2014.11.02

    Following the rules used in all CPM across Asia, contestants will be given a photographic theme on the day of competition. They must then head out into Hong Kong and use their creativity to take the perfect picture that encapsulates the theme before returning to submit their work before the deadline expires.

In addition to the Open Category, this year's CPMHK sees the introduction of new Challenge and Online Categories that will further test the skills of the competitors, as they "Shoot for Hong Kong". These innovations cater to the increasingly wide range of abilities that the growing popularity of the event attracts and ensures an appropriate level for everyone taking part.

For the 800 most ambitious photographers, the Challenge Category will set three photo themes to be completed within the designated time with competitors submitting one photograph per theme. For the Open Category, 1,600 contestants will have two photo-theme tasks to complete. In another newly-added competition element, contestants in both categories will have checkpoints to visit as they explore different parts of Hong Kong.

The new Online Category enables anyone who wishes to test their photography skills and creativity on the day of the PhotoMarathon to log onto the official website and receive a photo theme. They must then complete their photo mission and upload their photograph before 6pm. All submissions will be open for online voting and evaluation by a judging panel with the 50 highest scoring photographs winning a "Most Favored" award. Those who vote online will have a chance to win prizes too.

Mr. Vincent Cheung, Senior Director and General Manager of Consumer Imaging & Information Group and Corporate Communications Division of Canon Hongkong said, "Photo communities in Asia have embraced PhotoMarathon as an occasion for those passionate about photography to gather, share their passion and experience a real photographic challenge. Canon PhotoMarathon returns this year with brand new competition elements, so that all photo-enthusiasts can enjoy PhotoMarathon in their preferred category. If you have confidence in your skills and want an advanced photography task, the Challenge Category is for you. For those who would like to enjoy the PhotoMarathon experience in a more relaxed way, the Open Category is the best choice."

The Challenge Category is open to contestants aged 18 or above, and anyone aged 15 or above is welcome to join the Open Category. Contestants for both categories will take photos with reference to photo themes announced on the competition day, visit designated checkpoints, and then return to HKCEC within the deadline to submit their photos, which must not be altered using any image editing software. The Challenge Category competition lasts for eight hours, while the Open Category will take six hours, with both testing perseverance and skill in the true spirit of a marathon.

Enrollment for the two categories will take place in stages. Contestants will be selected by ballot if the number of enrollments exceeds the quota. To secure their place, selected contestants must donate an enrollment fee within a specified period.

Enrollment period:

Challenge Category          11th to 17th August

Open Category                 1st to 10th September

Online Category                Log onto the CPMHK official website on 2nd November

The judging panel for this year's competition is made up of professionals from the photography world, and includes Ms. Connie Hong, an award-winning commercial photographer; Mr. Lawrence Tsang, a wedding photographer who has won numerous industry awards; Mr. Pow Lam, Chief Photographer of U Magazine; Venerable Chang Lin, a reputable photographer who now leads Zen retreats for photography; and Mr. Vincent Cheung, Senior Director and General Manager of Consumer Imaging & Information Group and Corporate Communications Division of Canon Hongkong.

A Grand Award, introduced last year, will be selected by the judging panel from the Gold Prize winners in the Challenge and Open categories. The winner will represent Hong Kong in the Canon PhotoMarathon Taipei in autumn 2015.

Canon PhotoMarathon strives to incorporate the principles of charity and environmental protection in photography. All competition enrollment fees will be donated, without any deduction, to St. James' Settlement to support their work in culture preservation and community development.

The first Canon PhotoMarathon was held in Singapore in 2003. Encouraged by its excellent reception, the competition was extended to other parts of Asia. In 2013, nearly 20,000 photo-enthusiasts participated in Canon PhotoMarathons, capturing beautiful moments from 10 regions and 16 cities across Asia.

For more details about the competition, please visit: www.canon.com.hk/photomarathon2014. Canon Hongkong cordially invites fans of CPM to join the Canon PhotoMarathon Facebook page www.facebook.com/CPM.HongKong for the latest competition updates and news.

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