Novatech Photography Competition December << DISCUSSION THREAD ONLY >> no images

[coursemyhorse]

competition cancelled due to lack of interest



















This is the discussion only thread for the latest Novatech Photography competition.

For posting images and rules please use THIS THREAD (http://forum.novatech.co.uk/showthread.php?p=212383#post212383). This thread is for all text discussion/critique/comments on the photos and discussing anything else related to the competition including how we can improve the competition, possibly including rules.

Theme: "Winter"

This has been chosen to give a very non specific theme to allow everybody to easily enter this competition.

[Andrew Moore]

This looks like a brilliant little venture for me to have a look into... I shall be off to take as many wintery pics in this somewhat dull dank time of year as possible. Hopefully one will turn out rather nicely.

Andy

EDIT: Can we also adjust the rules a little to include "minor editing" rather than full bore editing? A crop, slight colour alteration etc at most as I for one with the time can turn just about any under exposed dull ifeless picture into something bright and asthetically pleasing... This in its self kind of defeats the who "photography" concept to the competion.

[coursemyhorse]

This looks like a brilliant little venture for me to have a look into... I shall be off to take as many wintery pics in this somewhat dull dank time of year as possible. Hopefully one will turn out rather nicely.

Andy

EDIT: Can we also adjust the rules a little to include "minor editing" rather than full bore editing? A crop, slight colour alteration etc at most as I for one with the time can turn just about any under exposed dull ifeless picture into something bright and asthetically pleasing... This in its self kind of defeats the who "photography" concept to the competion.

It's very very difficult to define that in words without making it too restrictive. I will add something saying no overly edited photos, and anything deemed to be too different to the original may be subject to disqualification.

EDIT: I added

"- Images are encouraged to use only minor edits in post processing software such as Photoshop rather than major edits that detract from the original photo. Any photos considered majorly different from the original where the majority of work is in post, will be rejected in this competition. Use common sense at the end of the day. For the majority of people this should mean you are not restricted in anyway."

[Mr Grapes]

I would hazard to suggest nothing that's not in the original (i.e. a photo of a lake taken with a castle island cloned in to form a major subject) except minor cloning (removal of signs etc.)
I know there's a whole "but where do you draw the line" issue however i think if an image is borderline, we could put the validity of a potentially winning entry to a forum vote.

Basically anything to enhance the spirit of the original composition, rather than use the original as a base to build up from.

edit:
seen your edit now

edit 2:
so will our entry posts be hidden until the results? or will the entries not be anonymous... potentially leading to a popularity contest?

edit3:
probably need to put something in about content moderation... raunchy/offensive entries etc.
not trying to be a prude, but you know someone will. (I know it's already covered in NT's forum etiquitte but it won't hurt to remind peeps)

[Mr Grapes]

just a comment on the scoring...
rather than a 7,5,3 points system, surely just a total number of votes should be counted, otherwise if you get the scenario
1st place 'Bob' gets 50 votes and has a massive majority lead
2nd place 'Frank' gets 10 votes
3rd place 'also 'Frank' gets 6 votes

all other entries are noise in comparison
clearly 1st place deserves to win, and everything else is an also-ran but by the 7,5,3 scoring 'Frank' would win.

or is it just me?

frank could still win if the results were closer... say:
1st - 20
2nd - 17
3rd - 10

this way all vote counts could be taken into account

does this not seem fairer rather than arbitrary?

[coursemyhorse]

I made it deliberately so that if someone gets third AND second they will win. I can change it depending on what people want. I just didn't want any draws. The original proposed 1,2,3 can mean two people end up with three points. (1st Vs 2nd and 3rd).

As for content moderation, if you read the image rules I did post a bit in that already right at the top? Do you think it needs more than that?

As for anonymous entries. I disagree with that and don't think there will be any issues with people just posting up their photos. I don't think a "popularity contest" would result. We are all independent on here and as I said it should be kept to just a friendly "vote for who you want to win".

[Mr Grapes]

I made it deliberately so that if someone gets third AND second they will win. I can change it depending on what people want. I just didn't want any draws. The original proposed 1,2,3 can mean two people end up with three points. (1st Vs 2nd and 3rd).

granted 1,2,3 can get draws, but outright number of votes cast for a particular pic is unlikely to get draws (not impossible of course)
I'm just a little weary of the case of an outright 'winner' supplanted by 2 'also rans'


As for content moderation, if you read the image rules I did post a bit in that already right at the top? Do you think it needs more than that?

oops, missed that :(



As for anonymous entries. I disagree with that and don't think there will be any issues with people just posting up their photos. I don't think a "popularity contest" would result. We are all independent on here and as I said it should be kept to just a friendly "vote for who you want to win".

perhaps... but there are clique's on this board...

[coursemyhorse]

Perhaps we should keep to just one photo per person? That would keep it more simple, save bandwidth and would be easier to maintain voting later on. Lets let others discuss.

[jaymyer79]

1 photo would be easier and more practical, all round. I'd be in favour of this. Rules seem a little complicated due to the 3 picture idea. Keep it simple.

[JDowdall]

This does seem too complicated with the whole 3 votes thing, 3 pictures each maximum, 1 vote each, any ties resolved by a second photo from each competitor. This seems good though! :)

[coursemyhorse]

Rules updated: The winner will now be simply the person who is voted highest. Each person gets only ONE vote (that hasn't changed and was always that.) You can still submit up to 3 photos each. Each one must be in a seperate post in the image thread and each have a title.

[bezza]

This is the discussion only thread for the latest Novatech Photography competition.

For posting images and rules please use THIS THREAD (http://forum.novatech.co.uk/showthread.php?p=212383#post212383). This thread is for all text discussion/critique/comments on the photos and discussing anything else related to the competition including how we can improve the competition, possibly including rules.

Theme: "Winter"

This has been chosen to give a very non specific theme to allow everybody to easily enter this competition.

Ooh, I do like a man to take control.

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:npG8Fzoq8DnplM:http://www.glowingdial.com/images/John_Inman.jpg

[Dio]

I'm pleased that this has taken off; not everything is to my liking but the nature of such things means that it is all about compromise.

Will see what happens!

Good luck to all who enter and indeed are inspired to go out and get photographing.

Kevin

[coursemyhorse]

I'm pleased that this has taken off; not everything is to my liking but the nature of such things means that it is all about compromise.


Do share Kevin, I was quite ruthless with creating these threads just to get the show on the road. I would in no way take offense to any suggestions or comments on the rules etc.

[Dio]

Do share Kevin... I would in no way take offence to any suggestions or comments on the rules etc.

The changes I'd like are:

- entries should be anonymous (not easy, I realise).
- every forum member should be able to offer three votes in order of preference:
first preference gets 3 points, second 2 points, third, one point.
- only one entry per person. This will encourage people to try harder to get that "one" good shot rather than perhaps settle for some that are not as good as they could be.
- the rule about editing should make explicit that nothing can be added to / taken from the image in photoshop or other editing software. This encourages good compositional skills.

As I say, I'm very encouraged to see that it has taken off and after the first few competitions we can tweak the rules as may be necessary. Good on you for getting it underway.

[coursemyhorse]

OK well a few people are saying that just one entry each would be better now, so perhaps we can change that. It would again simplify things. The only way I can think of doing three votes each, would be to do three duplicate threads where you each vote in each one for the three you want. however, I'm not sure three votes is really required here if we make it one photo to be submitted each, plus it is going to add to complexity so I think sticking with one photo, one vote would be best.

As for the editing of each photo. It's such a difficult one this. I'm not sure I should word it any more differently than what I have already done in the rules. I think you are saying that you can't go hacking about at the image to the point where major features are taken away (say you take away some lens flare that ruins the shot) or in contrast the adding of something that was not present in the original image. I think this is mainly common sense really. If you are suggesting NOTHING be done whatsoever in post processing then I would have to disagree since a lot of people shoot raw and need to adjust in post just to get an acceptable image in terms of colour/sharpness.

Anonymous images....the only way would be for someone to send them all to say me on an email address and then I display them in each thread and host them myself. I am happy to do this, but would request that each image be kept under 2mb and still have it's longest side at 800 pixels. Then I just simply host the image straight away as is without having to resize etc.

[Dio]

OK well a few people are saying that just one entry each would be better now, so perhaps we can change that. It would again simplify things. The only way I can think of doing three votes each, would be to do three duplicate threads where you each vote in each one for the three you want. however, I'm not sure three votes is really required here if we make it one photo to be submitted each, plus it is going to add to complexity so I think sticking with one photo, one vote would be best.
One image per person - I am happy with this.

Voting: I don't know how you mean to go about it, but I'd suggest that you get people to PM their votes to you (or anyone else willing to receive voted), choosing first, second and third. Award 3 points for a first, 2 for a second and 1 for a third. You can then tally the votes.


As for the editing of each photo. It's such a difficult one this. I'm not sure I should word it any more differently than what I have already done in the rules. I think you are saying that you can't go hacking about at the image to the point where major features are taken away (say you take away some lens flare that ruins the shot) or in contrast the adding of something that was not present in the original image. I think this is mainly common sense really. If you are suggesting NOTHING be done whatsoever in post processing then I would have to disagree since a lot of people shoot raw and need to adjust in post just to get an acceptable image in terms of colour/sharpness.

I shoot in RAW and thus do post processing for colour, sharpness etc so am not ruling this out. I meant to say that I don't agree with people submitting HDR images; nor do I want people cloning out tree branches, signs, lamp posts etc which distract from the image. It's better if people learn to work around them or work them into the image. However, I am willing to concede on this - leave it to common sense as you suggest.


Anonymous images....the only way would be for someone to send them all to say me on an email address and then I display them in each thread and host them myself. I am happy to do this, but would request that each image be kept under 2mb and still have it's longest side at 800 pixels. Then I just simply host the image straight away as is without having to resize etc.

That's one option; another would be to set up a public gallery to which images can be uploaded along with a title and Novatech Forum username, while at the same time requiring moderation - ie it has to be approved before being seen on the gallery. Your suggestion would be the most straightforward if you are happy to go along with it.


Anyway, I meant to make this attractive to everyone rather than only those who have a good knowledge of photoshop or similar. If someone can go out and take a photo, then they should feel free to enter. It's easy to learn from the example of others and thus improve on ones own skill.

[Mr Grapes]

for anon submission, all that's needed is a PM to the thread starter (coursemyhorse in this case) or other nominated moderator containing a link to a hosted image. the thread starter can then add the link to the thread as a submission entry, or wait til all entries are received , then post the entries. voting can then take place with no bias....

[bezza]

for anon submission, all that's needed is a PM to the thread starter (coursemyhorse in this case) or other nominated moderator containing a link to a hosted image. the thread starter can then add the link to the thread as a submission entry, or wait til all entries are received , then post the entries. voting can then take place with no bias....

Or set up an FTP account somewhere and then create a simple web page with the entries after closing date.

[coursemyhorse]

Indeed. I think keeping it "on the forum" so to speak is always appealing to more people when entering these kind of things. When they have to go wondering off to other sites etc, you generally get less entries. I know submitting to ftp etc is easy, but I'm just being realistic and trying to maximize entries.
I think the PM idea is pretty good. People can go away and host it themselves then send me a PM with the link to the hosted image. I then simply copy paste it into the thread with a title. Job done.
If there are no objections I will add that to the rules in a bit.

EDIT: Anonymous info added at the top of image thread.

[Mr Grapes]

seems simplest is all :D

[Dio]

I think the PM idea is pretty good. People can go away and host it themselves then send me a PM with the link to the hosted image. I then simply copy paste it into the thread with a title. Job done.


I think that the competition moderator (CM) will have to host any images whose links are PMed to him / her as otherwise it can remove the element of anonymity. For example, if I were to PM the CM a link to an image hosted on my site, it will be obvious that it was submitted by me as anyone can right click on the image to find its properties, regardless of who happens to post it in the thread.

Provided the CM is happy with this, then I think it is the way forward.

[Mr Grapes]

fair point... this is turning into a headache...
so a nova forum flickr account that the CM of the day can upload photos to, and link from...

[Dio]

fair point... this is turning into a headache...
so a nova forum flickr account that the CM of the day can upload photos to, and link from...

Not really complicated as the OP says he/she is willing to host the images.

Thus images are emailed to the OP or a link PMed to the OP; the image is then hosted by the OP and linked to on the competition page. Seems pretty straightforward to me :)

[Mr Grapes]

yeah, just an extra layer of faff that's all...

glad it's all sorted now ;)

[Dio]

yeah, just an extra layer of faff that's all...
Any thoughts on how to ensure anonymity otherwise (assuming it is important)?


glad it's all sorted now ;)
Hopefully :)

[coursemyhorse]

Yeah if the link would give away your forum account, then I will host it myself.

[thehitmen]

Dam this whole thing has confused me now, still think we should keep to Flickr, for hosting of images...

We can see meta data etc..

[coursemyhorse]

Let me simplify it:

1: Take a picture
2: Host it
3: PM me the link

Worry about voting later on.

[thehitmen]

Let me simplify it:

1: Take a picture
2: Host it
3: PM me the link

Worry about voting later on.

How do you know i took the picture?, you have know way off displaying meta data?

Browsing threw other forums i found out OCUK have a good way of doing it....

check out how they are hosting it...

http://ocukphotocomp.growse.com/


I don't know what the website is i think its this http://www.growse.com/

So if someone could look into it, it has voting options etc....

Some nice rules


OcUK Photo Comp - Season Eight : Round Eleven - "Autumn Colour" ENTRIES

Theme: Autumn Colour

Chosen by: Scary Squirrel

Closing date: Midnight Monday November 30th 2009

Please post all entries for the current competition in this thread and keep discussion in the DISCUSSION thread.

Judges: A.N.Other, Ichabod crane, Growse.

This competition is open to everyone.

OcUK Photo competition results site http://ocukphotocomp.growse.com/

RULES
-----

Rules must be followed. Failure to follow one or more rules will result in disqualification for the current round.

* One image per entrant (may be a montage consisting of two or more photos).
* If a montage is entered, all photos in the image will be judged on their relevance to each other as well as the theme.
* Photos must be posted in or linked to this thread for consideration.
* Photos must be of a reasonable size. (Shortest side of 1000px recommended)
* Photos must be submitted in the .jpg file format.
* Photos must have been taken on or after November 1st, 2009. Invalid EXIF dates must be declared.
* Photos that have been commented on previously by any of the judges, will not be considered.
* Photos must be available for viewing in this thread until the competition winner has been announced.
* Photos must be your own work unless posting on behalf of someone else. If this is the case it should be stated in your post.

* Photographers must post their make and model unless it is provided in the EXIF Information.
* Photographers retain full copyright to their entries, so you must contact them before using their entries.

* The winner of each round will choose the theme for the next round.

* The Judges may not discuss or submit their interpretation of the theme until the competition winner has been announced.
* The Judges will not reveal individual scores, however some judges may provide a critique after the competition has ended.
* The Judges may or may not notify disqualified photographers before the deadline.
* The Judges decisions are final.

* Minimum Bribe Level: Canon EOS-1Ds Mk III


RECOMMENDATIONS
---------------

Recommendations are optional.

A '+' sign next to the recommendation means you will gain marks.
A '-' sign next to the recommendation means you will lose marks.
A '/' sign next to the recommendation means your score will not be affected.

Each of the 3 judges will give you a score out of 30 as follows:-


* Technical ( 1 - 10 )

+ Use of Photoshop or Image Editing programs to enhance your photo (Including borders).
+ Correct use of Lighting/Saturation/Contrast/Exposure.
+ Correct use of DOF (Depth of Field).
+ Appreciation for Rule of Thirds, Golden Mean and other photographic rules.

- Overuse or misuse of Photoshop or other Image Editing programs (Including borders)
- Bad Lighting/Saturation/Contrast/Exposure.
- Blurred photos due to incorrect DOF (Depth of Field) or camera shake.
- Unintentionally slanted photos.

/ EXIF Info is recommended for digital photographers.
/ Camera Settings are recommended for film photographers.


* Theme Relevance ( 1 - 10 )

+ Good interpretation of the theme
+ Originality

/ Your photograph should represent the theme without further commentary.


* Impact ( 1 - 10 )

+ WOW Factor!
+ Overall ambience of the photo.

[coursemyhorse]

The winner posts the winning image to a mediator (say me) who checks it for exif data along with the original photo and edited version.

[thehitmen]

The winner posts the winning image to a mediator (say me) who checks it for exif data along with the original photo and edited version.

I think we should take OCUKs style immo

[I3R0K3N7FEET]

I would hazard to suggest nothing that's not in the original (i.e. a photo of a lake taken with a castle island cloned in to form a major subject) except minor cloning (removal of signs etc.)
I know there's a whole "but where do you draw the line" issue however i think if an image is borderline, we could put the validity of a potentially winning entry to a forum vote.

Basically anything to enhance the spirit of the original composition, rather than use the original as a base to build up from.

edit:
seen your edit now

edit 2:
so will our entry posts be hidden until the results? or will the entries not be anonymous... potentially leading to a popularity contest?

edit3:
probably need to put something in about content moderation... raunchy/offensive entries etc.
not trying to be a prude, but you know someone will. (I know it's already covered in NT's forum etiquitte but it won't hurt to remind peeps)

h0w about anonymous voting?

0o im now only just up to speed on it :D

[bezza]

Won't be long before someone regrets starting this.....

Just take some photos and see where we go from there! :-P This was meant to be a test attempt and I'm sure any problems could be ironed out easily! :D

[Dio]

Won't be long before someone regrets starting this.....

Just take some photos and see where we go from there! :-P This was meant to be a test attempt and I'm sure any problems could be ironed out easily! :D

I'm beginning to feel the same and I realise that I may well be part of the reason for it becoming more complex than it need be.

I'm with the OP on this:

Let me simplify it:

1: Take a picture
2: Host it
3: PM me the link

Worry about voting later on.

Sounds good to me!

[bezza]

I'm beginning to feel the same and I realise that I may well be part of the reason for it becoming more complex than it need be.

Pipe down then. :-P Not like you're going to win anyway. ;)

To be honest, I'm massively struggling already. For some reason, it's sunny outside which doesn't exactly lend itself to a winter theme.

Also, tried to buy a 7d yesterday but all out of stock :(

[Mr Grapes]

yeah, the conditions don't lend themselves to 'Winter' as it's still autumn...
that's where creativity comes in ;)

[I3R0K3N7FEET]

yeah, the conditions don't lend themselves to 'Winter' as it's still autumn...
that's where creativity comes in ;)


never see snow down here... its usually that hard icy stuff that turns wet and black.. ever been hit by a greasy icoil? its like having a fish bowl smahed into your face.. only the water is from southampton docks... theres the initial impact liek being punched by a yeti then the ice cuts you up and the sewage inside leaves you wet and when you recover theres the toxic that slowly eats away at your healththat got into your blood...

anyway yeh SIMPLE FTW :D

[Smudger]

When we had a surprising amount of snowfall last Feb, I took a bunch of photos. Can I submit my favourite from this bunch, or do I have to take a new one.
Also, can anyone suggest the best place to upload my photo, in order to PM the competition judge?

[Mr Grapes]

you'll need to check the rules in the submission thread, (can't remember off the top of my head) but you're supposed to take one between the submission dates, so um yeah, you need to take a new one between now and the 24th (i think.... check submission thread to clarify)

[Dio]

When we had a surprising amount of snowfall last Feb, I took a bunch of photos. Can I submit my favourite from this bunch, or do I have to take a new one.


As above, it has to be within the competition timeframe.



Also, can anyone suggest the best place to upload my photo, in order to PM the competition judge?

Try imageshack or if it's on your personal site, PM link to the OP and he will host it in order to keep things anonymous.

Have fun and good luck!

[bezza]

yeah, the conditions don't lend themselves to 'Winter' as it's still autumn...
that's where creativity comes in ;)

Still struggling and I've now just sold my camera..... Hoping somone else on here will be submitting a good photo with it! :D

[Mr Grapes]

I have a few ideas, just not had a chance to execute them yet..

[jonbanjo]

Some nice rules

Seem to go against everything I'd felt this should be about. I'm not into the ideas of appointing a panel of judges and set professional photography (apparently including image enhancing) standards. Not saying the winning shots may not meet this but I'd much rather the entries be voted on by all of us and simply as an good shot. There is room for discussion of techniques used (which I'd love to read and would have loads/just about everything to learn... later).

Other than that, big one to me would be anonymous entries and I don't really see self hosting working. A couple of comps and pictures of who is hosting where will develop.

[Mr Grapes]

Seem to go against everything I'd felt this should be about.
Agreed.

we can keep it simple for now

and the self hosting is only for the purposes of the PM to the competition moderator (coursemyhorse on this occasion) whereby he has offered to re-host all the entries, thus maintaining anonymity. (assuming he also strips off any remaining EXIF data - since most camera peeps here have posted their hardware in sigs etc...)

[jonbanjo]

and the self hosting is only for the purposes of the PM to the competition moderator (coursemyhorse on this occasion) whereby he has offered to re-host all the entries, thus maintaining anonymity. (assuming he also strips off any remaining EXIF data - since most camera peeps here have posted their hardware in sigs etc...)

Ah, thanks.

[coursemyhorse]

competition cancelled due to lack of interest

[Mr Grapes]

not uninterested... just haven't been able to get out shooting yet... (Xmas rush you know...)
this weekend was looking hopeful, plus, it's actually starting to look wintery out there now

[jonbanjo]

I'd only be a rare entrant but even as such, would like to see what others' produce.

As regards this one, perhaps I might have had a go if only to help with the interest but I don't get out much and I've seen nothing yet either indoors or outdoors that would conjure up a picture of winter. Well perhaps there was just one, Oedipus spread out on the rug by the woodburner might have been a possibility had I though about it at the time.

While as I say,I'd be mostly a viewer, please don't give up with your efforts. I think some nice shots can come even if this one has been slow..

[Matt Harris]

Its not lack of interest, its just over complication.

[jaymyer79]

Its not lack of interest, its just over complication.

Agree with this. Was happy to get involved but it all got a bit too complicated and not worth the hassle.

[Mr Grapes]

sorry guys, but how is:

1. Choose photo to enter
2. upload photo to Flickr or picasa or own webspace
3. send link to coursemyhorse via PM
4. vote on entrants
...even remotely complicated???

all the complicated stuff was going to happen in the background, no effort on your part except for pressing the shutter, and doing any editing you wished to do.

maybe you'd like me to do that for you too???

[thehitmen]

sorry guys, but how is:

1. Choose photo to enter
2. upload photo to Flickr or picasa or own webspace
3. send link to coursemyhorse via PM
4. vote on entrants
...even remotely complicated???

all the complicated stuff was going to happen in the background, no effort on your part except for pressing the shutter, and doing any editing you wished to do.

maybe you'd like me to do that for you too???

+1 Im still for it, just need a simple method :)

[jonbanjo]

Agree with mg man here.

I think if we were getting in to judges and marks it was getting complicated and beyond say me who might have tried once in a while.

But I don't think what seemed to me to be agreed in the end was looking to be difficult. The way I saw it was (with an idea to fit the theme of course) anybody could have a go.

[Matt Harris]

Why can't we do what 99.9% of forums do and just post a link on the thread, and assume people aren't going to be biased and vote for their favourite e-buddy?

[jonbanjo]

Is it so hard to go the other way that is suggested? I do not really see posting my entry up on jonbanjo.com and PMing someone as much harder than giving a link in a thread to the same webspace.

Looking the other way, I'd rather vote on just what I see without the possibility of bias and do suspect cliques exist on the Internet.

[Dio]

Now that the weather is turning really wintry, it's time to get shooting :)

EDIT: I've just seen that the comp has been cancelled - there was still time to go I thought?

[Mr Grapes]

my thoughts exactly,
read the previous posts dio...
:(

[bezza]

Bah, don't cancel it - winter is just starting and I've just got my new camera.....

I don't think it was a lack of interest on everyone's part, perhaps just coursemyhorse lost interest :-P

PM me the entries instead and I'll fascilitate the first one if needed.

I also vote we extend to include photos taken up to and including 1 Jan 2010 - allows for more variation on the "winter" theme to include Xmas type shots etc.

[Dio]

I don't think it was a lack of interest on everyone's part, perhaps just coursemyhorse lost interest :-P

PM me the entries instead and I'll facilitate the first one if needed.


Perhaps we can give coursemyhorse the opportunity to re-open? I'd not lost interest, just waiting till closer the entry date so that I might get some quality winter :)

Hopefully not too late yet?

[JDowdall]

I think that maybe 31st of January would be more appropriate! I'm just getting into using my camera lots!! I was deffo waiting for some more wintery weather before going out and taking pictures! :(

[I3R0K3N7FEET]

I think that maybe 31st of January would be more appropriate! I'm just getting into using my camera lots!! I was deffo waiting for some more wintery weather before going out and taking pictures! :(


i agree.. i think maybe news years day?

[coursemyhorse]

A few reasons why I cancelled it (feel free anyone else to host one). This forum is dead (no entries, no more discussion, forum massively quiet these days). Too many people are getting wound up on how it should be run. I started a discussion thread partly for this yes, but when we're getting comments that it's too complex to take a picture and send me a link.... I don't hold much hope and frankly feel a bit hard done by. I offered to go out of my way to make it happen and was even going to fund the prize myself due to lack of Novatech interest. If after weeks we have had 1 entry, then I don't consider that enough evidence to keep it open to be honest. Good luck to anyone that picks it up and gets it running.

[I3R0K3N7FEET]

hmm i dont think there was a lack of interest though if like me maybe many people were waiting for colder weather.. shame really but i understand your reason for cancelling. i never saw that it was cancelled tbh..

[bezza]

I'll pick up and sort out - PM entries to me.

I've already got some proper paid hosting so easy enough for me to take care of.

If people really are thinking the rules are confusing, how about these as a simple version:

1) Photos must be taken between 25 Nov 09 and 1 Jan 10 (inclusive)
2) One entry per person - host the image in large resolution and PM me the link (both original and edited version). I'll then host remotely and anonymously and set up a poll after the closing date. Use DeviantArt if you're having trouble with hosting large images.
3) Poll for photos will be on Novatech forum.
4) Every person who enters is required to vote for a photo but entrants cannot vote for their own photo.
5) Theme is "Winter"
6) This is a Photography competition and not a photoshop competition so no heavy photoshop editing, HDR images etc. No major cloning or specific editing but minor adjustments allowed. Ideally, keep editing to anything that affects the whole image, e.g. levels, colour balance, saturation etc
7) Images must be your own and you expressly permit me to use your photo for the purpose of this competition
8) No prize unless someone offers me one!

Sound ok?

Snap away children.

[Dio]

I'll pick up and sort out - PM entries to me.

I've already got some proper paid hosting so easy enough for me to take care of.

If people really are thinking the rules are confusing, how about these as a simple version:

.....

Sound ok?

Snap away children.

Sounds good to me; thanks for taking it on! I have only one suggested addition - is there a maximum size for the image (eg my panorama http://www.flickr.com/photos/emcw/4190199824/sizes/o/ is a nightmare to view!)?

[bezza]

Sounds good to me; thanks for taking it on! I have only one suggested addition - is there a maximum size for the image (eg my panorama http://www.flickr.com/photos/emcw/4190199824/sizes/o/ is a nightmare to view!)?

No maximum size as I'll scale them down if needed but I'd rather keep it to just single frame images for the first attempt if that's ok. Just to keep it as a simple photography contest rather than a fancy computer skills competition.

Panoramas would be a good future category mind....

[I3R0K3N7FEET]

awesome :D though once again its nice and sunny here and theres not even any frost... deary me.. lol

[Mr Grapes]

nice one bezza.
As has been said, the apparent lack of interest is imo mainly due to:
a) most now happy with the current rules etc, so no need to witter endlessly back and forth debating the topic and
b) peeps playing a waiting game for the weather, as quite a few of us are on or near the south coast, where you'd hardly describe what's been outside as 'wintery'

extending the deadline to 01/01/10 makes a lot of sense too, since for some people christmas means lack of time to things like shooting, because we're too busy preparing for christmas...

[I3R0K3N7FEET]

i think if the weather doesnt get colder here i may have to do something which personally im not very fond of.... *gulp*

[Mr Grapes]

go north????

[I3R0K3N7FEET]

go west????

lolwut? :P

[I3R0K3N7FEET]

hurrah cold weather DUE SNOWWWWW

[Dio]

Get out shooting - there is lots of wintry weather out there in many parts!

[I3R0K3N7FEET]

ha it was quite dismal here tbh

[bezza]

Yeah, was hopeful for some snow pictures but not enough here and certainly all gone now. Perhaps I'll try and find a thermal image camera cos it's bloomin freezing.

[thehitmen]

No snow yet, tonight maybee!

[Dio]

Any entries yet? I'm getting mine prepared!

[Mr Grapes]

one possible but that's it... the only day i could've got out to do some shooting, was so icy, my entire street was like a skating rink, so was effectively housebound...

prolly going to have to set up some scenes in the house...

[Dio]

Last day for shooting; hope bezza is ready for the onslaught of PMs :)

When is the last day for entries?

Cheers and good luck!

[bezza]

Of course I am. Closing date for taking photos is today. Will give you all 7 days to get the images to me so that I can sort out next weekend.

I'm still struggling with this one. The weather where I am has been cold but not looking like winter. Having food poisoning and being laid up for 3 days didn't help either.

[thehitmen]

Of course I am. Closing date for taking photos is today. Will give you all 7 days to get the images to me so that I can sort out next weekend.

I'm still struggling with this one. The weather where I am has been cold but not looking like winter. Having food poisoning and being laid up for 3 days didn't help either.

The same problem i have had... :(

[bezza]

Given we're having another snowly blast, I'm extending the deadline in the hope of a few more wintery entries. Photos taken between 1 January 2010 and 10 January 2010 will also be eligible for the competition.

Hope that's "cool" with everyone.

[Dio]

Photos taken between 1 January 2010 and 10 January 2010 will also be eligible for the competition.

Hope that's "cool" with everyone.

Suits me - the more entries the better!

[Dio]

Jan 10th has passed; when do we have to have entries in by?

I'm still in the process of sorting photos but as soon as I have a deadline I will get to it!

Cheers.

[bezza]

OK, deadline for submissions is 22nd January so I can sort and upload over the weekend.

And I have failed at this competition because the snow where I live has been poor and I haven't been able to get out in the daylight. I have something to enter but it is rubbish.

So PM me a link to your picture, hi-res - use deviantart if photobucket limits the image size.

[Mr Grapes]

oh nuts...
I assumed the deadline was still the first... and now i've missed all the snow!
:(

[Dio]

oh nuts...
I assumed the deadline was still the first... and now i've missed all the snow!
:(

A typical UK winter scene will not have snow in it anyway ;-)

[bezza]

Right, so where's everyones entries? Want them all in by Friday so I can get them uploaded over the weekend.

[Dio]

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

[bezza]

I'm expecting a huge number of entries today. I know you've all been out taking snow pictures......

[bezza]

Woot, double-post.

Any more? Last chance - PM tonight.

Let's put it this way.... anything that enters stands a good chance of winning so don't be shy! All entries will be anonymous (unless you win) ;)