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The 2023 National Geographic Taiwan Photo Contest opened for submissions on April 13, featuring themes spanning local culture and natural ecology. In collaboration with National Geographic, the Wistron Foundation promotes ecological sustainability and biodiversity awareness through photography, addressing diverse issues while connecting with global perspectives. The "Photography Forum" showcases renowned wildlife photographer Frans Lanting, acclaimed photographer Chao-Liang Shen, and documentary director Chin-Yuan Ke. Additionally, the "Photography in Schools" program inspires young people to explore their hometowns and engage with environmental sustainability.
Focusing on Biodiversity: Guiding Public Attention to Environmental Issues
This year’s contest focuses on "Taiwan" and is divided into adult and youth groups, featuring four main themes: "People," "Places," "Nature," and "Ecological Sustainability." The "Ecological Sustainability" category continues to highlight Taiwan's ecological issues, with "Biodiversity" as its central theme. Participants may submit one work per theme and compete in up to four themes, but each work can only be entered into one. The youth group invites photography enthusiasts under 20 to participate, with no theme restrictions and a maximum of three submissions allowed.
A Series of 5 to 10 Photos Telling a Story of Ecological Sustainability
This year’s “Ecological Sustainability” category transcends boundaries by welcoming submissions from all age groups. Entries must consist of a cohesive photo story of 5 to 10 images centered on a single theme, with “storytelling” as the primary judging criterion. In addition to prize money and awards, the category champion will have the chance to collaborate with renowned environmental filmmaker and National Geographic contributing photographer Ke Chin-Yuan on an “Ecological Sustainability Reporting Project.” Director Ke will personally share insights and techniques in ecological photography, guiding the champion to capture nature from diverse perspectives. This initiative aims to inspire exploration of Taiwan, foster respect for its rich ecological diversity, and encourage collective efforts to preserve the island’s pristine environment.
Caption: The Wistron Foundation, in collaboration with its NGO partners, encourages public engagement with Taiwan's ecological sustainability issues through photography. (From left to right: Rui-Kuang Chao, Researcher at the Tainan Community University Research & Development Association; Chi-Ting Lee, President of the Society of Wilderness; Tai-Hua Tsai, Executive Secretary of the Raptor Research Group of Taiwan; Simon Lin, Chairman of Wistron Corporation; YungShih Lee, Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic Magazine Taiwan and Executive Director of Boulder Media; Chao-Hsien Lee, Chairman of the Wild Bird Society of Taipei; Shih-Wei Wang, Specialist at WildOne Wildlife Conservation Association; Chieh-Te Liang, renowned ecological documentary filmmaker.)
Halting Bird Photography Submissions: Highlighting Photography Ethics
Recent media reports have exposed unethical practices by individuals and businesses profiting from improper methods of luring birds for photography, even turning it into an industry. These actions undermine ecological photography and violate the principles upheld by National Geographic’s photography competitions. In response, the 2023 Photo Contest has suspended bird photography submissions due to the difficulty of verifying whether entries involve staged or lured settings. With this decision, National Geographic urges wildlife photographers to avoid unnatural practices that disturb wildlife, harm animals, or damage habitats. Looking ahead, plans are underway to collaborate with the Wild Bird Society of Taipei and field experts to host seminars promoting ethical and responsible bird photography.
2023 National Geographic Magazine Photo Contest Submission Information
Submission Period: April 13 (Thu) - July 13 (Thu)
Photo Contest Registration: www.natgeomedia.com/photocontest/
National Geographic Magazine Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/natgeomedia
National Geographic Magazine Official Website: www.natgeomedia.com
2023 National Geographic Forum: Caring for Nature - Frans Lanting