A Peruvian and a Chinese photographer were announced as winners of a world photography contest, launched by the United Nations to highlight the potato’s key role in agriculture, the economy and world food security.

Part of the International Year of the Potato celebrations in 2008, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) awarded first prizes in the contest – called “Focus on a global food” – to professional photographer Eitan Abramovich, and amateur photographer Xi Huang.

Photographer Marlene Singh from the Philippines won 3rd prize in the Amatuer category with her winning photo entitled “Bamboo Boat“.

Bamboo Boat - 3rd Prize: Amateur Category IYP 2008 - Winning Photo by Marlene Singh

The 1000 contest entries from over 90 countries were reviewed and evaluated by a selection committee of eight panellists including five of the world’s leading professionals, who granted second and third prizes in both the professional and amateur categories to photographers from Spain, Belarus, the Netherlands and the Philippines.

The Winners are:

Professional category

• 1st prize: Eitan Abramovich, Peru — “Harvest of native potatoes”
• 2nd prize: Pablo Balbontin, Spain — “The custodians of biodiversity”
• 3rd prize: Viktor Drachev, Belarus — “Belarus soldiers eat potatoes”

Amateur category

• 1st prize: Xi Huang, China — Untitled
• 2nd prize: Dick Gerstmeijer, Netherlands — “Digging up potatoes”
• 3rd prize: Marlene Singh, Philippines — “Bamboo boat”

In support of the spirit of the International Year, photographers were invited to submit images that illustrated potato cultivation, processing, trade, marketing, consumption and utilization.

Sponsored by Nikon Europe and Irge Colore Srl, the event gave photographers an opportunity to showcase previous work or to capture new images depicting the vital crop, single digital images and “photo stories” of four to eight related images in either black or colour.

Coinciding with World Food Day – observed annually on 16 October to mark the founding of FAO – the “focus on global food” contest works to support the day’s ethos to highlight the first Millennium Development Goal (MDG) to halve hunger and poverty by the year 2015.

Check out the winning photos at IYP World Photography Contest - International Year of the Potato 2008.

Calling ALL Press Photographers of the Philippines members worldwide!

A Grand Fellowship Night will be held at the National Press Club grounds on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 and will start at 5:00 PM.

This will coincide with the launch of the official PPP Website (http://www.ppp.org.ph) with Press Secretary Jesus Dureza as the guest of honor.

For more information, please get in touch with the PPP Secretary:

VOLTAIRE F DOMINGO
Secretary, Press Photographers of the Philippines
Mobile/SMS:  +63 (915) 5632010, +63 (922) 8022627
voltairedomingo@ppp.org.ph | www.ppp.org.ph

National Geographic Channel brings you

Somewhere in China

here in Manila

Filipinas Heritage Library

October 13, 2008 - 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM

Peter and Jeff Hutchens, photography and filmmaking duo, share their experiences from SOMEWHERE IN CHINA for a series of photographic seminars and workshops which starts here in Manila.

Peter Hutchens has shot and produced numerous programmes for National Geographic Channel. He was the youngest and only first-time filmmaker to produce a programme for the acclaimed Wide Angle series. Other NGC shows he has worked on are Inside, Hunter & Hunted, Is It Real?, and Lockdown series for which he has won several awards. He brings a creative eye, a passion for storytelling and an instinctive ability to relate cross-culturally.Internationally awarded photographer Jeff Hutchens has shot professionally on six continents, where he’s faced grizzly bears,  lava floes, Komodo Dragons, and all manner of corrupt officials.   From work on the surreality of life in China, to underground epidemics in the jungles of central Africa, to polar bears in the Arctic Circle, he captures images which convey a transcendent mood and subtle beauty.  Jeff has won multiple awards in the World Press Photo Competition, National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) Best Of Photojournalism competition, Pictures Of The Year (POYi) and the White House News Photographers (WHNPA) Eyes Of History competition.

To reserve your seats and for more information, please email amy.ang@agatep.com or call 635.9355 to 60 local 173 or register online at http://www.natgeotv.com/photoseminar/.

Register early if you want to get FREE tickets to the event as seats are limited and are available on a first come first served basis only.

Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines

in cooperation with

Art Studies 281 Class and the U.P. Jorge B. Vargas Museum

present

Copyright and Copy Left

Issues and Perspectives on the Enforcement of the Intellectual Property Code in Philippine Visual Arts

Canon raises the bar with its DIGIC 4 image processor in the new EOS 50D Digital SLR

With enhanced performance and ease of use, Canon’s EOS 50D is the perfect balance of power and versatility for photography enthusiasts

The AF-SLR market is showing very robust growth which CIPA forecasts will exceed nine million units shipped this year — a 22 percent jump from last year. To meet this growing demand as well as maintain its leadership position in the advanced amateur segment which it pioneered, Canon announces the launch of the EOS 50D, which builds upon the success of the preceding model with greater performance, ease of use, and more advanced features designed to extend the capability and creativity of its user.

Improved Core Performance
At the heart of the improvements, Canon’s latest DIGIC 4 image processor debuts in the EOS 50D, offering high speed rendering of fine detail, natural colour reproduction, low noise and greater signal processing speed (1.3 times over DIGIC III). Beyond this, the DIGIC 4 also offers additional features that enhance camera performance and image quality, such as real-time face detection AF during Live View shooting, Auto Lighting Enhanced Optimizer which automatically corrects image exposure, automatic correction of lens vignetting and the convenience of HDMI output.

Another element where core performance has been enhanced is the EOS 50D’s newly-developed APS-C sized CMOS sensor that offers the highest image resolution in its class, at 15.1 megapixels; it also boasts an expanded ISO range from the previous model (H1:6400 and H2:12800).

To cope with the increased data stream of higher image resolution, the EOS 50D is compatible with UDMA (Ultra Direct Memory Access) CF cards which offer twice the data transfer speed over EOS 40D (predecessor model).

Empowerment through ease of use
The EOS 50D also sports a host of improvements in features and user interface such that the enhanced capability and potential of the EOS 50D is made so much more accessible to advanced users and enthusiasts alike.

Most apparent among these is the 3-inch VGA LCD screen, with a screen resolution of 920,000 pixels, four times the performance of the preceding model. Together with special coatings to reduce glare and resist smudging, picture review is now much easier and more precise.

In addition, the utility of the improved LCD screen is also fully maximized by the EOS 50D’s improved Live View shooting mode. Live View shooting affords added convenience and versatility by allowing the photographer to frame his shots using the built-in LCD screen in the manner of compact digital cameras, or a external screen when the camera is connected to a computer. In the EOS 50D, Live View shooting is comparatively more intuitive and convenient compared to earlier models as most menu operations and camera settings can now be accessed while in this mode, such as changing of shooting mode, image playback and selection of AF frame.

Even while advanced users will appreciate the highly sophisticated technologies and functions built into the EOS 50D, the novice user is not forgotten. By virtue of the new Creative Auto shooting mode which is readily accessible via the Mode Dial, novice photographers can now tweak camera settings with confidence through a simple menu, by selecting the desired picture attributes. Instead of grappling with exposure compensation or aperture values, in the Creative Auto mode, users simply decide whether they desire the background to be in focus or blurred out, whether the image should be bright or darkened, etc. with the camera taking care of the required settings.

A Lens to Match the EOS 50D’s versatility
Bundled with the EOS 50D is the ideal lens to match the DSLR’s power and versatility: the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS. Featuring tremendous 11x zoom factor, this lens offers the 35mm format equivalent of focal lengths ranging from 29-320mm, which allows the photographer to capture sweeping vistas, extreme close-ups and everything else in between. High image quality at all focal lengths is ensured by the use of UD (Ultra-Low Dispersion) and high precision aspherical glass elements. Lens disposition and coatings are optimized to minimize the ghosting and flare.

Furthermore, this lens also significantly improves the EOS 50D’s low-light performance with its built-in Image Stabilization, which corrects camera shake for sharp images over a further 4 stops in shutter speed.

Canon ups the ante once again for professional photography with the EOS 50D, which will delight both professional and novice photographers with its superlative features and intuitive functions.

The EOS 50D and EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS will soon be available at authorized Canon Dealers. Stocks with Canon Philippines warranty are expected to hit the shelves by the end of September. The suggested retail price has not yet been disclosed by Canon Philippines. Stay tuned for the Canon 50D launch event.

Epson is giving all aspiring and professional photographers the opportunity to showcase their talents by participating in its Epson Color Imaging Contest 2008.

The Color Imaging Contest was first launched in 1994, with the aims of promoting new forms of expression through digital printing, and to help create a rich, fun digital culture.

The Epson Color Imaging Contest offers you a big chance to compete with the best in Asia.  All you need to do is shoot photographs or create graphics that best express your ideas centralized around Epson Philippines’ 10th year theme of “Achieving Perfection.”

You may submit your original photos or graphics expressing any of the following images:

• Images of city scenes
• Images of top tourist spots and;
• Images of heartwarming moments captured in Filipino events or celebrations.

This year, Epson made it easier and more exciting for you to win.  Apart from the International Awards Grand Prizes, every eligible entry is also eligible to win in the Philippine country and Regional award levels.  It is your best chance to gain  international recognition.  So, go on and let your creativity speak!

Entry submission deadline: August 29, 2008

Epson Color Imaging Contest Categories

Photograph Category
(Amateur and Professional Subcategories)
Photographic works exploring the possibilities of photographic expression through digital processes

Graphics Category
(Amateur and Professional Subcategories)
Such as digital designs, computer graphics, paintings, lithographic, illustrations, typography exploring the possibilities of graphic expression through digital processes
You have a chance to win multiple regional awards at 3 levels:

Country Awards - Best in the Philippines
(Applicable for entries in the Philippines only)

1st Prize: PHP30,000 + Epson P-5000 viewer worth PHP41,995 [1 winner]
2nd Prize: PHP15,000 + Epson Picture Mate PM270 printer worth PHP11,995 [1 winner]
3rd Prize: PHP10,000 + Epson Picture Mate PM270 printer worth PHP11,995 [1 winner]

Top 30 Merit Prizes: Epson TX200 multi-function printer
[The top 30 entries will be selected via local judging in the Philippines.  These entries will be the ones sent to Japan to be eligible to win the country, regional and international awards.]

How to Enter

1. To enter, contestants must submit a completed Entry form.  All entry forms must be properly filled.  Download Epson Color Imaging Contest 2008 entry form.
2. Together with the entry form, contestants must submit two (2) hard copies of their entry printed in A4 size photo paper in full color and a high resolution soft copy (300 dpi, PSD or TIF file) in a properly labeled CD.  The two hard copies should be printed on an inkjet or laser printer.  Entries printed by photo labs will be rejected.  (Note: This size restriction is valid only for entries in the Philippines.  The size restriction will not be a limitation in the final judging of entries because the team of judges will judge entries based on creativity rather than size of entry.)
3. Labeling of your printed entries should include your name and the title of your entry.  Please place these details at the back of your entries.
4. The entry must be based on Epson’s 10th year anniversary theme of “Achieving Perfection” featuring images from city scenes, tourism destinations and heartwarming moments captured in Filipino events or celebrations.
5. The entry should be an original or unpublished digital image (Photo or Graphics.  There is no need to frame the entry.
6. An entry together with the entry form may be submitted by an individual or group (however, only one prize will be awarded for the winning entry.)
7. Please use adequate measures to protect the entry against damage during transport or delivery.  There is no restriction in the number of entries you can submit to this contest.

Send your entries along with the attached entry form to:

Epson Philippines Corporation
Marketing Communications Department
8/F Anson’s Centre
23 ADB Avenue
Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1605
or

Epson Color Imaging Contest
c/o Digital Photographer Philippines
Unit 4, Bldg 3, Jannov Plaza
2295 Don Chino Roces Extension
Makati City 1200

For inquiries, you may call:
Digital Photographer Philippines
http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/
Telephone: 8124612 or Telefax 7504061

PR & Marketing Communications Department
colorimagingcontest@epc.epson.com.ph
Telephone: 7062609

Note:

• The photographer is the owner of each entry but grants Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC) and Seiko Epson Corporation (SEC) the non exclusive right to use the entries in promotional purposes related to the Color Imaging Contest (CIC) such as CIC exhibits and press releases.  Please see Terms and Conditions for further information.

• All entries in the Philippines must go through Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC) and be subject with EPC’s terms and conditions.  Entries in the Philippines cannot be sent directly to other Epson subsidiaries.

More info on Epson Color Imaging Contest 2008 at Epson Philippines.

STRANGER by Frankie Callaghan
SYMMETRY | DUALITY by Johann Espiritu

July 10-August 9, 2008
Opening reception: 6pm on July 10, Thursday

Silverlens Gallery invites everyone to the openings Stranger by Frankie Callaghan and Symmetry | Duality by Johann Espiritu, at 6pm on July 10, Thursday. The shows will run until August 9, 2008.

Stranger is an exhibit of night photographs by Frankie Callaghan. His love for photography began while just a boy growing up in Baguio. It wasn’t until after studying finance and management at the Wharton School of Business that he gave into his calling to work as a full-time photographer. He first exhibited his photographs at the age of 21 in Philadelphia. He was one of the participants of the “Photography as Expression” Sense-I workshop at Silverlens Gallery.

Symmetry | Duality is an exhibit of pairs, shot by Silverlens Sense-I instructor Johann Espiritu. Espiritu has had several exhibits, and is currently working on two book projects. His work has been displayed in newspapers, magazines, billboards and even featured in limited-edition postage stamps. A lawyer by profession, Johann was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2001 and to the New York State Bar in 2004.

Saturday Gallery Activities:

July 12, 3-5pm : Artist Talk by Johann Espiritu

July 26, 3-5pm : Artist Talk by Frankie Callaghan

August 2, 3-5pm : Urban Architecture Talk

August 9, 6-9pm : Game Night

Visit Silverlens Gallery at 2/F YMC Bldg. 2, 2320 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City, 816-0044, 0905-2650873, manage@silverlensphoto.com. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 10am–7 pm, Saturday 1–6pm. www.silverlensphoto.com.

Images:
(left) Frankie Callaghan
Clothes Lines, 2008

(right) Johann Espiritu
Untitled, 2008

Counter-Photography and Swarm in the Aperture
Guided Tour by Silverlens Director Isa Lorenzo

New schedules:
3-5pm, July 13, 2008 Sunday
3-5pm, July 20, 2008 Sunday

Meet at the 4/F elevator lobby, 2:45pm
North Wing, Museum of the Filipino People
Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila
Limited slots available. RSVP 8160044

Join Isa Lorenzo as she gives a guided tour of two current shows at the National Museum — Counter-Photography presented by the Japan Foundation and the Japanese Embassy, and Swarm in the Aperture curated by National Museum Curator Patrick Flores.

In it, Lorenzo will discuss the history of contemporary Japanese photography, of which the Japanese show is packed with fine examples, both in content and quality. She will also be giving a brief introduction on the infancy of photography in the Philippines.

For more information, contact Silverlens Gallery at 2320 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City, 816-0044, 0905-265-0873, manage@silverlensphoto.com. www.silverlensphoto.com.

Note: Previously registered participants are required to give their preferred tour date.

Images:

(left) Hiroshi Sugimoto
Chapel de Notre Dame du Haut, Le Corbusier, 1998
Gelatin Silver Print

(right) Neil Daza
Detail of Mystica’s Nails, 2006
Metallic Print

Ayala Malls

invite you to join

Moments with Mommy

at

Market! Market! Photo Contest

Contest Mechanics:

• A PhP 300.00 purchase, single or accumulated receipt, from April 24, 2008 to May 04, 2008, from any store in Market! Market! entitles the shopper to one (1) Moments with Mommy at Market! Market! Photo Contest Application form. Receipts can only be used once and will be stamped upon redemption of the application form.
• Photos must capture a particular moment between “Mother and Child“, and must be taken within the premises of Market! Market!
• Submit photo entries, saved in jpg format stored in a CD, along with a duly accomplished application form and present a receipt as proof or purchase at the Market! Market! Concierge.
• Submission of entries begin on April 24, 2008. Deadline of submission of entries is on Sunday, May 4, 2008.
• Judging of Entries shall be on May 05, 2008.
• Winners of the contest are: Mother (with child) depicted in the Photo and the photographer who took the photo.
• Winning photos will be exhibited for one (1) week, May 11, 2008 to May 17, 2008, at the exhibit area fronting the concierge.
• Photos will be used only for the said event.
• Photographers retain the copyright to their submitted photos.

Prizes include the following:

• Ayala Malls EGC

1st Prize is PhP10,000 EGC

2nd Prize PhP 5,000 EGC

3rd Prize is PhP 3,000 EGC

• Freshaire Gift Certificates
• Sushi-Ya Gift Certificates
• Gerry’s Grill Gift Certificates

Feel free to leave a comment should you have any questions or clarifications.

OWG will be conducting a FREE lecture on Tips On Winning A Photo Contest

There will be a slide presentation and informal lecture that will be conducted by the award-winning Artist/Photographer Ross Capili. There will also be a short presentation on the hazards of tobacco smoking.

A Computer will be made available for those who would want to tweak their images to be submitted in the ‘Beyond the Stick Photo Contest‘ based on the lectures conducted.

The lecture will be from 1pm-3pm on April 19,2008 at:

OneWorkshop Gallery
G/f 2241 La Fuerza Plaza II, Don Chino Roces Ave. corner Sabio St.
Makati City 1200 Philippines

Call Liza or Mario Mundo @ 8105094 or email @ one_workshop@yahoo.com