Canon’s biggest annual New Zealand and Australian online photographic competition for amateur photographers, EOS Photo5, is back with ‘5’ fresh challenges and a new judging panel. Launched today, EOS Photo5 2011 will inspire entrants to reach new levels of creativity with their Digital SLR photography.
“EOS Photo5 pushes the boundaries of photographic expression, by challenging photographers of all levels to explore their creativity and take their skills to a whole new level,” says Rochelle Mora, Brand Manager – Imaging, Canon New Zealand.
“We’re always stunned by the incredibly creative imagery that people from all walks of life produce based on their unique perspectives on the themed briefs contained in the iconic ‘box’.
“We’ve got five new briefs and cannot wait to see what creativity this encourages in people. With the right gear, tips and inspiration, everyone has a shot at discovering their untapped creative potential!”
According to Mora, last year’s winning images were shot on DSLR cameras ranging from entry-level models such as the EOS 1000D through to the iconic EOS 5D Mark II, favoured by serious photographers.
The EOS Photo5 competition attracts more and more entrants each year and the quality of submissions has consistently increased. Last year there were over 8,000 entries from New Zealand and Australia, an increase of 45.5% since the competition was first launched.
To reward EOS Photo5 enthusiasts for their ongoing dedication to the competition, this year’s entry rules have changed. Those who entered the 2010 competition are automatically eligible to request one of the limited number of boxes, while new entrants are required to submit an image in order to qualify.
The five briefs contained in the EOS Photo5 box are made up of everyday objects and include instructions to incorporate specific creative photography techniques into a shot. The 2011 EOS Photo5 box is set to test even veteran entrants when it arrives on their doorstop. The briefs remain a secret until their release on 19 September 2011.
Those who miss out on one of the EOS Photo5 boxes can still enter the challenge through the ‘Open Brief’ which is now live on the EOS Photo5 site. Last year, the EOS Photo5 objects were an eye dropper, bubble gum, incense, confetti, and ‘Inspired by sound’ was the ‘Open Brief’.
EOS Photo5 2011 will place a greater emphasis on ‘learning’ in order to encourage enthusiasts to take images they never thought possible. Through the EOS Photo5 website and Canon’s Facebook page the judges’ valuable tips and tricks, from the basic to the more advanced, will be shared to spur photographic experimentation.
Finalists of the 2011 EOS Photo5 competition will be selected by a new judging panel comprising some of the biggest names in photography: Yervant, Mercury, Chris Tovo, Mark Horsburgh, Peter Eastway and Nick Rains.
Ultimately the winners will be determined by the World of EOS community with voting commencing on 9 November 2011. Last year more than 27,000 votes were received from World of EOS members across New Zealand and Australia. Everyone who votes has the chance to win a Canon EOS 7D Super Kit (camera body plus EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens).
The winner of each individual brief will receive a Canon EOS 5D Mark II Premium Kit (camera body and EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens) and an incredible three-day creative photography workshop in Queenstown, New Zealand with EOS Masters Jackie Ranken and Mike Langford.
Similar to last year, in addition to the winners for each of the five briefs, there is also the ‘Portfolio Competition’ for the photographer who enters the best set of images in all five briefs. The winner of the ‘Portfolio Competition’ will also receive a Canon EOS 5D Mark II Premium Kit and the creative photography workshop, as well as a Canon PIXMA Pro 9500 Mark II professional photo printer and the new Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye lens.
Winners will be announced on the EOS Photo5 website on 30 November 2011.
Competition entry is free. To enter go to www.canon.co.nz/worldofeos/photo5
To watch step-by-step video guides on experimental techniques and how to improve your photography skills go to www.canon.co.nz/worldofeos/learn.
About Canon
Canon is the world’s leading imaging brand that actively inspires with imaginative ideas that enable people to connect, communicate and achieve more than they thought possible through imaging solutions for business and consumers. Canon has ranked among the top-four US patent recipients* for the past 19 years, and had global revenues of around $US45 billion in 2010. Canon New Zealand also operates Canon Finance New Zealand which offers one-stop shopping for customers wanting leasing or finance services. For more information, visit www.canon.co.nz, www.twitter.com/canonNZ, www.facebook.com/canonnewzealand
* Based on weekly patent counts issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office
Released on behalf of Canon New Zealand by DonovanBoyd PR.
For further information contact:
Caleb Brown
Senior Account Manager
DonovanBoyd PR
09 379 2121 / 021 720 050
Rochelle Mora
Brand Manager – Imaging
Consumer Activities
Canon New Zealand Ltd
This press release is brought to you by Canon New Zealand – Must-have camera accessories for taking great photos. For more great ideas on capturing that perfect moment with great digital cameras, visit the Canon website.
