Message from Lead Judge

Sarah Leen

Lead Judge
Founder/Editor Visual Thinking Collective
Director of Photography Emerita of National Geographic Partners
U.S.A.

I am delighted to be returning as the lead judge for the 2024-2025 Nikon Film and Photo Contest. In my past role as the lead judge, I was very impressed with the quality of the photographs and the films that we received. For this next edition of the contest, we are hoping to see photography and filmmaking that inspire and connect us through visual storytelling.
Therefore, our theme for this edition of the Nikon Film and Photo contest is “Inspire.” Visual storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for ‘inspiring’ people to care about our planet and one another. Images can change minds and move people to act and dream. Think about what you have seen that has inspired you in your life as a photographer or filmmaker and send us your images and stories. This contest will celebrate your inspiration and share them with the world. And this will inspire others to use imagery and film as a way to change the world.
So, I would like to encourage all creators to consider submitting your work to this contest not only for the exceptional prizes but also for the opportunity for your work to be seen by both the public and members of our visual community. This could be a career changing moment.

Biography

While at the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Sarah Leen was the first woman to receive the College Photographer of the Year award. In 2013, she became the first female director of photography for National Geographic magazine and National Geographic Partners. In 2020, she established the Visual Thinking Collective, a community of female editors, teachers, and curators specialized in creating and managing visually driven projects. Sarah believes in sharing her knowledge through mentoring and teaching photography and photo editing workshops, while consulting and editing visual projects and books.

All members will be announced on this website and social media as soon as they are finalized.