Kuala Lumpur, 14 June 2021 – Sometimes a little constraint can actually make you be more creative. With the current travel limitations, why not take some time to think outside the box, unleash your shutterbug talent and enter the 2021 MTCC Photography Contest?
Entering its fourth edition this year, the event is a collaboration between the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) and PCP Publications, the publisher for photography and travel magazines namely Photo Creator, Advanced Images, Fotografika, Travelmate and Travelution. Carrying the theme “Experience Forest, Experience MTCS”, the annual contest is aimed at raising public awareness on the beauty and benefits of Malaysia’s tropical forests while promoting the importance of valuing the nature and sustainable forest management through timber certification to benefit future generations.
MTCC Chief Executive Officer, Yong Teng Koon said the contest started on 21 March and comprises four new categories which are tailored to make it more practical for contestants to harness their creativity and submit their best photos and videos amidst the current Movement Control Order (MCO).
“This year’s contest consists of three photo categories, Natural Forest Landscapes, Wood in Our Life and Stay Safe, Stay Green (social media category), and one video category, I Wonder and I Wander. With the categories taking into account the current challenging situation, perhaps, this is the best time for contestants to unblock their creativity and spread good vibes on nature and wood conservation through beautiful images and videos,” he said.
He added that besides the grand prize of RM2,000, winning photo entries will be in the running to win more cash at the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) Photography Contest and be featured among the best Top 12 in the PEFC “Experience Forests, Experience PEFC” photo calendar next year.
Undiscovered Shots
PCP Publications General Manager and Editor-in-Chief, Jessica Chan said this year’s contest will accept photos which were taken up to five years prior to the contest launch date (21 March 2021).
“Photographers may have more time on hand during the MCO to scan through their libraries for undiscovered shots that might stand a chance of catching the attention of the judges. This will also be a good alternative to divert from the mundane of working from home,” she said.
Despite the restrictions to go for outdoor shots, there is no less enthusiasm from the contestants, said Chan.
“Entries started flowing in early right after the launching of this contest. We expect more entries to come in towards the final stage of the contest. To date, there are 44 participants with almost 350 entries,” she added.
Sharing Tips
Reputable photographer Azul Adnan – whose works have been featured on National Geographic and BBC websites as well as in Digital Camera and Lonely Planet magazines – is filling up the spot as the guest judge for the contest. He will be judging together with Yong and Chan.
Azul encouraged the contestants to be original and give their own interpretations of the category themes.
“As contestants are allowed to submit photos from past five years, take this opportunity to go through your archives and look for that special photo you may have forgotten. For the Natural Forest Landscapes category, for instance, submit photos of people, animal or just plain landscapes which are not often seen or not similar to the past winning entries. For the Wood in Our Life category, show how everyday lives are intertwined and dependant on wood by portraying the aesthetics or practicality of a furniture piece, wood carvings or a wooden house,” he said.
“For the Stay Safe, Stay Green category, showcase the little green efforts people are making within their own vicinity or homes like gardening or growing vegetables. For the I Wander and I Wonder video category, contemplate and reflect on nature as you walk around your own neighbourhood – But only if this is allowed and in accordance with the current standard operating procedures. Otherwise, come up with something creative by re-editing footages from the past,” he said.
On tips for the contestants to stay creative, Azul said: “Look online for inspiration. Look at how other people capture images relating to the themes. For the Stay Safe, Stay Green, for example, observe the arrangements or unique angles of hanging potted plants.
“Take pictures at different times throughout the day when lighting conditions change. Try different interpretations of how you shoot things: Wide shot versus close-up or find an unusual point-of-view.”
Participation is open to all Malaysians who have a passion for forests, wood and photography. Contestants may submit up to 10 images for each category. The contest runs until 30 June. Winners will be announced on 7 August.
For details and contest form, visit the following Facebook pages:
MTCC.Malaysia, AdvancedImagesTravelution, majalahFotografika or PhotoCreatorTravelmate