Aspiring youth to gain first-hand tips from internationally renowned National Geographic photographer

February 2012 – Photographs speak beyond a thousand words, and provide perspectives of the world we normally would not see. National Geographic Channel (NGC) and Canon are calling for fresh viewpoints from budding photographers aged 13 to 25 years old to observe our youths’ definition of culture and heritage through the National Geographic Channel Young Photographer Awards Photography Competition. Aspiring young photographers will also gain first-hand tips from internationally renowned National Geographic photographer Ira Block and on-site photography experience with CanonSingapore resident photography instructor Jino Lee.

The National Geographic Channel Young Photographer Awards Photography Competition now welcomes students aged 13 to 25 years old to submit their best entries that capture the essence of Culture and Heritage, a topic that rings close to home. It could be photographs of a colourful festival, photographs of people engaged in cultural activities, or it could be a fond memory held close to your heart. More information of the competition can be found on the microsite, www.natgeotv.com/asia/awards. Entries for submission will close on 25 March 2012.

A rich trove of awards awaits winners and lucky members of the public. Eight grand prize winners – four fromSingaporeand four fromMalaysia– will win a Canon EOS 600D Digital SLR camera, a photo expedition toBaliwith Canon’s resident photography instructor Jino Lee with accommodation and return air-tickets fully paid for, as well as a place with National Geographic photographer Ira Block in his photography seminar.   

Other photography enthusiasts can also sign up on the microsite for an exclusive Photography Seminar with Ira Block, an expert in his field who has shot ancient artifacts inGreece to dinosaur fossils in Gobi desert and documenting Moche mummies inPeru. Taking place in May 2012 inSingapore andMalaysia, Ira Block will provide inspiration for hobbyists as well as students aspiring to pursue photography as a professional career and even consider being National Geographic photographers.

Members of the public can also play their part by voting for their favorite shortlisted photos from 29 March onwards, – one fromSingaporeand one fromMalaysia- standing a chance to win attractive prizes including a complimentary night’s stay at resorts inBalieach. Determined by the highest number of votes in each country, the Voter’s Choice entries – one fromSingaporeand one fromMalaysia– will walk home with a Canon PIXMA Photo printer and a complimentary night’s stay at resorts,Balieach.

More information, as well as Terms and Conditions of the contests can be found on www.natgeotv.com/asia/awards

National Geographic Channels International (NGCI)
National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) inspires viewers through its smart, innovative programming that questions what we know, how we view the world and what drives us forward.  A business enterprise owned by National Geographic Ventures and FOX Entertainment Group, NGCI contributes to the National Geographic Society’s commitment to exploration, conservation and education through its six channels: National Geographic Channel, National Geographic Channel HD, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Wild HD, Nat Geo Adventure and Nat Geo Music.

Globally, National Geographic Channel (including NGCU.S., which is a joint venture of NGV and Fox Cable Networks Group) is available in more than 380 million homes in 165 countries and 38 languages.

For more information, please visit www.natgeotv.com.

About Canon Singapore Pte Ltd
Canon is a global leader in photographic and digital imaging solutions. Canon Singapore Pte Ltd is the headquarters for South & Southeast Asia driving sales, marketing and service strategies. Besides handling the domestic market, the company leads 18 other countries including subsidiaries in India, Malaysia, Thailandand a representative office in Vietnam. The parent company Canon Inc has a global network of close to 300 companies and employs close to 200,000 people worldwide. It is dedicated to the advancement in technology and innovation and commits about 10% of its total revenue each year to R&D. Canon is consistently one of the top few companies to earn the most number of patents over the last 19 years. As a Fortune Global 500 company, Canon is guided by its kyosei philosophy that focuses on living and working together for the common good.

More information is available at. www.canon.com.sg