19 March 2009

'Picturing Dundee': The University of Dundee Photography Competition

Which images best capture the essence of modern Dundee? The University of Dundee is challenging photographers of all abilities to produce pictures that define the face of the city in the 21st century.

'Picturing Dundee - The University of Dundee Photography Competition’ offers great prizes as well as the opportunity for winners to see their work displayed in a public exhibition and possibly used in the University’s promotional material.

The city is about much more than jute, jam and journalism these days, but what exactly marks out Dundee in the 21st century? The University is looking for quality images that encapsulate the spirit of Dundee to help enhance its reputation, and that of the city, in the eyes of a worldwide audience.

Both amateur and professional photographers are invited to take inspiration from their surroundings and submit images of the city and/or the University. In addition to technical merit and composition, the suitability and relevance of the images for University publications and the way in which the theme has been communicated will be considered.

A digital SLR camera worth up to £800, or other equipment to an equivalent value, will be awarded to the photographer whose entry is judged best overall photograph, while the runner-up will receive a digital compact camera worth up to £200.

Director of External Relations Joan Concannon invited anyone with an interest in photography to enter. She said, 'There are many amazing things happening right across Dundee and we are very excited at the potential for entrants to present their own personal picture of the city.'

'We are also enormously grateful that Andrew O’Brien, head of the picture desk at The Scotsman has agreed to participate in the judging panel.'

'Dundee is a vibrant, dynamic city with a proud history and we challenge photographers to capture the evolving face of the city and its people. The location of the city, set on the banks of the Tay, will give rise to spectacular images but what we are hoping is to see is the unexpected - essentially a range of personal viewpoints on what Dundee means to each entrant.'

'This competition is a fantastic opportunity for photographers to see their work displayed in a public exhibition and appear in high-quality publications that will be used to promote the University across the world.'

Three additional prizes of £20 Jessops vouchers will be awarded for the best student, staff and external entries. All winners will receive their prizes at the launch of the Dundee Literary Festival in June.

The winning images, along with a selection of highly commended entries, will be exhibited in the University’s Dalhousie Building between June 23rd and July 7th 2009. All photographic styles are welcome and entry is not restricted to residents of Dundee although entrants must be over the age of 18.

Interested parties can enter the competition by visiting http://www.dundee.ac.uk/photocompetition. The closing date for entries is May 15th.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk