A central city billboard competition run by the Auckland Festival of Photography 2008 seeks to capture downtown Auckland's varied experiences, with the theme BIG smiles little moments.

Billboard photography challenges a photographers ability in an extremely large reproduction.

The winning image will be turned into a billboard and on show in the CBD from June 1 and will also feature on a full page in the June issue of Metro Magazine.A central city billboard competition run by the Auckland Festival of Photography 2008 seeks to capture downtown Auckland's varied experiences, with the theme BIG smiles little moments.

Billboard photography challenges a photographers ability in an extremely large reproduction.

The winning image will be turned into a billboard and on show in the CBD from June 1 and will also feature on a full page in the June issue of Metro Magazine.The image will be selected by judges from Metro Magazine and Heart of The City.

Photographers of all ages and abilities are invited to capture downtown Auckland's unique moments though the lens of a camera.

"It's a lovely opportunity to celebrate the diversity of the BIG and little moments that make up our vibrant inner City," says Michele Dodds, Heart of the City Projects Manager.

The winning entry will be, which will be on display from June 1st.

This year's theme has been selected by Heart of the City to support the 'BIG little city' marketing campaign for downtown Auckland.

Metro Magazine has always recognized the role of photojournalism in telling a story, creating many memorable stories by the telling juxtaposition of images and words.

Metro is delighted to be involved in the billboard competition, says the magazine's Assistant Editor Bevan Rapson.

"The contest combines two things with which our magazine is always associated. We're all about Auckland and we pride ourselves on the outstanding photography we publish in every issue. We're looking forward to seeing how entries in the competition reflect our city in all its diversity."

The competition has two Awards: Heart of the City & Metro select the overall Billboard competition winner; and there is a separate online public vote for 'The People's Choice'.

Entries can be submitted through the new Auckland Photo Blog (www.photographyfestival.org.nz/photo-blog), made possible by funding from the SKYCITY Auckland Community Trust and launched in October 2006.

The public will be able to vote on all entries submitted to the 'BIG smiles, little moments" theme for a "People's Choice' online vote until 3rd May.

Competition details and the Auckland Photo Blog can be found on the festival's official website: www.photographyfestival.org.nz/

Digital photographers should use cameras with at least 6 megapixel capability. Terms and conditions are on the website. Entries are invited from 1st April.

Auckland Festival of Photography organizer, Julia Durkin says photographers can submit new images or old favourites from their archives. She says the billboard reward will be the ultimate enlargement for any photographer.

"Regardless of your experience or ability, this is an amazing opportunity. It's a once in a lifetime chance to see your photograph blown up enormously large!"

It is the 5th annual Festival which runs from 30 May to 22 June 2008. The Festival's full programme will be launched or published by mid April available on the website:

Creative Exposure Festival 2008 is supported by key sponsors:
Manukau City Council, Waitakere City Council, North Shore City Council, Gravity "Official Coffee Sponsor", Heart of the City, Metro, Olympus, NZ Internet Services, NZ Post, Triangle TV and Westfield Manukau.
With funding support from NZCT, NZJEP, Creative Communities North Shore, Creative Communities Waitakere, Creative Communities Auckland City, Auckland City Council, COGS, Lion Foundation and significant support from the ASB Community Trust.

Image supplied by John Ling, Santa Parade 2006

21/03/08