By Dipo Olowookere
Photographers intending to take their crafts to the next level now have the platform to achieve their dream. This is because telecom service provider, 9mobile, has unveiled plans to hold this year’s edition of the 9mobile Photography Competition, a competition which seeks to engage and empower budding photographers using the power of digital media.
The organisers are bringing back this contest following a successful showing last year, where budding photographer, Mr Oluwaseun Otitoola, emerged the winner of the 9mobile Photography Competition.
Mr Otitoola came top in 2017 with his entry titled ‘Fragment of CMS Bookshop Building,’ beating two other finalists; Amanda Ihemebiri (The NestOil Tower) and Taiwo Omotosho, (Lines Side by Side) to emerge winner.
Speaking on the forthcoming event, 9mobile’s Director of Brands and Experience, Mr Elvis Ogiemwanye, revealed that a longlist of 100 contestants will be selected from November 5 to 19, through a voting process, adding that winner for the competition will be announced on Thursday, December 6.
He noted that entries for the competition, which is themed, ‘My Grind, My Hustle’, commence on Monday, September 17 and runs till Wednesday, October 31.
Mr Ogiemwanye, who described the competition as a talent development initiative, said that part of the objective is not only to Position 9mobile as a supporter of young budding photographers, but also as a brand that gives back to the community while supporting young people’s dreams, and passion.
From the pool of entries received, he said, images will be approved by internal reviewers based on the entry criteria and passed on to the Judging panel for review to come up with a list of top 100 images. These will then be thrown open to the public for voting.
“The judges will also select the top three images from the top 100. The image with the highest number of votes emerges as the winner for voter’s choice. Winners from the judges and public voting are rewarded with prizes while images of the finalists are showcased during a winner’s announcement,” Mr Ogiemwanye explained.
The top management staff of 9mobile disclosed that, “Photography has become part of our culture when it comes to creating lasting memories, and with the technological advancements, the art of capturing photos keeps changing and growing.
“A lot of creativity has gone into the art of contemporary photography in Nigeria. The theme, ‘My Grind, My Hustle’, seeks to celebrate and recognize individuals that work daily to make ends meet; those who appreciate the importance of hard work and the need to be successful in life.”
He further said, “Participants are expected to capture images of their daily hustle depicting what they do in a creative and fun way.”
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