At least 1,000 photographers are expected to take to Phnom Penh’s streets for next weekend’s Canon PhotoMarathon

As the city’s snappers prep their gear ahead of next weekend’s Post Weekend-sponsored Canon Photomarathon, where hundreds of photographers will be put to the test creating exceptional images, previous winners offered their advice to this year’s competitors.

“My concept was totally different from other participants and I think this is the key to affect the judges,” said Roly Touch, who came in second last year for his abstract-themed shot.

Three different themes will be announced throughout the day, with the competition kicking off at 9am when the first theme is revealed. Participants have three hours to capture an image before the next theme is announced.

Last year’s contest attracted about 600 people and organisers are expecting this number to increase, with hopes for 1,000 participants this year.

Both experienced and amateur photographers are welcome and, in addition to the “open” category, there will also be a “student” category to encourage participants under the age of 18 to develop an interest in photography.

Last year’s first prizes went to Vong Sopheak, Bin Sakvisal and Roly Touch, who all received Canon vouchers for their efforts, while this year’s participants will be in the running to win Canon cameras, vouchers from CamLau and scratchcards from SMART.

All 2014 winners will attend a Photo Clinic in Siem Reap as part of the Angkor Photo Festival, and one winner from the “open” category will be sent on a nine-day Canon Photo Clinic in Japan.

Last year’s competition saw entrants submit photographs for the themes Love, Abstract and Belief.

Vong Sopheak won third place in the Belief category for her black-and-white image portraying three pairs of feet bound together by a krama, the traditional Cambodian garment often worn as a scarf or bandana.

“Belief ties people to their religion and culture,” Sopheak said when explaining the meaning behind her photo.

Sopheak strongly encourages young photographers to enter the 2014 competition, saying it is a great chance to showcase their photography and learn skills from other participants.

Last year’s third place winner for the Love category, Bin Sakvisal, said the technical aspects and meaning of his photo were what helped him create his winning photograph.

He says choosing correct angles and adjusting light is important to create a winning image.

The Canon Photomarathon will be held at Koh Pich, Building G on Sunday October 19 from 7am to 9pm.

To register visit canon-asia.com/photomarathon or call 096 871 6355.