SCTA photo contest offers SR550,000 in prizes

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) launched here recently its “Colors of Saudi Arabia" photography contest with cash prizes worth SR550,000.
There are various categories such as tourism experience, nature, antiquities, heritage and folklore. The contest is open to all citizens and resident photographers in Saudi Arabia, whether professionals or amateurs, provided the shots were taken in Saudi Arabia.
Photographs submitted must be taken by the participant and should not have been submitted previously. The photographs must be taken with a professional or semi-professional camera.
Participants can submit up to three photographs in each category. Each entry must have a clear expressive title and a caption stating the place and year the photograph was taken.
Participants can submit photographs taken on film or digital, color or monotone.
There was a massive response to last year’s contest from Saudi photographers. SCTA uses photography to promote local tourism.
The contest includes a "Saudi Color Forum" which has a national photography exhibition, appreciation ceremony, workshops and training courses.
The event is aimed at encouraging professional and creative photographers to highlight the Kingdom’s potential, including its landmarks, heritage, antiquities, diverse natural environment and socioeconomic progress.
Photographers are allowed to submit photographs highlighting a tourism experience on a trip in the country. This includes pictures of people during their trip such as families on beaches, children playing in a park or a playground, people cruising on a boat or camping, festivals and exhibitions, or those participating in recreational sports. Studio photographs or those with no people are not allowed.
Photographs of nature should be taken in open spaces amid natural elements, and contain minimal man-made objects. Gardens, parks and artificial waterfronts are all man-made that weaken the effect of a natural photograph and the chances of winning a prize.
Pictures of antiquities and heritage should include archaeological sites of bygone civilizations. SCTA provides a list of these sites.
Urban heritage photographs should include buildings and existing historical towns that were inhabited by Saudis in the past. This category does not include the contents of museums, artifacts, currencies, paintings or collectables from the recent past.
The folklore category includes the values, customs, traditions, handicrafts, traditional folklore, fine art, dances, traditional dress, and foods that have been passed down from previous generations. This includes traditional dances and dance groups, artisans and heritage handicrafts, traditional dishes, heritage art, local dress and pictures of people practicing customs and traditions.