National Geographic Abu Dhabi (NGAD) said it has received an impressive 80,445 entries for its second 'Photomentaries' photography contest.

The contest is part of a month-long photo festival encompassing a TV series that follows National Geographic photographers on their assignments and a series of photography seminars conducted by a National Geographic photographer in the UAE.

The contest, open to the public acoss the Middle East region, is being held under the theme, ‘Capture Life in Motion’.

The winning entry (Grand Prize) will feature in National Geographic Al Arabiya Magazine and receive photography equipment worth $5,000.

Runners up will get photography accessories worth $2,500 and $1,500 respectively, in addition to featuring the winning photographs on National Geographic Abu Dhabi TV.

This is the second NGAD photography contest in the Middle East, conducted under a theme focusing on how the world around us is in constant motion.

The judging panel consists of George Steinmetz, a renowned international National Geographic Photographer who conducted photography seminars in Abu Dhabi and Dubai during February, and Mohamed Al Hammadi, the editor-in-chief of National Geographic Al Arabiya Magazine.

'Photography is synonymous with the National Geographic brand and the phenomenal response to our photo competition reinforces it,' said Rohit D’Silva, senior vice president and general manager (Mena), NGAD.

'We are glad to have been able to provide the region with an annual fest that not only gives them an opportunity to showcase their skills but also enables them to interact with National Geographic talent through our seminars and learn more about their assignments through our special TV episodes aired on our channel,' he noted.

The TV series, ‘Photomentaries’, showcases the most challenging photography assignments undertaken by National Geographic photographers.

The 80,445 entries will be evaluated by an expert panel from Gulf Photo Plus, said Rohit D’Silva.

The shortlisted entries will then be judged by the eminent jury comprising Steinmetz and Al Hammadi, who will pick up the 3 winning entries. The winners will be announced by mid April, he added.-TradeArabia News Service