Local photographer earns honorable mention from National Geographic

Taipei, Dec. 22 (CNA) Taiwanese photographer Shih Hung-hsiu recently earned an honorable mention in this year's National Geographic photo contest for his shot of a traditional fishing technique from the north coast of Taiwan. More than 20,000 photographs from over 130 countries were submitted to the annual photo contest, which honors some of the best photos taken around the world by professional and amateur photographers. Shih's photo, titled "Sulfuric Fire Festival," captured the moment when Taiwanese fishermen were hauling in a school of fish that had been attracted by flames lit above the surface of the ocean. "I'm very lucky to have captured that moment," Shih told CNA on Thursday. He said the photo was taken near a fishing village in New Taipei City's Yehliu, where the tradition of torch fishing is still followed and passed down to the next generation. "I'm glad to let more people know about Taiwan's traditional culture," said the 60-year-old former newspaper employee. Each year, the National Geographic selects a number of winners and one grand-prize winner from contest entrants. The grand prize winner receives US$10,000 and a trip to the annual National Geographic Photography Seminar in Washington D.C. This year's grand prize award went to Shikhei Goh for his capture of a dragonfly in a rainstorm in Indonesia. Results were announced earlier this week. (By Christie Chen) ENDITEM/npw

Local photographer earns honorable mention from National Geographic Taipei, Dec. 22 (CNA) Taiwanese photographer Shih Hung-hsiu recently earned an honorable mention in this year's National Geographic photo contest for his shot of a traditional fishing technique from the north coast of Taiwan.