From the 3rd to 17th of August, the Cannes Tourism Office and the Palais des Festivals held an amateur photography contest in order to capture the “cinema decor” of the beautiful city of Cannes. The prize for the winner was a two nights stay at the Hotel Martinez in which the ultra exclusive spend their riviera getaway during the summer months.

My photo was selected as the winner among 1,400 submissions. I did not enter for the prize but rather the hopes of being recognized locally for something that has been a passion of mine for so long. At this point, I’m not sure what the most exciting part of this whole experience was, capturing the famed photo or seeing it plastered all over the internet and the newspapers.

Here is the winning photo:

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“I did not expect to win the contest at all”

Benjamin Ricard, a 25 year old American, has won the contest Cannes Is Yours organized by the Palais des Festivals. This passionate young man splits his life between lenses and a basketball.

Cannes has found the most American of his admirers. And when it comes to capturing the essence of the city, Benjamin Ricard is there with his camera. Moved from the United States to Cannes three years ago to play basketball at Le Cannet Basket Club, he was able to seduce the jury of the contest Cannes Is Yours organized by the Palais des Festival during the month of August. For him, there is only one step between a basketball court and a lens.

Why did you leave the United States for Cannes?

I left my city of Los Angeles to play basketball at Le Cannet Basket Club that currently plays in National 3 Division. On top of that, both my parents are French so it is a way to discover my roots.

Why did you participate in the contest?

I have been passionate about photography since the age of 14. I came across the advertisement and I told myself ‘Why not?’. Even if I didn’t expect to win! Up until now, it was purely a hobby but since my arrival in Cannes I have been able to land two professional contracts at 4-star hotels.

Explain to us your photograph…

I was on the quai next to the maritime station and it was the first time I noticed the ferris wheel. It inspired me and so I wanted to really capture three elements that make up Cannes with the ferris wheel as a point of interest. First, the yachts which represent the wealth of the city, followed by the old town and Suquet in the distance which represents the oldest part of the city and the richest in history, and finally the sunset which represents the French Riviera so well. I really wanted to capture the essence of “cinema decor”.

Photography or Basketball?

That depends what they offer me! (Laugh). I would say photography. It represents a passport to me that allows me to travel around the world. However, it is basketball that made me come to Cannes in the first place! I love this city. It reminds me of Hollywood where I grew up.