A picture Of Independence

The Independent on Sunday and First Direct, the UK's premier 24- hour telephone bank, are offering one of Europe's most generous prizes for a photographic competition. Inspired by this paper's name and First Direct's unconventional and flexible approach to banking, the theme of this black-and-white photographic competition is "independence", and it is open to both professionals and amateurs.

Photography captures in a split-second the spirit of an occasion that might otherwise be elusive. A raised eyebrow, a gesture - a poignant look: all can be caught in an instant and reveal more than words ever can.

With black-and-white photography, and the subtle contrasts that can be achieved, this is even more the case. Classic photographers such as Cecil Beaton, Ansell Adams, Robert Capa, Don McCullen and David Bailey are all best known for their powerful and breathtaking black-and-white photography. Without the diversion of colour, a skilful black- and-white photograph is as much about capturing the spirit of the scene as it is technical brilliance.

The Independent on Sunday / First Direct Black-and-White Photo-graphic Award asks photographers to capture on film the mood of "independence" and, in the spirit of the competition, you are free to interpret it in any way you want to.

ENTRY DETAILS

Prints (size 10" by 8" minimum and 16" by 12" maximum for adults and 11 to 17-year-olds, and any size for primary school children) must be received by 31 December 1997.

Judging takes place in January 1998, and the prize winners will be announced at a ceremony, and in the Independent on Sunday, in March.

Photographs must have been taken during 1997, must be black-and-white, and entry is restricted to UK and Ireland residents, although the pictures may have been taken anywhere in the world.

Only one print per entrant can be accepted (no negatives), and all prints will be retained.

The photo competition will be judged by Rosie Boycott, editor of the Independent on Sunday, Peter Simpson, commercial director of First Direct, IoS Review picture editor, Victoria Lukens, IoS art editor, Joanna Dale, and award-winning IoS photographer, Tom Pilston.

Please send your entry photograph to: Independent on Sunday / First Direct Black-and-White Photographic Award, c/o Band & Brown Communications, 18 Compton Terrace, London N1 2UN.

Write your name, age (or "adult" for 18 years and over), address and a telephone number where you can be contacted on the reverse of your photograph in indelible ink. Also indicate the age category on the reverse of the envelope. If you want your photograph to be returned, please include a SAE and proper packaging. The Independent on Sunday and First Direct cannot accept any responsibility for material damaged in the post.

CATEGORIES AND PRIZES

ADULT (professional and amateur)

1st prize pounds 10,000 in cash, plus a paid photographic assignment for the IoS

2nd prize pounds 3,000

3rd prize pounds 1,000

Twenty runners-up will have their work displayed, along with the three winners', in a special exhibition

11 TO 17-YEAR-OLDS

First prize personal computer

Ten runners-up, along with the winner, will have their work displayed at the exhibition

PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

First prize personal computer

Ten runners-up, along with the winner, will have their work displayed at the exhibition

First Direct is a division of Midland Bank, which is a wholly- owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings Plc. HSBC Holdings Plc, with some 5,500 offices in 79 countries and territories, and assets of pounds 237 billion at 31 December 1996, is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations.

The IoS and First Direct reserve the right to use the winning photographs for promotional purposes in connection with the competition and exhibition.

The competition is not open to employees, or their families, of Newspaper Publish-ing Plc, HSBC Group or their agents.

A list of competition winners will be available from Band & Brown Communica- tions from 3 April 1998.

The above copy constitutes the terms and conditions of the competition.