National Geographic Channel & WorldNomads.com: Travel Photography Scholarship 2011 - South Africa

Jason Edwards, National Geographic

Go on assignment to South Africa and be mentored by a National Geographic photographer!

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Applications close November 8th 2011, at 2pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (GMT +11)

WorldNomads.com and National Geographic Channel are giving one exceptional individual the chance to go on assignment with renowned wildlife photographer Jason Edwards to South Africa!

This is your chance to photograph in Kruger National Park on an 8-day trip with Gap Adventures. Step into the heart of Big 5 game country with lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, as well as zebra, giraffe, kudo and monkey...to name a few. You'll also photograph Cape Town in all its vibrant colour and visit a pre-school community project on the outskirts of Cape Town, offering you a well rounded view of modern South Africa, courtesy of South African Tourism.  

A selection of your best photos will be published on National Geographic Channel where they will be viewed by thousands of travellers worldwide, offering you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get your foot in the door of one of the most revered exploration organisations in the world!

Highly regarded for his wildlife and remote landscape photography, Jason Edwards is represented by National Geographic Image Collection.

Jason Edwards, National Geographic

Your Assignment Brief

* We'll fly you in from your country of residence to Johannesburg where you will meet your mentor and small travel group for your bespoke 8 day trip with Gap Adventures. You'll need to be available to be in South Africa between January 18-25, 2012.

* On the trip you will work alongside Jason Edwards photographing wildlife and landscapes in Kruger National Park at various times of the day and night. You will also work through a specific shot list as part of your assignment.

* You will gain invaluable mentoring and hands-on experience in everything from shot set up, technique and composition through to insights into his many years of diverse experience as an award winning photographer.

* Your assignment will involve observing and assisting Jason as well as undertaking your own photographic work. This will involve long days, early mornings and late nights working!

* You will keep a daily diary about your time on the trip and upload this to a WorldNomads.com travel journal, including pictures you've taken.

* On your return you will work with Jason Edwards to shortlist your top photographs for submission to National Geographic Channel for publication.

* Most of all, you'll be experiencing what it's like to be a photographer-on assignment with National Geographic!

See past travel photography scholarship winner Dat Vu's photos (2010) on the Nat Geo Channel website, and Anna Zhu's (2009) exhibition with Jason Edwards in Sydney.

Jason Edwards, National Geographic

Who can apply

* This opportunity is open to any non-professional trying to start a career in Travel Photography -  photography students or keen amateurs/pro-amateurs looking for a foot in the door.

* Minimum age 18 with a good level of physical fitness.

* This is a global opportunity - you may be a resident of any country.

* You should be an exceptional photographer with a lust for adventure, have a strong desire to be mentored and grow your photographic knowledge and skills, an ambition to forge a career in Travel Photography, and of course a desire to travel to South Africa.

* Remember this is a scholarship, a learning experience, and therefore will not be suitable for professional or semi-professional photographers.

* Find out more about eligibility in our FAQ video blog

Jason Edwards, National Geographic

Apply now

Please look carefully at the 4 steps required to complete your application.
If your photos are not ready, we suggest you come back later to complete this entry.

1. Shoot a series of photos (maximum of 5)

They must tell a story about a place you have visited. 'Place' may be anywhere; somewhere in your own community or much further away. The judges will be looking for:

* originality
* ability to convey a story through photos
* excellent technique

Each of the 5 shots will require accompanying caption text to help contextualize the shot.

Please see our FAQ video blog about the theme, making digital adjustments and Jason's judging criteria.

2. Add your photos to WorldNomads.com.

Firstly create a journal, which is where your photos will be hosted, and fill in the entry form. Upload your photos either as a Flickr set or directly in the journal. (If you are already a member or have a journal, please sign-in.)

*Please don't remove the tags and title of the gallery we have set up for you - this is how we find you*

3. Tell us in 300 words or less about your photos and why you should be chosen.

Your written response will have significant weighting in the judging process, so think carefully about why you should be chosen.  Tell us about yourself, your passions, why you love photography, what drives you to take a better shot, where you would like to go with your photography etc. Help us form a picture in our mind of you as a person with your text.

Remember this is a once in a lifetime learning opportunity, not a junket for professional photographers.

4. Finally the legal bit.

You know the Terms and Conditions of entry.

One entry per person

Apply on: http://journals.worldnomads.com/scholarships/story/75637/Worldwide/Travel-Photography-Scholarship-2011-South-Africa