DFA invites photographers to join APEC contest

Photographers from the Asia-Pacific region are invited to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) photo contest seeking to highlight the regional grouping’s key thrusts, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has announced. The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers in all APEC economies. The DFA said contestants may submit photos inspired by three categories: (1) strengthening regional economic integration and expanding trade; (2) promoting green growth, and (30 advancing regulatory convergence and cooperation. "The contest's themes reflect the policy priorities that APEC set for 2011," the DFA said. APEC Secretariat Executive Director Ambassador Muhamad Noor said the photographic inputs will help inform the decisions the APEC makes as it moves its agenda forward. "We recognize the challenge that we have put before the contestants but we know that the region's innovative spirit will produce photographs that capture a compelling visual narrative," he added. Mechanics Winners will be selected based on the quality of photograph, composition, overall impact, and artistic merit, as well as how well it represents the three themes. Submitted photos must be the photographer's original work. Those who wish to enter the competition should fill in a form and send their entries to contest@apec.org. Contestants can submit up to three photos during the submission period, which closes on October 10. Over SG $5,000 in prizes will be awarded to the winners. The three winning entries will be chosen by a panel of international judges including including AFP Photo Editor-in-Chief (Worldwide) Eric Baradat, AFP Photo Editor-in-Chief (North America) Mladen Antonov, Reportage by Getty Images Photographer Palani Mohan, Ambassador Noor and US APEC Senior Official Ambassador Kurt Tong. Winning entries will be announced in Honolulu in November during the lead-up to the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. Voting on Facebook APEC Facebook fans will also have a chance to vote for their favorite photo under the popular choice category. Public voting is from October 17 to 31, when the finalists' photos will be displayed at www.facebook.com/APECnews. The photo with the most votes on APEC Facebook stands to win 1,000 Singaporean dolla (roughly P34,850). — ELR/LBG, GMA News