In November, Chérine, Fanny, Léa, Maxime and Matthieu started to work on a photographic concept (element of the co-creation workshops) as part of the prototype phase. After some thought, the group and Pas-de-Calais Tourisme repositioned the project, as it was difficult to develop this concept in the allocated time. So, with the help of Jean-Michel André, a professional photographer, they decided to work on the first concept they had imagined: a one-day photographic tour of Lens in Pas-de-Calais.
Pas-de-Calais Tourisme is delighted to present the prototype created by the group to help visitors discover the destination around the Louvre-Lens and its post-industrial heritage.
This prototype will take the form of a photo marathon.
From December to May, the group worked on the rules for the marathon (who and how many people could take part, how many themes, what the rules should be, what the logistical requirements for the day were, etc.), co-wrote the rules of procedure, tested the selected themes, co-wrote the booklet given to participants, proposed a registration form and a satisfaction survey.
The photo marathon will take place on 1 June 2024 in Lens from 9.30am. This first edition of the marathon is fully booked, with 40 amateur photographers aged 15 and over taking part.
There will be two categories: digital cameras and smartphones. Their tasks:
Capture the beauty and diversity of Lens through a series of photos,
Explore different photographic themes and techniques,
Tell a captivating story through your photos,
Select six photos from six different themes, within a time limit. This photographic event is a real artistic challenge that allows you to develop your imagination and express your feelings through the lens of your camera.
The six themes selected will remain secret until the big day. Three themes will be revealed in the morning and the last three after the lunch break. Participants will have until 5.30pm to take their photos and can send them to the jury until midnight on 2 June.
From 6 June, the jury will have two weeks to mark the photographs. The jury is made up of professionals from the fields of culture, tourism and photography, as well as some members of the collective.
The results will be announced at the end of June or beginning of July. The winners will be awarded a variety of prizes in line with their 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ranking in each category: a weekend in a 4-star hotel, dinner at the Atelier du Cerisier (the Louvre-Lens Museum restaurant), guided tours with the Lens-Liévin Hénin-Carvin Tourist Office, souvenir items….
If the first edition is a success, Pas-de-Calais Tourisme’s aim is to make it a regular event covering all destinations in order to showcase our heritage through amateur photography.
