A chance for budding Lankan photographers to go global
Metropolitan MD Taslim I. Rahman
Expanding the fast growing field of photography, the Canon Photomarathon is an exciting on-the-spot photo contest in Sri Lanka.
Originally initiated in Singapore in 2013, the Canon Photomarathon is a contest spanning ten countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, India, Thailand, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Philippines, Brunei and Sri Lanka. Saturday, November 19 will mark a landmark in the Sri Lankan photography industry when the first ever Canon Photomarathon is launched here.
Managing Director of Metropolitan Photohub Taslim I. Rahman explained how the contest would help budding Sri Lankan talent to break through into the global arena.
“On that day we would rediscover the beauty and landscape of our country and have endless fun with like-minded photographers,” said Mr.Rahman. The aim of the contest is to find a break out star much like any other reality contest and give that person a once in a lifetime experience in Japan that would develop them as a photographer.
The best pictures taken at the contest will be used for tourism purposes giving added publicity to the participants.
The Canon Photomarathon kicks off on the 19th at 8 a.m. at the Park Street Mews. The only equipment a participant would need is a photographic device irrespective of make or brand. 100 students and 200 open category participants will be registered. Upon registration a Canon photomarathon T-shirt will be provided for each participant with refreshments.
The contest will be carried out in two rounds each with a different theme given on the spot. After a theme is chosen contestants will have the freedom to travel anywhere within Colombo and return to submit one photograph within a certain time limit. After a slight break the second surprise theme will be announced and contestants will go out once again.
The judging panel includes veteran photographers HenryRajakaruna, Panduka Silva and Ravindran Fernando. The overall winner will be chosen with a tally of both submissions taken into account.
The winner of the student category will receive a brand new EOS M3 camera with the runner up receiving a G7X Mark 2 camera and the second runner up receiving a SX420 IS camera. The third placed contestant in the open category will be awarded a brand new EOS 750D camera, second receiving a EOS 80D camera and the winner will receive a EOS 6D camera with an all expenses paid phototour to Japan .
“This trip will be monumental for a photographer. He or she will meet the very best of the best in the trade, be able to learn from experts and take part in a global winners photomarathon contest in Japan. This will be the first time Sri Lanka will be represented,”stated Mr. Rahman. This tour will include a guided tour of the Canon factory in Japan.
Sri Lanka has an abundance of talent in this field – whether student or enthusiast there are many photographers doing brilliant work. The Canon Photomarathon will help uplift and recognize talent and develop the field as a whole. So head to the Park Street Mews on the 19th and grab this chance.