FIBA calls Pinoys to join photo contest
International Basketball Foundation (IBF) historical collections associate and archivist Luis Rojas Gonzalez yesterday expressed hope that the Philippines will be No. 1 in participation in this year’s FIBA photography contest once more after 60 percent of 800 entries came from the country in the 2017 competition where three of the top 10 winners were Filipinos.
Gonzalez requested The STAR to spread the news of the launch of this year’s contest. “I hope your nation will be the No. 1 in participation again,” said Gonzalez who is based in the FIBA headquarters in Mies, Switzerland. He also plans to explore the possibility of holding an art and photography exhibit when the Philippines hosts the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
This year’s photography contest will run from Jan. 15 to April 30. The IBF is the organizing body whose role is to preserve and promote FIBA values and its cultural heritage. “The contest will be a unique opportunity for all keen photographers and basketball lovers to show their talents,” said the IBF. The 40 best entries chosen by an IBF jury will be displayed in an exhibition at the FIBA headquarters on June 16-Oct. 30.
Each participant is required to submit one or up to three photographs linked to the themes “Basketball Is Everywhere” and “Basketball a Universal Language.” The photographs must reflect, in digital format, one of the two themes and the link with basketball. The contest is open to participants of any age and any nationality. Participation is free of charge.
Photographs must be taken by the participant and are personal creations which may not be presented in the name of a third party. Drawings, illustrations, computer-made or assisted pictures are not permitted. According to the rules, the only alterations allowed are the modification of certain parameters like saturation, contrast, sharpness, temperature of colors, and balance of whites and colors.
The photographs must be sent in jpeg/jpg format with a minimum size of 4Mo, maximum size of 20Mo and minimum number pixels of five million. There must be an accompanying caption indicating the date, place and brief description. No text or description on the photograph is allowed. All submissions must be uploaded electronically through the website dedicated to the contest photocontest.fiba.basketball. Photographs that are not linked to the themes will be excluded and the entries removed. Photographs containing inappropriate content that delves on violence, racism or pornography and anything promotional or commercial will be disqualified.
The 10 best photographs will receive prizes. First prize is 3,000 Swiss Francs or the equivalent of about $3,118, second is 2,000 Swiss Francs and third is 1,000 Swiss Francs. The fourth to 10th prizes are FIBA official license products. The jury is composed of highly regarded international photographers Alberto Nevado Piqueras, Mirco Cussigh, FX Rougeot and Richard Juilliart. Last year, Filipino photographers Emerson Catindoy (runner-up), Joel Forte (fourth place) and Melfort (ninth place) were among the top 10 winners. The best 30 photographs were shown in an exhibit at the FIBA headquarters last June 30Oct. 30.