Young shutterbugs listen up!

A new photography contest aimed at students aged 12 to 17, and destined to become an annual event, has been launched by National Geographic Traveler magazine in conjunction with the Caribbean Tourism Organisation.

Although it is open to students in the Caribbean region, Bermuda?s Department of Tourism is encouraging local students to participate.

Entitled ?In My View?, the competition requires entrants to submit photographs which capture the best attributes of their country. The images should represent a variety of elements in Bermuda?s culture ? the people, food, landscapes or local events ? which best describe the spirit of the community.

The deadline for submissions is November 15, and each student can enter up to five photos. Entry forms are available at their schools. The grand prize winner will receive a four-day, three-night trip for two to Washington, DC, which will include a visit to the National Geographic Society (NGS) headquarters and a tour of the city with a NGS photographer, plus a 35mm digital camera. In addition, the winning student?s photographs will be published in National Geographic Traveler magazine?s May/June 2006 issue.

The second place winner will receive the ?Ultimate Photography Package? of a digital camera with carrying case, as well as three NGS photography books, while the third place winner will receive ten NGS photography books. In addition, a photo exhibition of some of the finalists? work will be displayed at select travel shows.

?Photography is one of the cornerstones of our magazine,? Kimberly Connaghan, NGT advertising director, said. ?We believe the contest winner will provide an insider perspective which can only be captured by locals living in the region.?

For further information telephone Jonelle Christopher at 292-0023 or visit the website www.onecaribbean.org