Win RO 4,000 for best photograph

MUSCAT, Jan 23 - One of the biggest photography competitions in the region with the highest prize money has been launched by Bait Al Zubair Foundation. Aimed at recognising talent in visual arts in Oman and awarding captivating photography in the region, the Al Zubair Photography Competition will run until March 31. It began on Wednesday.
“This competition was created to recognise and award photographers dedicated to refining their craft and showcasing a unique perspective,” said Mohammad al Zubair.
He said that the competition would provide a chance for them to channel their artistic outlook by telling a visually compelling story through a single still photograph.
“This will also serve as an opportunity for us to showcase power of the medium in telling Oman’s story,” he added. Unveiling details of the competition at a press conference on Wednesday, (pictured) Mohammad al Farei, CEO of Bait Al Zubair, said that three winners will be selected, with RO 4,000 to be awarded for winner of first place, RO 2,000 and RO 1,000 for second and third places respectively.
“The competition, with the theme Architecture of Oman and carrying the biggest prize packages ever awarded, is open to photographers over 18 years of age in Oman and GCC,” Al Farei told Observer.
Finalists and winners will be announced in April, he said.
In his read-out message, Mohammad al Zubair said, “Capturing the beauty of Oman is a passion that has driven me to travel around the country and document the people as well as the natural and urban landscapes.” He said his love for Omani architecture and the desire to capture its beauty in photographs inspired the theme of this competition.
“It is an opportunity for photographers to display the unique styles and intricate decorations in Omani architecture, ones that reflect our diverse culture, heritage and history,” he added.
Al Farei said, “Over the past number of years, we have observed the growth of photography in Oman. Omani photographers have gone on to garner high acclaim beyond the Sultanate’s borders and receive great recognition in prestigious international competitions and forums.” He expressed confidence that the contest will see world-class talent coming to the fore.
Sultan bin Hamdoon al Harthi, one of the most experienced architects in Oman and also the Chairman of Omantel and Al Mouj, will join leading photographers in the region, Victor Romero, Catalin Marin, Henry Dallal and Khamis al Moharbi, in judging the competition.
Al Harthi hoped the competition will encourage photographers to treat Oman’s architecture as inspiring works of art using their creative eye to bring out their true beauty through photography with a unique touch that is their own.
“We will be judging the photos completely anonymously based on the creativity, quality and originality of the work. We will look into each photograph’s overall impact and response to the theme. This is an opportunity for more photographers in the region to take the leap and express their creativity to the best of their ability,” he said.
The Al Zubair Photography Competition is open to professional and amateur photographers. The photographs need to be of high resolution and taken after January 1, 2015.
Only one photograph with no prior competition participation can be submitted. High resolution photographs taken with a mobile phone are also accepted.
Submissions are currently open at www.alzubairphotography.com