We invite entries that look at the various aspects of poverty through the lens of a camera. This is an opportunity for you to share with us stories told through a series of five photographs of the different ways in people experience poverty.

Poverty Portal’s Photo Essay competition is an alternative way of illustrating and increasing the knowledge of poverty in Sri Lanka. As the title implies, this competition aims to visualise different dimensions of poverty including lack of income, education, nutrition, etc. across different geographical locations and across different income and ethnic groups in Sri Lanka.

  
     
  What are the terms of the competition?
  • Entries should be made up of five pictures.  
  • The essays must be made up of photos that are taken in Sri Lanka.  
  • The photos must be originals that have not been previously published in any other publication, magazine or submitted to any competition virtual or physical. The organisers will not take responsibility for consequences arising out of the submission of unoriginal photographs. You need to provide a written certification on the originality of the photos.  
  • Using no more than 500 words, describe the event, process of situation you are capturing and location. In addition to the description, make sure to provide your name, e-mail and contact details  
  • Your photo-essay must be given a title.  
  • Photos and essay must be supplied in soft-copy or electronically (JPEG).  
  • Electronic photos should measure 1024 x 768 pixels to ensure high quality.  
  • Participation is open to anyone, professional or amateur.  
  • Maximum of one entry per person will be accepted.
  
  • CEPA’s policy on pictures places a high degree of importance on respecting the rights of individuals. The photo essay and the photographs submitted should respect the dignity of the subject, particularly that of vulnerable groups, especially children and should be presented in a manner that does not single out individual subjects.  
    How will the winners be selected?
  The photos will be judged by a review panel whose decision will be final. The panel will be consisted of a CEPA members and an external expert. The main selection criteria would include  
 
• Originality of the photos
• Relevance to the theme of the competition
• Image quality
 
 

The winning essay will receive a cash prize of Rs. 2000.00 and will be uploaded on to the Portal along with four short listed essays.

  
  The Photo Essay review panel reserves the right to decide if the entries will be displayed or not. However Entries will not be returned.  
     
 
Dates to remember

The competition will be open between 1st July to 16 July, 2010 and winners will be announced on 2nd August, 2010.
You need to submit your photos and essay to us in digital form. Email digital versions (JPEG) to: info@povertyportal.lk or send it in with your photos and essays to: Centre for Poverty Analysis, # 29, Gregory’s Rd, Colombo 7.
Closing date: 16th July 2010
For more information email: info@povertyportal.lk