Strangled leaf

RUNNERS-UP 2008

Perry Calara, Philippines
Category: "The language of plants"
Name of image: Strangled leaf

"When I saw this vine holding a leaf, I knew I had to [take a shot and] enter it into the 'Language of Plants category of the competition," says Perry. An amateur but committed photographer, Perry "started taking pictures seriously in 1984 and '85, the darkest years of martial law here [in the Philippines]." His image of a leaf 'strangled' by the tendril of a climbing plant is the first to win him a prize.

Perry Calara, Philippines (middle)
Why should people participate in the Syngenta Photo Prize 2010
and what makes a winning shot?

"Why participate? It gives us the opportunity to document life and humanity. What makes a winning shot? Follow your heart but do not forget your basic photo skills." (Pictured, middle).