Unstaged unveiled

Hi Blipsters, Joe here again. We seem to be making loads of major announcements this month, and this is no exception...

Over the last few months, we've been working away with our friends at Channel Four Television, the National Theatre of Scotland and Scottish Screen, creating an exciting project which we can all get involved in. They love what we're doing here and are constantly blown away with the talent on the site.

We agreed it would be fun to put together a joint event, unique to Blipfoto, which recognises and rewards that talent, and helps even more people discover the joy of blipping.

The event is called 'Unstaged', and revolves around three high-profile photography competitions based firmly on the Blipfoto format: each competition entry will comprise of five Blipfoto entries and will be judged on the writing and underlying concept as much as the quality of photography.

Just like Blipfoto itself, Unstaged will start with a Scotland-based event then spread around the planet, but there's a role for everyone from the outset. The whole Blipfoto community will determine the entries which go forward for final judging. The winners - in both junior and adult categories - will be rewarded with some fantastic photographic prizes, a respectable pile of cash, Blipfoto memberships and the chance to work with a professional photographer.

We're planning to formally launch the event in November, at which point you'll have access to a dedicated website with all the details, including dates, themes and prizes. I'm telling you now because I wanted to give you a wee sneak preview and the opportunity to help us spread the word. We'll have badges for your other blogs, e-cards and some beautiful printed flyers (featuring an image by a well-known blipper) - if you can help us distribute this stuff, please get in touch.

To say I'm busting with pride and excitement about this would be an understatement - it's another fantastic accolade for the whole Blipfoto community and I know those who decide to take part will have a lot of fun doing so.

Stuart Cosgrove of Channel 4 has said "as a visually appealing and conceptually unique site, Blipfoto is a brand that Channel 4 is proud to be associated with." The National Theatre of Scotland are driven by their accessibility to people from all walks of life, something you already know is at the core of the Blipfoto community.

Watch this space for more news...!