A three-month placement with a celebrity photographer, plus Nikon camera gear, is up for grabs as part of a move to back ?emerging photographers?.

The Nikon Foundation is a competition open to final year students attending a higher-education, photography-based college or university course in the UK or Ireland.

Students are asked to submit a portfolio of images for the chance of a three-month placement with celebrity photographer John Wright, starting next summer.

Nikon UK?s group marketing manager Jeremy Gilbert said: ?We recognise that getting a job in photography after education can be tough, which is why we have introduced this ?money can?t buy? opportunity.

?We hope that the winner will pick up some valuable experience, tips and skills from John to help them progress their career.?

Photographer John Wright said: ?I am delighted to be part of the Nikon Foundation and am really keen to support emerging photographers.

?I?m looking forward to seeing the portfolios and interviewing the finalists to find someone with raw talent who is able to embrace a challenge and appreciates that a career in photography requires commercial awareness and drive and that succeeding is not just about taking pictures.

?I?m hoping to reward someone who shows the imagination, determination and commitment to excellence that?s necessary to fit in with my team, with the opportunity to gain a real hands-on introduction to the realities of succeeding in this industry.?

The competition closes on 31 March 2011.

For details visit www.nikonfoundation.co.uk