Front Page Photos

[jeff]

I occasionally get asked how photos end up on the front page. It's been a while since I've posted the answer, so here goes:

I choose them. :biggrin: It's a pleasant little task I've kept all to myself since day 1. People occasionally suggest a particular pen to feature, and I always consider those, but one thing I never do is put someone's pen on the front page because they ask me to do so. (In a weak moment, I did do that one time)

The general "rules" I follow are:

• I try not to select a pen from the same maker more than once a year
• The pen should be one or more of; very well made, very unusual, very creative, or have some other unique aspect
• The photo should be high quality; nicely positioned, good focus and exposure, without a busy or confusing background or caption
• There should be some description posted with the pen. Method, material, etc.

Look through the Pre-June 08 Archives or the Recent Archives for inspiration.

 

[Dale Lynch]

Sounds like a solid plan,keep it up.Thanks for the forum as well.

 

[studioseven]

I just want to thank you for doing this. One of my favorite features.
Seven

 

[CREID]

Well! All I ca say is. I keep gettin richer but I can't get my picture on the cover of the I A P.
Let's see how many Dr. Hook fans are out there.

 

[jcreasey]

I was very excited when one of my pens was featured. It is a huge compliment.
It's great to see both kit-less masterpieces and the more achievable pens both get featured.
I think you are doing a great job!

 

[mark james]

The General "Rules" are excellent (IMO).!

I appreciate having had a pen placed on the front page, and understand that this is a nice honor.

I also find comfort that this is one portion of IAP that you (Jeff) can hold/retain to yourself. Not much else have you held back on allowing to grow "beyond your immediate thoughts."

I love seeing the front page pens, and take inspiration from them.

 

[Tom T]

Yes sir. Way to go keep it up. It's great to see those pens.

 

[Dalecamino]

I agree with every aspect of Jeff's process. I was one of the fortunate ones back in '08 to have a pen posted on the front page. Although, I was too new to the hobby, AND the forum to appreciate what it really meant to, have a pen selected. I didn't feel I deserved it, because I didn't even take the photos. It was a swap in the Australia Day pen swap. My recipient Fred Brunings (BigShed) took the photos, and posted them.

I'm saying all this, so that others reading can take a moment to consider what an honor it really is to have a pen selected for the front page of this forum.

Thank you Jeff!! :biggrin:

 

[jttheclockman]

I agree with every aspect of Jeff's process. I was one of the fortunate ones back in '08 to have a pen posted on the front page. Although, I was too new to the hobby, AND the forum to appreciate what it really meant to, have a pen selected. I didn't feel I deserved it, because I didn't even take the photos. It was a swap in the Australia Day pen swap. My recipient Fred Brunings (BigShed) took the photos, and posted them.

I'm saying all this, so that others reading can take a moment to consider what an honor it really is to have a pen selected for the front page of this forum.

Thank you Jeff!! :biggrin:

You are correct Chuck. I Have been here for over 10 years and have not made the front page yet . It doesn't keep me from still enjoying those that have. You know it is a special pen if Jeff picks it and yes this is his choice and there has not ever been a pen shown there that does not deserve that honor.

In some way maybe it is an inspirational sight that gets the juices flowing when entering this site. It screams hey look what you too can make. Come join us. Jeff keep up the great tradition. Thanks.

 

[Herb G]

Stick with what works is my motto. Good on ya Jeff.

 

[Hubert H]

Jeff, Job well done. IAP has been a great place for folks wanting to learn about and enjoy pen turning. Thanks for all you (and many others) have done.