NEWS RELEASE
Wednesday March 28

Billboard exposure for Auckland’s top photographer

A new competition unveiled today offers photographers the chance to have their winning image displayed on a giant city billboard.

The month-long contest is the first major event announced by organisers of this year’s Auckland Festival of Photography (June 1-24.)

Photographers of all ages and abilities are invited to capture the spirit of Auckland though the lens of a camera.

The winning entry will be turned into a CBD billboard, which will be displayed on Auckland’s Fanshawe Street for the duration of the June Festival.

The competition, which runs from 1 April to 30 April, is a combined promotion involving the Festival and SKYCITY Auckland.

Entries can be submitted through the new Auckland Photo Blog (www.photographyfestival.org.nz/photo-blog), which was made possible by funding from the SKYCITY Auckland Community Trust.

Representatives from the Auckland Festival of Photography and SKYCITY will judge all entries to the online blog in the first week of May.

The top 10 entries selected by the judges will be exhibited in the Blend Foyer at SKYCITY Auckland from 7 May to 20 May as part of the Festival’s People’s Choice voting round.

The public will have the opportunity to view and vote on their favourite of the top 10 entries, which will be the winner of the billboard competition.

Competition details and a link to the blog can be found on the festival’s official website: www.photographyfestival.org.nz/

Auckland Festival of Photography organiser Julia Durkin says the competition is a great opportunity for everyone to get involved in the build-up to the 2007 Festival.

“Photographs can be submitted by amateur, professional, semi-professional or novice photographers,” she says.

“”We’ll accept images from Auckland residents and workers as well as photographers from out of town and even foreign visitors. The competition is open to all ages.”

Organisers say they’re looking for images that reflect the spirit of Auckland in all its diversity. This can include photos of the region at work, leisure or play.

Any documentary image can be submitted including portraits, landscapes, abstract or photojournalism.

Digital photographers should use cameras with at least 6 megapixel capability. Terms and conditions are on the website.

Julia Durkin says photographers can submit new images or old favourites from their archives. She says the billboard reward will be the ultimate enlargement for any photographer.

“Regardless of your experience or ability, this is an amazing opportunity. It’s a once in a lifetime chance to really hit the big-time!”

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