Thinking about a photo contest

[Max]

I am thinking about a promotion to get the site a kick in the butt so to speak. What would people think if we did a photo contest and see if I could do something like come up with a digital rebel XSI camera body or something for a prize? It would cost me some money to do but I think it might just give the site a real shot in the arm and get people interested in submitting some photos and maybe taking some pictures.

I was thinking we should make it all members votes and run it for say a couple of months. We would have to use the forum software to post this to avoid people clearing cache and posting multiple votes. It could be kind of fun and the winner could end up with a nice digital entry SLR.

Thoughts, ideas etc etc.

[Diamond Lil]

I'd be willing to make a donation to help defer costs.

[LAVrod]

Should be fun.

[Michael Hetrick]

I'd be willing to make a donation in the form of an entry to try to win the Big Prize. Don't thank me, I'm generous like that.

[Max]

No donations allowed. This is me wanting to give something back to those that have done so much for me. I want to do this for one of my friends. I'll come up with something nice. Start thinking of some guidelines we might want to set. I want this to be something anyone could enter and take a picture of just about anything. Do we allow any photo effects, what are the rules so give me some ideas. I know it will be done by a member only voting system using the forum software to validate votes.

[LAVrod]

Maybe i missed it but where do we download this software?

[pegdragger]

Sounds like a lot of fun Max. I am game. Would try my hand at it. I do think processing should be limited. I can dramatically chage a picture with Photoshop. Especially nowadays with HDR. The pictures are incredible.

I would say to keep it minimal. Only resize and crop. Is there going to be a number of submissions or just one per person? New pic, old pic from archives? obvious lingo about copyright pics.

I am sure there is more, but it is late and my brain stopped working years ago. I am excited about this!!

[Max]

Maybe i missed it but where do we download this software?

No software for this, this would be a photo contest. A talent contest of photos. Voted by the members and someone would take an entry level slr camera for their effort. I think it might get a reaction. I know I'd like to win one. :)

[LAVrod]

One entry only would be nice. This would limit the chances to be more fair.

[pegdragger]

One entry only would be nice. This would limit the chances to be more fair.

That makes sense. Fair enough.

[Michael Hetrick]

That makes sense. Fair enough.

I've entered photo contests in which you have to explain your shot, what you were trying to say or a feeling you were trying to evoke, etc. Not just "hey lookie, I got lucky shooting a kid with a popsicle" shots.

Just some thoughts.

Another fun contest that we might try later is what me and my buddies used to do is "take a pic like a pro" in which you name some famous photographer (PLEASE don't say AA) and then everyone tries to produce a shot like that photographer is famous for.

Just some ideas, the Ambien is kicking in and I am getting alittle loopy.

PS- I love this place!!!

[LAVrod]

I've entered photo contests in which you have to explain your shot, what you were trying to say or a feeling you were trying to evoke, etc. Not just "hey lookie, I got lucky shooting a kid with a popsicle" shots.

Just some thoughts.

Another fun contest that we might try later is what me and my buddies used to do is "take a pic like a pro" in which you name some famous photographer (PLEASE don't say AA) and then everyone tries to produce a shot like that photographer is famous for.

Just some ideas, the Ambien is kicking in and I am getting alittle loopy.

PS- I love this place!!!

That'd work though I am no art history and would have to look the guy/girl up.

We can do it more abstract and say you need to shoot a photo that implies or depicts several items (ie legs, fingers, and a chainsaw) or something like that. The photographer would not need to have all elements literally framed in the shot, just the suggestion of it or a shadow or whatever.

[Diamond Lil]

I'll toss these quickly put together potential rules out for consideration:


Subject matter is choice of entrant.
Style is choice of entrant.
Creativity and technical skills will be judged equally.
No image processing other than crop and size.
Those making submissions should give their word to refrain from campaigning for themselves on other forums.
No voting until the all images have been submitted.

[pegdragger]

I'll toss these quickly put together potential rules out for consideration:


Subject matter is choice of entrant.
Style is choice of entrant.
Creativity and technical skills will be judged equally.
No image processing other than crop and size.
Those making submissions should give their word to refrain from campaigning for themselves on other forums.
No voting until the all images have been submitted.


Lil, this sounds like a god list. My only addition would be that if subject matter is choice of entrant, then there should be a few categories in which it should fall. Maybe four or five categories in which a person could chose and enter a picture. But only one picture. Something like...

Nature
Abstract
People
Cities
etc

[Max]

Lil that sounds good with the exception of the spamming forums. That would do just what I want in bringing new blood here that cares about photos. I think most people wouldn't take the time to register just to cast a vote so it would serve the purpose of getting the word out to a great number of people.

[Diamond Lil]

I hear you. That can work easily. I'm not afraid to spread the word. :D

[Curt9339]

I've entered photo contests in which you have to explain your shot, what you were trying to say or a feeling you were trying to evoke, etc. Not just "hey lookie, I got lucky shooting a kid with a popsicle" shots.

Just some thoughts.

Another fun contest that we might try later is what me and my buddies used to do is "take a pic like a pro" in which you name some famous photographer (PLEASE don't say AA) and then everyone tries to produce a shot like that photographer is famous for.

Just some ideas, the Ambien is kicking in and I am getting alittle loopy.

PS- I love this place!!!

Like Ansel Adams?

I'll toss these quickly put together potential rules out for consideration:


Subject matter is choice of entrant.
Style is choice of entrant.
Creativity and technical skills will be judged equally.
No image processing other than crop and size.
Those making submissions should give their word to refrain from campaigning for themselves on other forums.
No voting until the all images have been submitted.


good list.

Lil that sounds good with the exception of the spamming forums. That would do just what I want in bringing new blood here that cares about photos. I think most people wouldn't take the time to register just to cast a vote so it would serve the purpose of getting the word out to a great number of people.

I know of a couple forums that I belong to that I could tell about the contest.:D

[Max]

I know of a couple forums that I belong to that I could tell about the contest.:D

One of the purposes of this forum is to aid many forums that don't allow attachments or seriously limit the size and type of attachments that can be used. So it might be a service to them also.

[Max]

How would this be for a prize

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with EF-S 18-55mm lens Kit Silver

Come with 1 Year Manufactory Warranty

Quick Glance
Weight: 17.1
Camera / Lens Type: Interchangeable
Memory Type: CompactFlash
LCD Screen Size: 1.8 in
MegaPixels: 8.2
Image Processor
Number of Image Sensor Pixels: 8200000
Image Sensor: CMOS
Image Quality
Number of Resolution Modes: 3
Max Vertical Image Resolution: 2304 pixels
Max Horizontal Image Resolution: 3456 pixels
Image Format: DCF,
DPOF,
EXIF,
JPEG,
RAW
Lens Features
Focus Features: Auto Focus,
Focus Lock,
Manual Focus,
Multiple Point Focusing,
Predictive Focusing
Min Focus Distance: 11.3 in
Max Aperture: 3.5 1/f
Min Aperture: 22 1/f
Min Focal Length: 18 mm
Max Focal Length: 55 mm
Lens Mount: Interchangeable
Exposure Controls
ISO Equivalencies: 100,
1600,
200,
400,
800
White Balance: Auto,
Manual,
Preset Modes
Metering Characteristics: Center-weighted Average,
Central-area Partial,
Evaluative
Number of Scene Modes: 6
Bulb Setting: Yes
Exposure Settings: AE Lock,
Aperture Priority,
Auto Exposure,
Exposure Bracketing,
Manual Exposure,
Multiple Exposure,
Multiple Program Modes,
Shutter Priority
Shutter Performance
Shutter Lag: 0.001 second(s)
Maximum Shutter Speed: 4000 1/f
Minimum Shutter Speed: 30 sec.
Continuous Shooting Speed: 3 frames/s (fps)
Storage
Memory Type: CompactFlash
Other Features
Power Source: Lithium Ion,
Rechargeable Battery
General Features: Flash Cancel (On/Off),
Red-Eye Reduction,
Self Timer,
Slow Speed Sync,
SLR Camera
Interface Connection: USB - Universal Serial Bus,
Video - Out (Unspecified)
Flash Characteristics: Accessory Shoe,
Built-in Flash,
TTL Auto Flash
Included Components: Carrying Strap,
Charger,
PC Connection Cable
LCD Screen Size: 1.8 in
Dimensions
Depth: 2.7 in
Weight: 17.1 oz
Width: 5 in
Height: 3.7 in
Reference

[pegdragger]

That sounds like an awesome prize! I have been considering that camera for a bit but just can't come up with the money!!! I can't wait to submit my entry!!

[Max]

I think the rebel is an awesome entry level slr. I am working to see what the best price I can get. I would get just the body but want it to be the complete package so they can take out the camera and take pictures to post.

[Max]

OK the camera is purchased. I'll start to work on the rules tonight and make a post soon. Photos will be allowed to be submitted until the end of June. The contest will last the month of July and the winner will be announced at the end of July. More to follow soon.

[LAVrod]

Very nice!

[Michael Hetrick]

Like Ansel Adams?


What an original idea........

[Michael Hetrick]

OK the camera is purchased. I'll start to work on the rules tonight and make a post soon. Photos will be allowed to be submitted until the end of June. The contest will last the month of July and the winner will be announced at the end of July. More to follow soon.

Cool!

[Diamond Lil]

What an original idea........

The man is a great. The truth never dies.

[Diamond Lil]

Max,
You did good!