Celebrating the intrepid and often heroic profession of photojournalism, the World Press Photo of the Year competition is universally recognised as the world’s most prestigious contest for photojournalists. Not simply a collection of professional images, the competition offers a sometimes rare and iconic snapshot into global issues and life around the world.

2009 competition
This year’s competition saw over 5,000 professional photographers from 124 countries submit images in 10 categories. The winning image by American photographer Anthony Suau of an armed officer in an American home following eviction as a result of mortgage foreclosure, was chosen from over 96,000 images.

Our advanced Digital SLR EOS camera range and EF Lenses have been the product of choice for many photojournalists for a number of years. Alongside the prestigious World Press Photographer of the Year award and prize money, Anthony will receive a state-of-the-art EOS 5D Mark II from Canon.

World Press Photo activities
World Press Photo works to strengthen the link between professional photographers and the public through a travelling exhibition containing all prizewinning pictures selected by the international jury. The exhibition is visited by over two million people in some 45 countries worldwide and will run in various cities from 9th May 2009 until 31st March 2010.

The organisation also runs the Joop Swart Masterclass, an annual event that brings together some of the most accomplished individuals in photojournalism with 12 young, promising photographers to share and pass on experience.

View all winning images and details on the European exhibition and Joop Swart Masterclass at the World Press Photo website

Photo credit: Anthony Suau, USA, for Time

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