Contestants for the session with TVB performers on Tuesday have already been selected, but entrants for the remaining two groups will be able to take their pictures any time the show is open. There is no limit to the number of entries.

The deadline for entries is April 7 and judging will take place on April 19.

The prize ceremony will be held in Sha Tin Town Hall and all winning entries will be displayed at the town hall and in Kowloon Park in May.

The aim of the competition is to generate interest among visitors to the outdoor exhibits.

Visitors with the best equipment will stand a better chance. Many shots of individual flowers are taken close up, which requires a tripod for all but the most steady-handed photographer.

Close-up pictures also require experience when selecting aperture and exposure time. Too slow a time often leads to blurring, as the flower can move in the breeze. It is also unusual to use a longer exposure time than 1/30th of a second.

Lighting can cause problems and, although each day will vary, poor light will result in a bad picture unless the photographer has a background board, a reflector and an exposure meter.

Those who fail to arrive before the crowds will need patience. Visitors will cast shadows, block the light or walk in front of the camera.

Over the weekends, when the show gets extremely crowded, it will be better to go for the unexpected and unplanned pictures of people.

Those who fail to win will still have some colourful souvenirs of one of Hong Kong's most popular outdoor events.