2012 CGAP Photo Contest Now Accepting Entries

WASHINGTON, June 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The CGAP Photo Contest, which aims to highlight stand-out photography from amateurs and professionals depicting microfinance and financial inclusion around the world, is now accepting entries for 2012. For the first time this year, all entries will be collected online at photocontest.cgap.org.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please visit: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/50763-cgap-2012-photo-contest-microfinance

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120608/MM20572)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110412/MM81963LOGO)

We are looking for original, striking images of the impact of microfinance and financial inclusion around the world. Photos may represent a range of products, institutions, and methodologies, and may touch on a broad range of social, economic, developmental, and technological issues. We encourage entries from all regions, in both rural and urban settings. Each photo submission must be accompanied by a brief description, including the place and country where it was taken and how it tells the story of microfinance and advances in access to finance. By sharing your images, you'll reach countless others with the message of financial inclusion, help us explore the unique textures and vibrant new developments of the industry and show the remarkable ways in which poor people manage money.

Previous rounds of the contest have produced stunning images that have been shared with the microfinance community and many others around the world. 2011 was the most competitive year to date, with over 2,000 entries from 70 countries. The winning photo - "Salty Taste of Life," submitted by Ngo Quang Phuc of Vietnam, a doctor and serious amateur photographer - received excellent exposure globally and was displayed by PR Newswire in Times Square.

Many prizes will be issued, including a grand prize, second prize and third prize as well as winners from each region. For the first time this year, CGAP has added a "people's choice" category, so please vote for your favorite photos online at photocontest.cgap.org. This year's grand prize is a $2,000 gift certificate for photography equipment and accessories.

For more contest details, including rules, requirements and all current submissions, please go to the CGAP website. Additionally, you may follow us on Twitter (@CGAP), find us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/ConsultativeGroupToAssistThePoor), or use the hashtag #cgap_photo on Twitter and Instagram for updates.

SOURCE CGAP