I'm always fascinated to see what types of prizes photography contest organizers come up with in lieu of cash. Occasionally there is promise of a traveling exhibit to increase exposure but mostly the prize is always the same. Most of the time it seems to wind up being the "privilege" of having your image published in a limited exposure situation (that would pay you if it hadn't been a contest). The Auckland Festival of Photography 2008 in New Zealand, however, has truly come up with an original prize this time. This year the main draw of the competition is that a winning shot will be turned into a billboard.

The contest is sponsored by Heart of the City and Metro Magazine and the theme is "Big smiles little moments". Entries are to be accepted in the main competition during the month of April and public voting goes through May 3rd.