‘Contour’ by Getty Images launches high-end portrait prize for emerging photographers

Getty Images, a leading creator and distributor of award-winning still imagery, video, music and multimedia products, today announced the launch of its inaugural Contour by Getty Images Portrait Prize, which aims to recognize excellence in portrait photography by an emerging photographer with fewer than five years industry experience. 

The winning photographer will receive a $10,000 grant and have their work exhibited at the prestigious Polka Galerie in Paris throughout the month of October. 

A distinguished panel of experts led by famed fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh will judge the work:

·        Georges Mohammed-Chérif, Founder and President, Buzzman 

·        Alain Genestar, Founder, Polka Magazine and Gallery

·        Jean-Jacques Naudet, Founder and Editor-In-Chief, La Lettre de la Photographie

·        Laurence Vecten, Director of Photography, Glamour

Entries will be accepted from June 13 through to August 5, 2013 (at 11:59 p.m. GMT/6:59 p.m. EST.) and can be submitted through Getty Images’ grants website.

Getty Images supports photographers, filmmakers and other communications professionals through a comprehensive and diverse range of grants. They include Grants for Editorial Photography ; Getty Images Creative Grants ; Emerging Talent Award ; and the Getty Images and Chris Hondros Fund Award .

Says Jonathan Klein Getty Images co-founder and CEO: “Getty Images has earned a solid reputation around the world for excellence in photography and for recognizing and supporting emerging talent. We are pleased to announce the expansion of our grants program into the unique field of portraiture photography with the first Contour by Getty Images Portrait Prize.”

Says Elodie Mailliet Storm, senior director, Contour by Getty Images: “Through the work of the Contour photographers we represent, we are keenly aware of the skill level and attention to detail which portraiture photography requires and we hope that this celebration will raise awareness of this great work. Starting a career in portrait photography can be expensive and requires a lot of focus – we felt it was important to help emerging photographers along this path.” 

Applicants should submit 10-20 images from their portraiture work along with a biography, brief explanation of their approach to portraiture, and description of what they would like to accomplish in their careers. For detailed information on how to enter, visit www.gettyimages.com/grants. Winners of the Contour by Getty Images Portrait Prize will be announced in October 2013.