New York, NY  – WIN-Initiative, a boutique stock agency created by award-winning photographer Hans Neleman, and Resource Magazine, the publication guide for photo industry professionals, have joined forces to host their first ever photo competition, 10 Best 10.

Open to photographers (both nationally and abroad) the 10 Best 10 contest aims to find today’s most striking, poignant, evocative and arresting imagery, as photographed by the most daring and innovative shooters around. To ensure maximum exposure, the contest is not only free of charge, but also free of categories and explicit rules. The only criterion is that participants submit what they consider to be their best work. Up to 10 images can be uploaded at the competition’s Web site www.resource.win-competition.com.

The panel of esteemed judges include Pulitzer Prize-winning photo editor Stella Kramer of New York Times and Newsweek fame, graphic designer David Carson and Time Out New York photo editor Roberto De Luna, among others. The judges will select the 10 best images that they feel encompass originality, technique and vision.

“WIN-Initiative wanted to join forces with Resource in creating the contest for several reasons,” says WIN founder Hans Neleman. “The working model for WIN has been to help rising photographers grow into established, earning professionals. WIN achieves this goal by providing cameras, equipment and even free workshops to our team of photographers, all in the name of fostering commercially viable, superb talent,” he adds. When asked about the purpose of the contest, Neleman says, “WIN views the 10 Best 10 competition as yet another way in which to help rising and established talent compete in the changing global marketplace.” “Resource is dedicated to featuring up-and-coming talents and this contest is a natural extension of our philosophy,” adds Aurelie Jezequel, co-founder of the magazine. “Partnering with WIN allows us to reach out to a worldwide community of like-minded photo enthusiasts.”

The winners will have their photographs exhibited during a gala event, slated to happen at the Tribeca Skyline Studio, on October 21, 2009, the first day of this year’s PDN PhotoPlus Expo conference. In addition, Resource and WINk (WIN’s online supplemental photography magazine) will feature the winning photographs in a spread. Other prizes will be announced in the near future.

About WIN-Initiative
WIN-Initiative has 400 photographers throughout the world, including China, South Africa, Ireland, Argentina, Brazil and New York City. Its stock library has nearly 20,000 unique, vibrant stock images. For more information, visit www.win-initiative.com

About Resource Magazine
Resource Magazine is a quarterly publication dedicated to the sub-culture of the photo production industry. It explores all facets of the business, from the mundane to the illustrious, through interviews, photographs and articles. For more information, visit www.resourcemagonline.com