The organizers of the “JerusaLens” GuruShots photo challenge presents it as a historic attempt to gather and rank the largest number of photos of the city of Jerusalem ever collected. And to sweeten the pot, winners will receive prizes worth a total of $10,000.
According to blogger Will Hagle (Al My Faves), Gurushots is a platform for photographers with a competitive side. The site hosts several different types of photography challenges, all of which are free to join but could result in a monetary reward. The challenges are all hosted by talented professionals, and they typically consist of a simple yet creativity-inspiring prompt.
“In this challenge, we are looking for photos that show the uniqueness, vibe and beauty of this spectacular city and its inhabitants,” they write at their website, which is also the submission site. “Jerusalem’s awe-inspiring beauty lies in its juxtaposition of old and new and mix of cultures and religions,” they write, “It is truly a one-of-a-kind place for photo enthusiasts.”
So far, the competition has netted 2,700 photo submissions, out of the goal number of 50,000.
The organizer say 100 photos from the top-ranked participants in this challenge will be selected to be printed by HP Israel and showcased in an exhibition at the Ammunition Hill National Memorial Site in Jerusalem, Israel. The site has over 250K visitors a year and is an Israeli national landmark.
The selected photos may also be featured in future publications to promote tourism to Israel. In such cases, credit will be explicitly given to you as the owner of the content.
The first phase of the Challenge (until Feb 28, 2017): Everyone is welcome to upload their photos of the city, from any period, in any subject to show the many faces of Jerusalem (subject to the terms of GuruShots).
The second phase (from March 1 until March 19, 2017): Everyone is invited to vote for the most beautiful and exciting photos.
A total of $10,000 in prizes will be split among the 4 top-ranked photos by categories: Best photographer, best picture, and the Guru selection. First place in an Instagram photography challenge will win another $500. All the prizes are provided by JNF-USA (your blue collection box in action).
Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin said in a statement: “Jerusalem tells the story of the world. I urge you all to join the challenge, and upload unique photographs of our beloved Jerusalem. Artistic and aesthetic photographs – especially photographs with a message of unity, which gives personal and emotional expression to our common denominator called Jerusalem.
Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Mr. Ze’ev Elkin said in a statement: “Our aim in this photo challenge is to uncover forgotten memories and get an exciting encounter of Jerusalem’s history in a frame. As the Minister of Jerusalem and Heritage affairs for Israel, I hope to see unity and beauty through your personal camera lens. From here on out, it is in your hands. “
Tourism Minister Mr. Yariv Levin said in a statement: “The Jerusalem Photo Challenge is a great opportunity to expose Jerusalem’s multiple beautiful faces. I call on everyone to take photos, upload and vote.”
The contest is sponsored by KKL-JNF Israel, JNF-USA, Ammunition Hill National Heritage and Memorial site in Jerusalem, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage Affairs and the GPO, with the support of HP (Scitex and Indigo) and PICO Venture Partners, invite all photographers of Jerusalem to join in an historic photo challenge in the spirit of worldwide cooperation.