'Hope in Shadows' photo contest underway in Downtown Eastside

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - The eighth annual 'Hope in Shadows' photo contest is under way in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.  Contestants living in the area lined up for 200 free cameras this morning, so they can take pictures that could end up in a 2011 calendar.

People are being asked to take pictures showing the Downtown Eastside's brighter side, including new categories such as best urban landscape, best portrait and best colour photo.  Photos will be judged by a community panel later this month.  Winner of the top picture wins a prize of $500.

Clyde is a homeless man, who has lived in the area for a decade, and is taking part in the competition for the first time.  "I can tell you stories about the Downtown Eastside--skid row, and to show you a picture and tell you the story behind that picture, it isn't as bad as people make it out to be down here."

The best 12 photos will appear in a calendar that will go on sale in October.