Our 2016 Transformed by Travel Photo Contest is officially open! But before you snap and submit, which photos will help you win?
We asked last year’s winners for their advice. Hint: it’s not just about the photo.
Follow their suggestions and you may just win our grand prize: a trip to FotoWeekDC.
First Place: Valentin Stolbunov
Program Affiliation: Train USA J-1 Internship, 2015
“My advice for future photo contest entrants is to submit not just beautiful photos, but unforgettable moments. Ideally, you want your photo to accurately document an experience that you would love to share with those closest to you. Throughout your travels, you will undoubtedly be transformed (hence the name of the photo contest ?), and if you can capture and share the moments that transformed you, the experience will be significantly more fulfilling.”
Second Place: Andrea Kunza
Program Affiliation: Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program for Young Professionals, 2015
“Take the photo even if you really don’t feel like it. That way you can enjoy the moment and maybe even remember it.”
Victor Westerwoudt, Internships Abroad
Program Affiliation: Train USA J-1 Internship Program, 2011
“My advice for future photo contest entrants or any traveling photographers is that the camera can serve as a great icebreaker. Asking to take a photo of someone is always as little scary, but most of the time people are really happy and honored to be in the photo. On top of that, it might lead to interesting conversations or exciting unplanned adventures.”
Merit Winner: Eric Paul
Program Affiliation: Train USA J-1 Internship, 2015
“Seek the kind of photos that convey the emotion you felt at the time you took it. Try to tell a story with your image instead of seeking a perfectly posed portrait.”
Merit Winner: Gianluca Sica
Program Affiliation: Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program for Young Professionals, 2015
“Take as many pictures as you can during your time abroad. It is a great memory and they will remind you forever of amazing people and places you once visited.”
Merit Winner: Ben Schindler
Program Affiliation: Train USA J-1 Internship, 2015
“The story you can tell to a picture is much more important than the pictures. It’s not about the most beautiful pictures, it’s about the story a picture tells.”
Enter the 2016 Transformed by Travel Photo Contest
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