Capture an image, enter and win: "Digiscoper of the Year" competition returns for 2011

The worldwide "Digiscoper of the Year" photography competition by SWAROVSKI OPTIK is entering its sixth year. From 1 June 2011, all enthusiastic (hobby) photographers will once again be able to submit their images for the chance to win a complete digiscoping kit from SWAROVSKI OPTIK. The competition showcases the excellent photographs that can be taken using digiscoping techniques, especially when compared to images taken with a camera lens alone.

The annual "Digiscoper of the Year competition from SWAROVSKI OPTIK provides all digiscoping enthusiasts with access to the world's largest platform for presenting their personal digiscoping images. Digiscoping has been popular for a number of years and continues to win new fans. The images submitted over recent years have shown the true majesty of the natural world and highlight the digiscopers' deep respect for nature.

Digiscoper of the Year 2011

The international photography competition launches on 1 June 2011 and all entries must be received by 30 September 2011. Entrants can upload photographs via the dedicated website at www.digiscoperoftheyear.com. Registered users and participants can also view all submissions on the website and create a personalised list of their favourites. An international jury will be responsible for selecting and grading the photographs. Due to the high level of participation, a public vote will also be held again this year. During October when the competition has closed, all registered users will be able to select their personal top 10 images. The result of the public ranking will them be converted into one jury vote. As a new feature, the twenty best images each month will be shown on the Swarovski Optik Facebook page, where users can use the "Like" button to vote for their favourites. The photographers who enter the three most popular images each month will win a fleece jacket from SWAROVSKI OPTIK.

Competition terms and conditions

The most important criterion is that photographs must be taken using a camera and a commercially available telescope (digiscoping). The jury's selection criteria are the relevance of the subject matter, the aesthetic aspects of the photographs and the sharpness of the image. Photographs that have been digitally manipulated may not be entered into the competition. However, aspects such as contrast, brightness or sharpness may be retouched. Each photograph submitted should be accompanied by a control image that was taken without the use of a telescope. Detailed conditions of entry and more information about the competition can also be found on the aforementioned website.

Prizes

The twenty best images (places 1 to 20) will be published with the photographer's name on the Swarovski Optik DIGISCOPER OF THE YEAR homepage. For each image published, the entrant will receive a publication fee of EUR 300.

The three best "Digiscopers of the Year 2011" will receive the following prizes:
1st prize: Complete set of Swarovski Optik digiscoping equipment (telescope, eyepiece, adapter, Telescope Rail, tripod CT 101 + DH 101)
2nd prize: Swarovski Optik binoculars EL 42 SWAROVISION
3rd prize: Swarovski Optik binoculars EL 32

Information about digiscoping

Nature is full of unique and fascinating scenes just waiting to be observed; a rare bird or wild animal foraging for food way in the distance. Digiscoping enables photographers to capture these moments in close up. The allure of digiscoping is that the telescope's focal length allows photographers to view their subjects up close while maintaining the distance needed to encourage natural behaviour. The transition from observing to photographing is always exciting. Often, only a fraction of a second determines whether a fleeting moment can be captured as a high-quality image. SWAROVSKI OPTIK provides a wide range of photographic equipment that can be adjusted to the user's individual preferences for quick, easy digiscoping.

The world belongs to those who can see beauty.
Experience the moment!
SEE THE UNSEEN.
www.swarovskioptik.com

SWAROVSKI OPTIK

SWAROVSKI OPTIK is part of the Swarovski group of companies and has its headquarters in Absam, Tyrol. The Austrian company, founded in 1949, specialises in the development and production of premium long-range optical instruments of the highest precision. The binoculars, telescopes, rifle scopes, range finders and night vision optics are the preferred choice of discerning users the world over. The company's success is based on the innovation, quality and inherent value of its products as well as their functional and aesthetic design. Appreciation of nature is an essential part of the corporate philosophy and is echoed in exemplary environmentally compatible production and an enduring commitment to international nature conservation projects.