Canon PhotoMarathon XIV continues to bring creativity to life

SINGAPORE, 19 November 2016 – United by their passion for photography, approximately
2,000 photography enthusiasts gathered for the 14th edition of the Canon
PhotoMarathon. Held at Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre, the region’s
largest, annual photo competition challenges photography enthusiasts to push
their boundaries in photography skills, all under time pressure. The Canon
PhotoMarathon has since grown to include parallel competitions around the
region including countries such as Hong Kong, Brunei, Sri Lanka, India,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

“Photography has the power to tell captivating stories. In
recent years, we have seen more people pursuing photography as a passion. With
advances in our imaging technology, we strive to empower photography
enthusiasts with the equipment to continue creating vivid imagery,” said Edwin
Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore. “Originally
only in Singapore, the Canon PhotoMarathon has since expanded across Asia and
continues to inspire photography enthusiasts across the region to develop an
understanding of their cityscape, and to hone their skills.”

Canon believes that photography should be accessible to all, reflecting
the company’s corporate philosophy of kyosei
– living and working together for the common good. Hence, the Canon
PhotoMarathon is open to individuals from all walks of life, regardless of age
or ability.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) also forms a tradition of the photo
competition and one of Canon’s CSR programs draws on our digital imaging
expertise to deliver a delightful learning experience and an avenue for the
intellectually disabled to express themselves through photography. An extension
of this program, Canon will partner with the Association for Persons with
Special Needs (APSN) and Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) to host more
than 30 participants, giving them the opportunity to partake in the excitement
of Canon PhotoMarathon.

“YMCA of Singapore is especially heartened for such a platform like Canon
PhotoMarathon which empowers our beneficiaries from Y Photo Club by tapping
into their natural artistic abilities, allowing them to express their
creativity, build their self-esteem and confidence through photography, which
is in line with YMCA’s ethos to impact lives and nurture community champions.
The involvement of our volunteers as facilitators and befrienders also create
opportunities for engagement and opening lines of communication.” said Lo Chee
Wen, General Secretary, YMCA of Singapore.

The Canon PhotoMarathon comprises three thematic segments. Participants
have to compose images according to the assigned themes, all under time
pressure. They would also have to submit their pictures for all three segments
to qualify for the Best of Show grand prizes. Those with a discerning eye for
details, creativity and improvisation will have a winning edge.

Participants have just a few hours to submit their best interpretation of
the assigned theme before the next theme is released.  The thrill of capturing images “on-the-spot”
and under time pressure, is one of the key pull factors for returning
participants.

There are two categories for participation – open and student.

Participants of the Canon PhotoMarathon stand to win attractive prizes,
including the EOS 5D Mark IV, EOS 7D Mark II, EOS 80D, EOS 760D, and EOS M3.
The ‘Best of Show’ winners of both the open and student categories will win an
all-expense paid photo clinic trip to Japan. The photo clinic will take the
winners to various scenic spots in Japan, to enchant and inspire photographers
to widen their photographic repertoire. Participants also stand a chance to win
the grand lucky draw prize – a pair of Premium Economy air tickets to Europe on
Lufthansa Airlines. For further information and the listing of prizes, please
see: http://www.canon.com.sg/photomarathon/