'Schnapp your way to Germany' winner announced

Peter Giannakis from Foto Riesel Camera House in Sydney is the winner of the Adeal ‘Schnapp your way to Germany’ contest.

Peter’s entry was selected from more than 60 images entered in the competition, sponsored by Adeal in association with Photo & Imaging News and Photokina exhibition organiser Koelmesse GmbH.

Peter, who describes himself as a “casual weekend photographer”, said he tried to reflect the popular burlesque style from the 1920s and ‘30s with a “German paparazzi look”.

“I originally planned to use a studio for the shoot but ended up using my lounge room,” he told PIN Online today. “As it happened, I ended up sending in the original test shot.”

And not only is the Leica camera German, so too is the model, according to Peter, who is second in charge of retail sales at Foto Riesel.

Entry by Darren Davidson.

To enter, entrants were asked to take a photo of any product in the Leica, Manfrotto or Kata range (distributed in Australia by Adeal) and add a ‘twist of Germany’ to the image.

Entry by Peter Maystrenko.

The judging panel comprised Marc Gaffen (editor of Capture), James Ostinga (managing editor of  Digital Photography & Design), Barrie Parsons (editor Photo & Imaging News) and Jeremy Light (publisher, Yaffa Publishing).

Self Portrait by Anne Brandt.

Stylish and cinematic winner

Panel chairman James Ostinga commented: “There were some great entries but this one really stood out for its  stylish, cinematic aesthetic. The black-and-white treatment, vintage  wardrobe and classic Leica create an interesting atmosphere and the  lone spot of colour on the Leica logo is a clever nod to the competition themes. There was some debate as to whether the image was  "German enough", but in the end the judges agreed the photographer had done enough with the German camera and the model's outfit to create a  sense of "old Berlin". A worthy winner – well done!”

The major prize comprises: 

• Return airfare to Germany.

• 4 star accommodation at the Savoy Hotel, Cologne.

• VIP access to Photokina.

• VIP treatment at the Leica, Kata and Manfrotto stands.

• Exclusive tour of the Leica factory in Germany.

• Limousine pick-up.