Prestigio is pleased to announce the winners of its International Photographic Contest 2009! Around 1900 pictures were submitted from around the world. The competition was fierce, and finding the winners was not an easy task.

"The quality and creativity of the submitted photos is impressive, and this year’s participants definitely raised the bar", said Catherine Lazure-Guinard, Communications Manager at Prestigio, about the 2009 contest.

After two weeks of deliberations, the Prestigio corporate team and the professional Jury panel, composed of Brian Ypperciel, Mark Goldstein, R. Madhu Gopal Rama and Barbee Cain, made their selection among pictures in each category: Elegance, Performance and Inspiration. Moreover, the photo with the most votes, all categories confused, will become the 2009 Grand Prix winner. Visitors to http://art.prestigio.com could also cast their votes for their favorite picture, in the category Public’s Choice.

Here are our winners!

Grand Prix

Title: The Mountaineer Description: "A Mount Pinatubo guide atop a huge boulder" Author: Samuel De Leon Country: Philippines Prize: US $1000 Click here to view a larger version.

Category Elegance

Author: Ivaylo Velev Country: Bulgaria Prize: US $300 + an external HDD from our Portfolio Click here to view a larger version. "My art is inspired by fast motion. I am always trying to capture the feeling of freedom as experienced by my subjects, and as suggested by the vastness and drama of their environment." Visit Ivaylo Velev’s website.

Category Performance

Title: Classical Description: "A man playing violin" Author: Bob Garas Country: USA Prize: US $300 + an external HDD from our Portfolio Click here to view a larger version.

Category Inspiration

Title: The Cyclist Description: "Huge nature with wonderful sky, nice reflection and the cyclist returning to home after a day at work. Simple and inspiring." Author: Partha Pal Country: India Prize: US $300 + an external HDD from our Portfolio Click here to view a larger version. Visit Partha Pal’s website

Public’s Choice

Title: Horse Power Description: "Captured at the local agricultural fair in Renfrew Ontario Canada" Author: J.J. Guy Longtin Country: Canada Prize: An external HDD from our Portfolio Click here to view a larger version.

To see all entries, visit our online art gallery http://art.prestigio.com

Keep yourself informed of the preliminary results by following us on Twitter and on the Prestigio Blog.

For more information on Prestigio and its products, visit our website www.prestigio.com