Please check the correct submission procedure on: http://www.worldpressphoto.nl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=431&Itemid=132&bandwidth=high

For picture stories, the right edit is especially important. Michele McNally, who chairs the 2007 World Press Photo Jury, has some valuable tips: "You must instantly engage the judges and keep them involved with the story. Pacing and flow are critical: think visual and psychological effect. Remember this is a professional crowd who see a lot of excellent imagery and won't pull their punches if there are weaknesses within a take. A tighter edit without flaws is best, particularly when it comes down to the final round. At that point the judges will dismiss entries on slight imperfections."

Joop Swart Masterclass held for the 13th time

A diverse group of participants met in Amsterdam in early November for the 2006 edition of our masterclass. Almost a week later they left again, equipped with new knowledge and know-how that will benefit them for the rest of their careers. Apart from corporate sponsor Canon, our new partners Stichting Democratie en Media and the Delta Lloyd Group supported the event. ‘Risk’ was the wide-ranging theme of this year’s masterclass. For those who are not in a position to visit the exhibition drawn from the work, we present a special website edit of the 12 picture stories on Risk on: http://www.worldpressphoto.nl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=808&Itemid=143&bandwidth=high

Insider’s view of masterclass for visitors website

For the first time, part of the masterclass was recorded on film. The films, which are featured on our website, give an idea of what goes on during the portfolio reviews, into the way the editing process is attuned to such diverse media as a website, a book or an exhibit, and into presentations by some of the masters. They also offer an opportunity to sample the atmosphere and the enthusiasm of the masters and participants. You’ll find the masterclass films on: http://www.worldpressphoto.nl/index.php?option=com_media_gallery&area=showGallery&task=view&id=6&Itemi d=142&bandwidth=high

50th anniversary exhibit on show in Paris

During the Mois de la Photo, which is held in Paris every second year, Things As They Are opened in the French capital. Our 50th-anniversary exhibition remains on show in the Passage du Désir until 12 December. Of course the 2006 annual exhibit also continues to tour the world. In December, it will open in five cities. For details, click on: http://www.worldpressphoto.nl/exhibitions

Green aircraft seats for World Press Photo

The nature of our activities makes frequent air travel inevitable, not only for our staff and board but also for award winners, special guests and participants in various events. To minimize the damage done to the environment we have joined GreenSeats, a Dutch organization that compensates the CO2 emissions caused by specific flights. GreenSeats’ calculations are based on the distance flown, and compensation is made by investing in sustainable energy and forestation projects. Our decision to ‘paint our seats green’ is in line with our participation in Here, a Dutch campaign fighting global warming that brings together all 45 beneficiaries of the Dutch Postcode Lottery. If you’d like to know more about our activities relating to this campaign, go to: http://www.worldpressphoto.nl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=630&Itemid=50&bandwidth=high

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