Christmas Photo Contest?

[ArpeggioAngel]

The problem with getting that detailed into what is and is not acceptable is that we are not talking about professionals in the industry who understand the lingo. Take into account that some that are entering aren't exactly sure how to use two images, let alone all the rest of the technical end of Photoshop. I'm content making a blanket statement of must use a "minimum of two images", as that is easy enough to understand and can be interpreted in a layout in multiple ways. I do not want entries where people just use filters as their is little creativity involved with that. I entered in a Photoshop contest on RG and lost to individuals who that was all they did...Talk about lame...

I am not stating that we have to get that detailed on what is/isn't allowed - just offering up an example from another forum that is specifically designed for photography contests.

I beg to differ however that just using filters is limited creativity...
This is one of the heaviest edited photos I have ever done, and it was done strictly with filters and basic photoshop tools like dodge/burn:

Again - this photo is not so obvious how much photoshop was used - but it took a TON of work to clean up this photo to be respectable:

Here is one that is snake related - one photo only. Again, a lot of manipulation to make this photo into what it is now.

Whereas you state that it is not fair for people who are putting the time into a multiple image photo competing against someone using basic photoshop editing tools - I argue the other side - that it would also then not be fair for those people excluded from the photoshop category who are entering in the general categories competing against people who are not using any editing at all. Wouldn't it also be the same then that those people who used just filters and basic editing tools put more time and effort into a photo vs. someone who just cropped it to size? I think if it is going to be a Photoshop category then it should include any and all use of Photoshop. Just because someone didn't use multiple images doesn't mean they spent any less time working on the photo.
Individuals can still vote for the best photo - and if they feel that someone who used multiple images - which would usually be apparent -has a better photo - then they can vote that way. If they like a different photo better that maybe didn't have multiple images - then vote for that one. I don't think the amount of photoshop used or not used in the category should make a difference on who can enter.

Of course - this is all just my humble opinion.

 

[Jadie.Glitch]

I am not stating that we have to get that detailed on what is/isn't allowed - just offering up an example from another forum that is specifically designed for photography contests.

I beg to differ however that just using filters is limited creativity...
This is one of the heaviest edited photos I have ever done, and it was done strictly with filters and basic photoshop tools like dodge/burn:

Again - this photo is not so obvious how much photoshop was used - but it took a TON of work to clean up this photo to be respectable:

Here is one that is snake related - one photo only. Again, a lot of manipulation to make this photo into what it is now.

Whereas you state that it is not fair for people who are putting the time into a multiple image photo competing against someone using basic photoshop editing tools - I argue the other side - that it would also then not be fair for those people excluded from the photoshop category who are entering in the general categories competing against people who are not using any editing at all. Wouldn't it also be the same then that those people who used just filters and basic editing tools put more time and effort into a photo vs. someone who just cropped it to size? I think if it is going to be a Photoshop category then it should include any and all use of Photoshop. Just because someone didn't use multiple images doesn't mean they spent any less time working on the photo.
Individuals can still vote for the best photo - and if they feel that someone who used multiple images - which would usually be apparent -has a better photo - then they can vote that way. If they like a different photo better that maybe didn't have multiple images - then vote for that one. I don't think the amount of photoshop used or not used in the category should make a difference on who can enter.

Of course - this is all just my humble opinion.

I completely agree with you. Putting TOO many rules would make things less enjoyable and most likely stifle a lot of talent out there that wish to participate.

Amazing photos, btw. ^_^

 

[Blue Apple Herps]

I don't necessarily agree with this personally. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. In the same vain as limiting who can win, how's about everyone gets a prize for entering?! Or maybe the winners should have to share their prize with everyone else . . . :sidestep:

D80

Of course if you want to be the best you have to beat the best. But I view this more of a fun spirited competition and not so cutthroat. I think it would be better for the forum and the contest in general if more people were winning, as opposed to only a few. Just my 2¢.

 

[Drizzt80]

Of course if you want to be the best you have to beat the best. But I view this more of a fun spirited competition and not so cutthroat. I think it would be better for the forum and the contest in general if more people were winning, as opposed to only a few. Just my 2¢.

You assume ahead of time that only a few people are going to win.

D80

PS. I have no cutthroat tendencies about my viewpoint, BUT if you're going to take the time to do something, take the time to do it well . . . hence, if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best . . . fun spirited or not. Otherwise it's just another "everybody" gets to win situation and no longer a contest.

 

[Weebonilass]

Of course if you want to be the best you have to beat the best. But I view this more of a fun spirited competition and not so cutthroat. I think it would be better for the forum and the contest in general if more people were winning, as opposed to only a few. Just my 2¢.

I understand what you are saying... a couple of years ago, the horse club that I belonged to was trying to get me to sign up for the year end hi point awards... it wasn't worth my time or effort when the same lady had won the award six years running. She won that year and I believe she is currently leading this year. This is a local club and the gal has a national champion level horse that she shows locally.... why? The cheap year end award can't mean as much as those fancy national awards, but she'll keep others from dangling their feet in the water because the contest is won before the year is even started.

 

[Drizzt80]

it wasn't worth my time or effort when the same lady had won the award six years running. She won that year and I believe she is currently leading this year. . . . but she'll keep others from dangling their feet in the water because the contest is won before the year is even started.

I udnerstand the point and what's being said as well, so please don't take this for anything more than what it is, but as a teacher/coach/parent, this would be a perfect example of a situation where you, or someone else, made the choice not to take on the challenge. And sometimes that's okay, but you never get the best out of people by lowering the bar . . . never. Mike Tyson got beat. The New England Patriots got beat. Your horse lady CAN be beat. Someone has to try.

In my opinion, if someone starts dominating the fun loving photo contest challenges at CS.com, well, someone better step up to the plate and beat them. The only way you can really fail is to not even try.

Either way, I've offered up some space at the WIR for posting . . . just be glad I haven't entered the contests . . . :dgrin: .

D80

 

[TandJ]

I nominate Steph to run the future Contests..

Regards... Tim of T and J

 

[Blue Apple Herps]

You assume ahead of time that only a few people are going to win.

I don't want it to come off as me assuming only a few will win, it's just a big "what if" scenario. Many other contests have all the fine print for reasons like this, not likely, but could happen...

 

[Tula_Montage]

Personally I was VERY disappointed at the lack of participation in the Halloween contest... it was kind of dismal. I didn't enter because I donated prizes. I know I could have entered but I didn't want to run the risk of winning my own prize.

I agree that we need a contest only forum if it's to become a regular thing of CS.COM. I got completely lost searching through the forums for the Halloween threads... I also thought the lack of "advertisement" of the Halloween photo contest was the reason there were so few entries. The rules were not posted clearly at the beginning of the topic, they were dotted around half way through it and people got pissy when they asked too many questions about who what where when. I like the idea of anonymous entries, however I would like to see them posted on one thread as they are received.

Just a few ideas...

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

I really don't want this turning into a big argument. So let's just say I'm open to trying certain things a certain way for this year, and if anything does not work out (assuming the contest entries increase and we continue to do this at all), we can always change it the following year based on member feedback.



Tentatively, I have it setup like this:

WINTER PHOTO CONTEST: December 21 - March 19

Submission Deadline: December 19th
Voting Polls Open: December 20th
Voting Polls Ending: December 26th
Topic Ideas: Winter, Christmas, New Years, Valentines Day, St. Patricks, etc​

Don't know how to resize photos? Try Serpwidget's Camera to Forum Program.



CATEGORIES

Cornsnakes
All Reptile Digital "Photoshop"​

*Please scroll down to the bottom to read the additional rules for the "Photoshop" category



RULES

1. A maximum of one entry per category per contestant.
2. Image size 600x450 (no smaller, no larger).
3. Entry must be taken or created by the individual who submitted it.
4. Entry or like entries may not be posted elsewhere on the internet, this is to remain anonymous.
5. No names, copyright information, etc on images.
6. Contestants under the age of 18 must have parental permission to enter and accept a live animal prize.
7. Entries must be submitted to [email protected]
8. Winning images will be determined by public voting.
9. Entrants may only win two prizes per calendar year.
10. Shipping on live prizes to be paid for by the winner.
11. Restricted to US entries only.

If any of the above rules are not met as listed, an entry can and will be rejected after one request to correct the problem.



PRIZES

Coming Soon!



PHOTOSHOP RULES

To qualify for the "Photoshop" category, an entry must be a combination of a minimum of two different images (text does not count as an image). Simply adjusting colors or using photoshop filters does not qualify an image to be "Photoshopped."

Examples of what would define the "Photoshopped" category:

<<<<<INSERT EXAMPLE HERE>>>>>

Need some help with Photoshop? Try these websites:
Photoshop Tutorials
More Photoshop Tutorials



NOTE: THESE ARE NOT THE "OFFICIAL" RULES. THIS THREAD IS ABOUT DISCUSSION ON THE PHOTO CONTEST, NOT ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE PHOTO CONTEST. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE ACTUAL PHOTO CONTEST WILL BE MADE IN ITS OWN THREAD.

The rules were not posted clearly at the beginning of the topic, they were dotted around half way through it and people got pissy when they asked too many questions about who what where when.

O? And who got pissy, Tula? I believe the three of us that were actually involved did a lot of joking and teasing for people NOT reading the thread with the multiple links to the actual rules were listed.

The original thread was not the rule thread, but a thread suggesting the idea and discussion on it, so I'm not sure how more clear you can get then an actual rule thread where all that was listed in the thread was the rules instead of a ton of discussion.

 

[Tula_Montage]

I would just like to see a whole new thread created for everything you just posted, since it seems the decision has been made to have another contest. Somewhere easy to see. Like Brent said, use the WIR form? We can incorporate the contests into the review aswell...

I'm just bloody confused... And I don't think anyone is arguing, merely participating in a discussion about another contest (which you have already written the rules to, very quickly before we have all had the chance to discuss it properly). As far as I can tell people either say something you want to hear as it's convenient to you and the way you want to run things, or they don't and you fire backlash comments in return. I'm a bit annoyed really... I would love to help out in the organization in the future, but I have the most horrendous organisational skills. I just feel it's all a bit complicated. We should learn from the mistakes of the last contest...

Oh and I absolutly disagree at the "two or more" images rule... You simply do not need to work with layers to create a fantastic image in photoshop. It takes quite a bit of skill to mingle two images together properly, not something you can learn overnight. God loves a tryer and I would think that making it a two image rule would discourage people from entering. Which is my biggest worry really...

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

I would just like to see a whole new thread created for everything you just posted, since it seems the descision has been made to have another contest.

Tula, that was done with the Halloween contest. It will be done with the next contest WHEN EVERYTHING IS FINALIZED. I posted what I did for FEEDBACK and DISCUSSION, as I stated.

I even put:

NOTE: THESE ARE NOT THE "OFFICIAL" RULES. THIS THREAD IS ABOUT DISCUSSION ON THE PHOTO CONTEST, NOT ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE PHOTO CONTEST. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE ACTUAL PHOTO CONTEST WILL BE MADE IN ITS OWN THREAD.

right underneath my tentative rule list with my last post. :headbang:



BTW, what I'm talking about is for the US Photo Contests. I can't taking on the International, too. I'm not sure if Jen was discouraged enough by the lack of participation in the International categories to not run it again, but I know she was looking for someone outside the US to step up and help with the contest. If anyone would like to assist Jen (MrsInsaneOne), please contact her.

 

[Tula_Montage]

I don't expect anyone in the US to take on an international contest (after all we don't count that much ), and I would offer to run one but like I said I have extremely poor organisational skills. I would be willing to work alongside either yourself or Jen or another volunteer...

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

after all we don't count that much

I hope you were really just teasing...Because I think the members outside the US count just as much as members inside the US. I would think since International would encompass a whole wider range of individuals their would be more entries as well?

I would offer to run one but like I said I have extremely poor organisational skills. I would be willing to work alongside either yourself or Jen or another volunteer...

Please, please contact Jen then. Though if you're help organize the contest, you can't participate...So that is something to keep in mind (should have mentioned it before, sorry).

 

[Blue Apple Herps]

I like the rules and format Stephanie!!

Though I'm still not 100% convinced on the photoshop rules. I mean, lets say someone took an image and made their snake purple and yellow for a theme they had, that wouldn't qualify as photoshopped with your rules if it wasn't two images, but is clearly altered beyond simple filters. So something like that I think would definitely belong in the PS category.

But I'm with you in that adjusting saturation or contrast or similar I don't think counts as PS thouhg.

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

I mean, lets say someone took an image and made their snake purple and yellow for a theme they had, that wouldn't qualify as photoshopped with your rules if it wasn't two images, but is clearly altered beyond simple filters.

Actually that's very simple to do. You just convert the image to greyscale, convert the image to a duotone, select the colors you want and play around with the curves and then you're done! Could easily be done in less then 5 minutes.

 

[torsten]

does that mean that you cant enter a photo of a reptile which is not a cornsnake unless it has been manipulated???

if so i don't feel that, that is right.. just my opinion.

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

does that mean that you cant enter a photo of a reptile which is not a cornsnake unless it has been manipulated???

Yes. Again, the reason for this is because we got a total of 4 images in the US Other category. The two most popular categories were Cornsnake and Photoshop, so a decision was made to drop the Other category and change the Photoshop to include All Reptiles. If participation improves, a 3rd category non-Photoshop All Reptiles can be added.



I received a response from Rich.
He's "no'ed" a Photo Contest forum at this time.

 

[Tula_Montage]

What if we all pull together to contribute in the purchase of a private forum specifically for contests if this will be a regular thing? Even if they are only bragging rights contests? I'd be willing to contribute $10.

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

What if we all pull together to contribute in the purchase of a private forum specifically for contests if this will be a regular thing? Even if they are only bragging rights contests? I'd be willing to contribute $10.

I don't see why that wouldn't work. :shrugs:

Do you think we should wait and see how this next contest goes before we do that? To judge if participation is going to get better? If we do this Winter one in the WIR area, Brent can later move the threads into the Photo Contest Forum if/when it's setup.