In a bid to bring awareness to the importance of photography in media and society, the largest photographic competition ever is open for entries until 30 March 2010. With a prize pool of R3 million, the Africa Photographic Awards (APA) is deemed to be the largest and most prestigious of its kind with large numbers of photographers already entering their works. Seeking to establish a greater awareness of photography and inspire passion for the art amongst a younger generation, Nikon South Africa CEO, Stefan van der Walt, elaborates: “We want to create a greater awareness of the importance of the role of photography in our society and to promote it as a career and rewarding hobby for life. Photography is the most powerful and widely used medium of communication today whether for recording history, for capturing memories or as an expressive art form.”

The competition will be judged by a panel of local and international judges that play an influential role in photography. Final awards will take place at a prestigious gala dinner to be held in South Africa in May 2010 and will be attended by prominent authorities and celebrities.

“Whether you are in primary school playing with dad’s camera, a teenager taking picks of your friends at a party, an armature experimenting with your new gear or a pro earning a living through the lens, one of the 30 categories would accommodate your single shot or profile entry.” Van der Walt encourages.

Any make of camera may be used and some categories allow for artistic digital manipulation. Those photographs selected by the judging panel will be showcased in leading magazines on a monthly basis, for the duration of the competition.

To enter, register online at www.africaphotographicawards.co.za, purchase your single shot or portfolio entry and upload your files. The entry fees start at R10 per entry for learners to R200 for portfolio entries.

All proceeds will benefit The Tomorrow Trust, an independent organisation to finance the education of orphans who have lost their parents to HIV/Aids. The Trust offers vital support structures to orphans, assisting them through primary school, right up to tertiary education. This enables them to follow a career path they are passionate about and to create a future for themselves and their families, thereby influencing their community, the economy and the country as a whole.

Full details can be found at www.africaphotographicawards.com Or

For further information please contact:

Call: Renier Keyser or Michelle van Dyk 011 466 2500 or 082 787 1590Email: info@africaphotographicawards.com Website: www.africaphotographicawards.com