SINGAPORE: The inaugural Singapore International Photography Festival received 6,800 entries from around the world. One reason for its success was the organisers' drive to minimise the cost of submitting work, to help more emerging photographers take part.

The horrors of child labour and the benefits of living within an extended family are just some of the issues explored in the festival, which showcases work by 66 photographers from 26 countries including the United Kingdom, Singapore and Bangladesh.

The organisers said the festival is among the first in Asia requiring photographers to submit their work via email and disc. This saves on printing and shipping expenses, and creates a level playing field for photographers.

Paul Kohl, master printer, Singapore International Photography Festival, said: "It changes how these festivals will be run because now it's just mailing costs. As long as you've got a computer and as long as you can get your work scanned, you can submit your work equally with all of the best photographers in the world."

It costs about S$1,400 to print just one high resolution photo this size and that doesn't include test runs. So with nearly 900 photographs in the exhibition, corporate sponsorship was vital to help the non-profit volunteer organisers stage the festival.

The festival will be held every two years and aims to propel Southeast Asian talent onto the international stage.

Gwen Lee, festival director, Singapore International Photography Festival, said: "Within the festival we have this emerging artist series which is to teach them how to edit their work, how to put together a good portfolio, so that they will stand in a favourable light when they submit overseas entries."

The festival - which runs until the end of October - is being held in several venues, including the Old School at Mount Sophia, the National Museum of Singapore and The Heeren shopping mall. - CNA/vm