KUWAIT: The 10th Photography Competition, organized exclusively by Kuwait Times in cooperation with Al-Anbaa newspaper, kicked off on January 5, 2016 and runs through March 17, 2016. Adnan Saad, Kuwait Times Deputy General Manager and the competition's organizer, said in that regard that the competition takes place annually, adding that this year's event will carry the theme 'Kuwait in our Eyes.'

The competition is open for participants from all ages, Saad said, adding that participants will have the opportunity to capture images through their camera lenses that reflect the cultural, social, civilized and heritage aspects of the society. Furthermore, it allows people to capture images reflecting social and cultural activities and celebrations during the month of February, as well as celebrations of the 10th anniversary of His Highness the Amir's ascension to power, and the selection of Kuwait as a Capital of Islamic Culture for 2016.

The Sabah Al-Ahmad Heritage Village also offers several folklore and musical activities held during February, offering photographers the chance to capture beautiful pictures that can qualify them to win one of the competition's valuable prizes. There are several basic ideas for the snapshot can be built using the camera. For example, inspiration can be derived from the Kuwaiti environment, the sea or even the faces around us. Selecting the right picture qualifies the photographer to winning this year's competition.

The competition also seeks motivating and improving the skills of photographers, both professional and amateur, as well as highlighting photography as a tool to improve and document artistic skills, in addition to focusing on the creative and skillful contributions of Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti participants.

Each participant can submit a maximum of five works; each with a maximum size of 30X cm. The works must be owned by the participant, as he or she would lose the right to obtain the prize if proven otherwise. You can also benefit from the special offer presented by 'Albumi' company to print high resolution pictures for your photos in a special price during the duration of the competition. Pictures carrying texts, signatures or which were modified will be disqualified. The judging panel's decisions are final and cannot be challenged. Further, all pictures submitted by participants will be considered property of the competition's organizers, who retain the right to use them in any way they deem proper without reference to their owners.

You do not have to be a professional photographer or use a professional camera to participate; you can submit pictures taken by a phone's camera or any other camera, as long as the picture carries elements of creativity inspired by the environment.

The awards will be distributed during a ceremony which takes place at Holiday Inn - Salmiya, the official host of the competition. The competition is sponsored for the third year by Burgan Bank as a main sponsor, in cooperation with Zain. Nasser Al-Sayer Company, the official dealers of Canon cameras in Kuwait is also participating by presenting valuable prizes. All winners will be invited to attend the awarding ceremony which takes place at Holiday Inn - Salmiya. The winning pictures will be selected by a judging panel comprising of specialists in the art of photography. Their selection will be based on creativity and artistic effects pertaining with lighting and composition, which can contribute in delivering the message in an influential and fascinating way, through a distinguished picture that shows Kuwait in our eyes.