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Join Metro Photo Challenge today! – Metro US

Join Metro Photo Challenge today!

We want YOU for Metro Photo Challenge! Metro today invites its readers to take part in the sixth edition of the world’s largest photograph competition: Metro Photo Challenge 2012.

Participants in more than 100 cities on four continents will submit their most amazing theme-based snaps at the Metro Photo Challenge web page.

This year’s competition features four global categories: “My Country’s Best,” “My Favorite,” “My Night” and “Temptations”. The four global winners of these themes will trek across Greenland for ten days, and the photos of their trip will then be published in Metro editions across the globe.

Those who fancy themselves for the Photo Challenge have until November 11 to submit their top photos in whatever category they desire. Winners in each of the competing countries will face a global jury — that includes renowned wildlife photographer Mattias Klum, up-and-coming fashion photographer Lara Jade, and Esben Darling Meng, CEO of photo bank Colourbox.com — for the final vote. The global winners will be announced on November 30.

Advice:

‘On-location shooting is the biggest challenge’

What are the most common mistakes for inexperienced photographers?

Typical weaknesses are in focus and framing/composition of the chosen subject. Re-touching or over-retouching an image with Photoshop or other editing software is risky, and most importantly — avoid shooting blind without reference or ideas.

What are you most trusted techniques for a shot with impact?

It varies with subject matter. With my own shooting style, I always trust using a wide aperture on location, because this enhances the ‘ethereal’ look that I’m trying to achieve. Other trusted techniques include: making the most of available light, shooting into the sun at sunrise and sunset, and using trusted models and talent on a set to help enhance the styling of your subject.

What is the most demanding environment/style to shoot in?

On-location shooting is one of the most challenging shoot environments because there are so many things that could go wrong, no matter how much you prepare! If I had to combine this with style, I’d say that shooting with natural light ON location has to be the ultimate challenge — because the light is constantly changing as you go.

—LARA JADE, fashion and advertising photographer

Expert tips

Three tips from Esben Darling Meng, CEO of Colourbox.com — Scandinavia’s largest

image bank:

1. Have a clear message. Most importantly, tell readers what your image is about. You should immediately pinpoint one or two words that you would like people to think of from the picture.

2. Connect with emotions. A typical mistake is to fit too much into a picture.

3. There should be a story. If you snap a dog with a stick, have it running towards you so people can wonder where it came from or connect it with their childhood. Make your audience want to know more.

Blow up!

Metro Photo Challenge is the world’s biggest event for professional photographers as well as amateurs.

Tradition: Started in Sweden 8 years ago and running globally since 2007.

Competition: Over 160,000 photos were submitted last year.

Prize: The grand prize for four global winners (one per theme) is an unforgettable photo expedition to the stunning Arctic landscape of Greenland

Exposure: In addition, the winners will gain global exposure by having their photo published in every Metro edition worldwide

Bonus: Participants will have a chance to sell their photos with Metro’s partner Colourbox.com, Scandivania’s leading image, video and illustration bank.