2009 Sony/AIPA Photography Competition

Photography “Treasures” win the 2009 Sony/AIPA Photography Competition

Auckland, 09 December, 2009 – A series of photographs telling a story about seamen and their treasures and exploring the concept of homesickness have taken out the annual Sony/AIPA Assistant & Student Photography Competition.

Photography assistant Mara Sommer and student Helena de Kok won their respective categories in the most hotly contested photographic competition of the year.

The competition which aims to encourage photographic excellence and originality asked photography assistants and students to submit a portfolio of photos for judging on a topic of their choice.

Photography assistant Mara Sommer who submitted a series of photos entitled “Treasures” was very excited to hear of her win. Since finishing her photography studies, one and a half years ago, the 28 year old has been working on her portfolio while assisting. She believes the win will further develop her confidence as a photographer.

“This is a great opportunity for me to gain further experience in photography and get me that much closer to my goal of being a professional photographer,” says Mara.

Mara has been awarded a brand new Sony Alpha 850 D-SLR camera and lens kit valued at $5,500. She will also receive a year’s worth of mentoring and $1,000 from the AIPA and a number of other prizes.

Photography student Helena de Kok’s portfolio consisted of a series of photos based on the theme of “Belonging”. She was very surprised by the win and didn’t expect it at all. “I have only been studying photography for one year but I absolutely love it and this win means I can further develop my expertise and get to where I want to be as a photographer,” says Helena.

Helena has been awarded a number of prizes including a Sony Alpha A380 D-SLR camera and lens kit along with photographic work experience and $500 cash courtesy of the AIPA.

The judging panel was very impressed by the standard of entries and the level of talent entering the industry. “All the entries showed a high level of creativity and imagination and it was exciting to see such a wide variety of quality imagery on display. It’s great that Sony can be a part of a competition like this and support talented young photographers,” said Sam Williams, Sony Marketing Manager for Digital Imaging Products.

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About Sony:

Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, communications and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Sony New Zealand Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Sony Corporation of Japan. With a wide range of products across three main segments, consumer products, broadcast & professional and information technology products, Sony has become a leading electronics company in New Zealand.

About the AIPA:

The Advertising and Illustrative Photographers Association is a recognised professional body for commercial photography in New Zealand. It is a non-profit making incorporated society which was founded in 1978. The AIPA aims to promote excellence in photography and the on-going development of professional industry standards in New Zealand, both by photographers and users of photography.

ENDS