The best works from the Epson International Pano Awards 2018 Panoramic Photography Contest

The annual international competition Epson International Pano Awards announced the best panoramic photographers. More than 1,200 candidates from 74 countries took part.

The picture of the morning Italian province of Tuscany called "The Crest of sunlight" from the category "Nature" was recognized as the best. It belongs to Bulgarian photographer Veselin Atanasov, who was also named photographer of the year. In the category "Architectural environment", the photo "Life in a complex" from the city of Gifu in Japan by Daniel Eisel won, according to the competition website.

The photographers noticed that there are abnormally many prize-winners at the Epson International Pano Awards this year. In particular, National Geographic photographer Kilian Schoenberger noted that 45% of the participants received medals. They note that the increase in the number of winners is a good marketing move: the award—winning photographers are very likely to participate in the competition next year, plus they will tell about their victory on social networks, giving the competition free advertising.

The crowd at the aquarium in the Japanese city of Gifu. Photo: Daniel Eisel

Unlike many other photo contests, there are only two main thematic categories in Pano Awards: Nature/Landscape (English "Nature/Landscape") and Built Environment/Architecture (Eng. "Built environment/Architecture"). At the same time, participants compete either in the amateur part of the competition (Amateur Competition) or in the open (Open Competition). Photos should be presented in an aspect ratio of at least 2:1 or 1:2.

A sadhu man (ascetic or yogi in Hinduism) on a boat in the Indian city of Varanas. Photo: Jason Denning

A sacred pair of Meotoiwa rocks, connected by a shimenawa rope, near Japan. Photo: Anastasia Woolmington

Snow-covered Swiss Maloya pass. Photo: Stefan Thaler

An abandoned playground at the Choi Hang Estate Hotel in Chinese Hong Kong. Photo: Tran-Min Dung

Trees are reflected in swampy waters in the southern United States. Photo: David Thompson

Lightning over the American Grand Canyon. Photo: Colin Sillerud

A house on the river bank in the Dutch village of Zaanse-Schans. Photo: Hans Altenkirch

Railway station in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Photo: Rahail Smith

Red leaves on the background of a waterfall in American Washington. Photo: Peter Lick

Morning in spring in the Italian province of Tuscany. Photo: Veselin Atanasov

A diver in the cave of Abis Ankhumas in Brazilian Bonito. Photo: Marcio Cabral

Ice giants in Finland. Photo: Ignacio Palacius

Living in a complex in Gifu, Japan. Photo: Daniel Eisel