TOP PRIZE 2008
Asano Mitsuo, Japan
Category: "Up close and far away in agriculture"
Name of image: Rice field and hands
This naturalistic view of a Japanese rice paddy was one of two images entered by this former Syngenta International Photo Prize winner. Selected to win the 'Up Close and Far Away' category, it works well as a companion to the second image of a close-up of a farmer's hands holding harvested rice plants Mitsuo also submitted. Mitsuo, who runs his own company and has been taking photographs for over 40 years, says "I always have my camera with me."
Why should people participate in the Syngenta Photo Prize 2010
and what makes a winning shot?"The Syngenta Photo Prize is very attractive for me because it is truly an international competition. Unlike domestic ones, people from all over the world enter so that it makes me more excited about taking good photos. However, sometimes you get the bear, and sometimes the bear gets you. As I live in the countryside, I naturally take many photos of agriculture. I bring my camera with me whenever I go out, even over short distances just so I don’t miss the perfect shot. Another important thing is to understand the theme of the competition deeply. I think this is the most important point if you want to win."