Danang, 08 October 2017 – Canon’s 12^th PhotoMarathon in Danang has wrapped up Round 1, with its Danang event attracting over 1,200 keen photographers to the streets and shores of the central town.  Set the themes of Sharing Happiness, Pattern of Life, and Human and The Sea, the event has announced the following list of winners:

• Grand prize: Full paid Canon Photomarathon Asia Championship 2018 trip in Japan, 01 Canon EOS 6D Mark II (body) and 01 Canon PIXMA Pro 100.
  • Le Anh Vu
• First prize: 01 Canon EOS 77D + EF-S18-55mm IS STM and 01 PIXMA TS8070.
  • Sharing Happiness: Truong Quang Huy.
  • Pattern of Life: Truong Vu Bich Thao.
  • Human and The Sea: Dau Quyet Thang.
• Second prize: 01 Canon EOS 800D+ EF-S18-55mm IS STM and 1 PIXMA G2000.
  • Sharing Happiness: Phan Chau Phong.
  • Pattern of Life: Phan Thi Ngoc Anh.
  • Human and The Sea: Huynh Van Truyen.
• Third prize: 01 Canon EOS M6+ EF-15-45mm IS STM and 01 PIXMA MG3670.
  • Sharing Happiness: Le Tran Dang Khoa.
  • Pattern of Life: Phung Trong Tin.
  • Human and The Sea: Nguyen Ngoc Nghia.

With creativity underpinning the entire day, the themes were revealed with a meaningful backstory.  “Sharing Happiness” was announced by an enthusiastic dance troupe; “Pattern of Life” saw a magician ring in the theme; and a loving exchange of balloons between a contestant-couple of eight years set the backdrop for the final topic – “Human and The Sea”.

Armed with passion and strength, more than 1,200 registrants of the 2017 Danang PhotoMarathon ran around the streets, alleys and beaches of the “The Most Livable City in Vietnam”. They ultimately amazed the judges with their high quality and creative photos and the way they had captured priceless moments in such a short time-window.

Canon Marketing Vietnam, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hiroshi Yokota said: “2017 is the second time that Canon PhotoMarathon has come to Danang.  Each year the judges, photographic experts and I marvel at the creativity of the contestants here.  Seeing them running the streets of the town for their art, seeing the passion and positivity in their eyes, I believe inspires the entire town.  The competition is more than just a playground for young photographers, it provides them with a platform for the further development of their careers behind the lens.  I would like to congratulate all 1,200 of the people we have here for the heart that they have shown with their efforts today.”

Judge Hai Thanh commented that he was really impressed by Truong Quang Huy’s first prize in the “Sharing Happiness” category: “This photo stays close to the theme of happiness and sharing. Huy used the bright sky as a background which helps direct the viewer’s eye to the smiles of fishermen.”

“It took me 10 minutes to capture the moment fishermen drew in the nets. They had been very friendly while I asked whether I could take their photo,” Truong Quang Huy later commented. “Thank you Canon for organizing such a meaningful photographic competition so I can learn from others and improve my skills.”

Judge Hai Dong commented on Vu Bich Thao’s photo: “Many people will say this photo is too simplistic to be the winner, but this photographic style is new and modern. The patterns from the blue dress, yellow tiles and grey cement are taken well. The most charming element of this photo are her feet. This picture is really amazing.”

Both the judges were impressed by the message conveyed in the photo of Dau Quyet Thang. Dau Quyet Thang stated that the competition had been an incredible day-long experience, commenting: “I went from Hai Van to Tien Son Sport Stadium to submit the photos. But while I was crossing Binh Phuoc bridge, I wanted to stop for some photos. Suddenly, the rain started and I patiently waited to capture this moment.”

Judges Hai Dong commented on the winning Le Anh Vu’s photo: “This photo followed the “Human and The Sea” theme to the letter. The man’s strength as he lifts himself in his ‘pull-up’ is clear. The beams are raised one by one, which highlights the journey of the man’s strength. Coincidentally, the clouds follow the same progression in the background, making for a stunning effect. The technique and composition are both superb. His skin, the blue sky, even the volleyball net, all add to the balance of this photo.”

“I am really happy to become the winner of this year’s Canon PhotoMarathon in Danang. I would like to say thanks to Canon for organizing such a wonderful competition for photographic lovers like me.”

“I also want to say thanks to Mr. Hai Thanh for his knowledge about lifestyle photography. I went to the beach, saw the fishermen fixing a boat, and it was very beautiful. But I came directly to this man and asked to take his photo. It took me 45 minutes to get this shot. I was really surprised by the result. I do not know what to say except to once again express my gratitude to Canon.”

In addition to the main prizes, the photo competition also has other categories such as:

• Impressive photos: photographic jacket and hat by Canon, photobook and memory card Sandisk 16GB.
• The most humorous photo: Hard drive Western Digital My Passport 1TB.
• Best photo taken by Canon EOS M series: 01 Canon EOS M5+ EF-15-45mm IS STM

Manh Ha shared about his unique angle made him the winner in Best photo taken by Canon EOS M Series: “There was a storm today and I thought about the scariest things can happen. I covered myself with a net to compose a fish-eye look and this is what I have got.”

The entire registration fee, totalling more than VND39 million, will be donated to the charitable fund “Canon – For the Future Generations” in order to deliver better educational conditions for disadvantaged students in Vietnam.

Canon PhotoMarathon continues on 29th October in Ho Chi Minh City before moving to Hanoi the week later for its 2017 finale.

For more information about the results and event photos, please log in: https://www.facebook.com/canonvietnamfanpage or http://www.canon.com.vn/photomarathon/