4,900 Entries From 54 Countries Submitted to Andrei Stenin Photo Contest

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Rossiya Segodnya's photojournalist Andrei Stenin went missing on August 5, 2014 in eastern Ukraine while on an editorial assignment. In September 2014, investigators confirmed that Stenin died near the city of Donetsk. He was awarded the Russian Order of Courage posthumously for bravery and heroism in the performance of his professional duties.

The contest covers four continents, stretching from Europe and North and South America to Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Russian participants are drawn from all parts of the country – from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Vladivostok and Nakhodka. The awards ceremony will take place on June 3 in Moscow.

Alexander Shtol, director of Rossiya Segodnya's Photo Information Directorate, said:

"It is very important for Rossiya Segodnya as the contest organizer that the project has proved so popular within the Russian and international photo community. The number of participating countries has exceeded all expectations. We thank everyone who has submitted an entry to the Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest and wish all young photographers success and new creative endeavors."

The prize fund will be 50,000 [$1,000], 35,000 and 25,000 rubles for the first, second and third place in each of the four main categories: Breaking News, Current Issues, Sport and Everyday Life. A special prize — the 500,000-ruble Grand Prix — will be awarded by a panel jury to an entry chosen by majority vote from among the best entries in all categories.

The project, initiated by Rossiya Segodnya, is aimed at promoting photography, raising awareness about the purpose and challenges of photojournalism, and supporting young photographers. It will introduce members of the world photography community to new names, support high standards in photojournalism, and help establish quality criteria for documentary photography in Russia and abroad.

Young photographers between the ages of 18 and 33 are eligible to take part in the competition, which will support them to establish professional credentials and widen their professional network.

The Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest is being supported by the Xinhua News Agency, the Royal Photographic Society, the Indonesian Press Photo Agency Antara Foto, RT, RBTH (Russia Beyond the Headlines), The Moscow International Centre for Journalism (MICJ), Tutto Digitale Magazine, the Academy of Photography, Vesti.ru online newspaper, Foto&Video magazine, Geophoto.ru agency, jourdom.ru portal, Fototehnika portal, Russian Photo, the Moscow Union of Journalists, photo-study.ru photography education web site, Russian Photo portal, School of Visual Arts, YOJO.ru web platform for young journalists and Foto.ru club.