The Government Information Bureau (GCS) today launched a new online photo submission portal, Macao Photo Book (http://photo.gcs.gov.mo), which aims to encourage local residents to chronicle diverse aspects of Macao and precious moments in a form of images.

The new portal will be open year-round for the submissions of photos. Entrants whose photos are selected for use by GCS will receive a payment of 800 patacas per photo for the right of use.

The first round of photos selection will be held in late November. All Macao residents are welcome to participate.

The selection panel, including representatives from eight photography associations and five media organisations, will select approximately 120 outstanding photos yearly.

GCS has been organising the “Precious Moments in Macao” Photography Competition since 2004, which has attracted many outstanding works in various themes from local photography aficionados over the years. In a bid to collect outstanding works in a more timely and effective manner, the Macao Photo Book portal was launched for the year-round submissions of photos.

Terms for taking part in this activity are as follows:

1. Eligibility: Anyone with a valid Macao identification card is eligible to submit entries (All registration information, including personal data and email address, should be accurate as such information is needed for entrants to claim their fees if their photos are selected for use).

2. Requirements: Submitted works must be closely related to the people, events or architecture of Macao. By capturing the changes in the cityscape and people’s lives over the years, they should underscore Macao’s diverse precious moments.

3. Specifications: Submitted works must be in digital format (35mm-film photos can be turned into digital files by scanning). The photos should be in JPEG format with resolution over three megapixels. Both colour and black-and-white photos are acceptable. File size should not exceed 3MB.

4. Method of submission: Works should be submitted electronically through the website of the Macao Photo Book (http://photo.gcs.gov.mo). Entrants will have to register before they can upload photos.

5. Number of submissions: Each entrant may upload a maximum of 100 photos.

6. Date of judging: Three times per year.

7. Purchasing the right of use: Once a photo is selected for use by GCS, the entrant will receive a payment of 800 patacas per photo for the right of use.