This is the third year running that shots has sponsored an international competition for current and graduating photography students. The aim of adding visual interest to the Directory has always been a secondary consideration to celebrating and nurturing new talent, and our primary aim with the competition is to help and support emerging photographers worldwide and present their work to potential commissioners.

It has now become a major event, with yet another record entry. The competition is launched through some 1,600 photography tutors around the world, who pass on details to students. Without the tutors, the competition would never have taken off; we remain deeply grateful to them for their invaluable assistance and support.

But the main reason the competition grew so much this year is undoubtedly down to the involvement of Young Photographers United (ypu.org). Several thousand hopefuls apply for the 50 places they offer each year; and the additional prize of YPU membership for several entrants proved a huge spur.

In the end, what shots were seeking from the competition - a stunning cover image and a strong and original response to this year's theme 'Instinct' - was subtly different from the qualities YPU seek in potential members, with the result that from the 60 finalists we jointly agreed on, the nine overall winners that the shots judges picked coincided with YPU's choice in only one instance.

This simply means more winners; and more chances for a few more photographers. Needless to say the judging was the hardest yet. We hope you enjoy the selection of winning entries, and wish the winners well in this most difficult career choice.