Baku, November 22 (AZERTAC). The three winners of the hotly-contested “Azerbaijan Through the Lens” photography exhibition, organized by The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) at the prestigious La Galleria Pall Mall, located near Trafalgar Square in London, were announced. 

Aimed at professional and amateur photographers from around the world, the competition provided an opportunity to exhibit their works, whilst also showcasing many aspects of Azerbaijani life, culture, nature and history.

The winning photos has been selected by a panel of internationally-recognized experts including Caroline Metcalfe, Director of Photography, Condé Nast Traveller, and renowned photographer Henry Dallal – both of whom have sat on numerous judging panels.

The first place winner was Asim Talib for his photograph Old Men, taken in 1985 in Kelbajar, Karabakh. Mr Talib, a professional photographer since 1977.

The second and third prizes were Bibi Heybat Mosque by Etibar Jafarov and The Flames and the Needle by Fuad Babayev respectively.

In total, the exhibition showcased 100 of the 750 submitted photographs.

The exhibition succeeded in capturing the very essence of fascinating country Azerbaijan, which sits on the Caspian Sea. All of those who attended were entranced by the views of this country and the remarkable quality of the images.

Speaking at the event, Sabina Rakcheyeva, Cultural Advisor to TEAS said: “This competition was a new initiative for TEAS. Photographers had a free rein creatively to convey their impressions of Azerbaijan. TEAS and the judges were delighted by the range of the submissions, and we hope that Azerbaijan Through the Lens inspires those who have not previously visited the country to do so.”

Fakhraddin Gurbanov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK, remarked: “This is a beautiful exhibition, organized by TEAS, which is introducing my country to London and across Europe. I hope that all attendees will remember these views of Azerbaijan. These photographs are pieces of art, and it is an excellent idea to introduce my country in this way.”

The renowned photographer Henry Dallal, who has previously been commissioned to photograph H.M. The Queen, commented: “It was a real pleasure to see the submissions for the competition. All the photos made me want to return to Azerbaijan to take more photographs showing the beauty of the country and the people. Azerbaijan is a unique place, filled with history and culture. All the photos made me want to return to Azerbaijan to take more photographs showing the beauty of the country and the people.”

Caroline Metcalfe said: “I was very happy to be asked to judge the Azerbaijan through the Lens photography competition, as Azerbaijan is a country l admit I know little about. I therefore went into the judging with a blank canvas, hoping to be surprised and inspired by the submissions. There was a remarkable wealth of photographic talent in the competition and it opened my eyes to a fabulous country, geographically diverse, culturally exciting and with a population full of optimism, humour and hope. I encourage anyone interested in photography in general, and Azerbaijan in particular, to visit the exhibition and enjoy the variety and stimulating images on view.”

The exhibition will then be presented at galleries in Paris, Berlin, Brussels and other European cities during late 2012–early 2013.