“THE THINGS I LOVE” Regional Photographic Competition at Singapore Sun Festival 2009

In its quest to encourage greater appreciation and enjoyment of arts in Asia, and to promote greater interest in photography, the Singapore Sun Festival 2009 presents the photographic competition.

Themed "The Things I Love", the competition, which is into its 2nd year, will provide a challenging and meaningful experience to participants. Akin to the saying, "a picture tells a thousand words", submissions must not only be picturesque, but also be able to provide a mood and tell a story. As such, the organisers are excited to see how the theme can be uniquely interpreted by different contestants.

"We hope that this year's theme will spark creative and interesting photos that depict the things that are close to people's hearts," said Mindy Coppin, Senior Vice President, Director IMG Artists.

The competition is open to enthusiasts of all skill levels, and contestants will have until 15 September 2009, to submit their entries of maximum three pictures at the Singapore Sun Festival website, www.singaporesunfestival.com. Submission opens on 3 July, when the Singapore Sun Festival website launches. Each entry must mention the place and date it was taken, and the submitted images should not be entered into any other photography competition.

Entries will be reviewed by a panel, including founder and publisher of pre-eminent travel guide Insight Guides, Hans Hoefer. The first prize winner will receive a professional commission from Insight Guides to photograph a travel destination which is worth approximately S$8,000. The second prize winner will receive a Nikon D90 Kit with 18-105mm VR worth S$1,988 while the third prize winner will receive a Nikon D60 Kit with 18-55mm VR worth S$988. The photo receiving the most votes from the public will be crowned the People’s Choice Award, and the contestant will receive S$200 cash.

A major highlight of the competition is the exhibition of the top ten finalists’ works at Kinokuniya Book Store, Ngee Ann City, Orchard Road, Singapore from 23 September to 9 October 2009. The public will be able to view the top entries and participate in the People’s Choice contest to vote for their favourite photograph where they will also stand a chance to win Kinokuniya Book Store Vouchers. The top three winners of the photo competition and the winner of the People’s Choice contest will be announced on 11 October 2009, 4 pm, at Kinokuniya Book Store, Ngee Ann City, Orchard Road, Singapore.

Back for the third year, Singapore Sun Festival is an annual multi-arts premium lifestyle event that covers seven disciplines – music, visual arts, literature, film, wine, cuisine and wellness.

This year’s Festival will showcase a world premiere event featuring a dance performance by world renowned dancers, and an array of integrated, star-studded high profile events, as well as free events for all to attend. Artists that will be participating this year include a Hollywood celebrity, numerous Grammy Award-winners, Noble Prize winner in Literature and two of the world’s best opera divas.

Visit the Singapore Sun Festival website, www.singaporesunfestival.com, and register at the website to receive latest updates and news on Singapore Sun Festival 2009 events.

Photo by Mr. Ng Wei Chean. All Rights Reserved.