Al Ain Zoo is kicking off its photography contest today (19 January, 2014) for the third consecutive year. Both amateur and professional photographers can enter the 2014 Photography Contest at Al Ain Zoo by capturing candid zoo moments on camera until 28 February, 2014with the option to submit up to three photographs per participant.

Animal lovers are encouraged to get creative and explore the zoo’s various exhibits and activities, whether to photograph animals, plants, mammals, the bird show, or more. Juries from the zoo will then review and select the top 12 winning images to be included in the 2015 Al Ain Zoo Calendar, with a portion of sales proceeds going to benefit the zoo’s conservation projects. Winners will be honoured in a ceremony at the zoo, and receiving gifts and an exclusive zoo tour.

MunaAlDhaheri, Chief Conservation & Education Officer, said:

“The response to last year’s photo contest was tremendous. We were amazed by the innovation in some of the entries, and we are confident participants will surprise us even more this year as there is no better way to tell a story than through a lens.The photo contest gives us a great opportunity to engage the UAE community in a fun way, that will see them contributing and raising awareness about Al Ain Zoo’s conservation efforts, which is ultimately part of a wider, global cause to protect wildlife.”

The zoo offered six top tips for budding photographers wanting to capture their zoo memories:

• Tell a story. Before you even pick up the camera, think about what story you want to convey. Is it to focus on the fierceness of the lions? The camaraderie of the monkeys? Or dinner time for the giraffes?
• Look at the bigger picture. There’s more to Al Ain Zoo than its 4,000 animal residents. Think about the beautiful mountainous backdrop or, perhaps it is the elated faces of children enjoying the Bird Show.
• Be patient! Animals are unpredictable so take your time to get the pictures you want.
• Remember eye contact really brings a picture alive.
• Close-up shots are great way to fill the frame and capture extra detail – use your zoom or get closer to the animals.
• Practice, practice, practice. Digital cameras allow you to take multiple shots. The more you take, the better chance you have of snapping the best picture.

The 2014 Photography Contest at Al Ain Zoo is open to participants age seven years and above, with each entry required to be in landscape layout. Photographs must be e-mailed to zoophoto@awpr.ae.Winners will be announced by the end of May with the calendar to be available for purchase later in the year. Entries should be emailed to zoophoto@alainzoo.ae and should have a minimum 300 dpi. The zoo is open daily from 9am to 8pm during the contest period.

Emirate:  Abu Dhabi

Date: Jan 20, 2014

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