Photo contest information

[MesquiteMan]

OK, I will use this thread to post information on the photo contest for review. I have looked over the proposed bash calendar and need to make some changes since there was not enough time allowed between the deadline and the posting of the polls to allow the judges to narrow the field down.

After the deadline, I need at least one day to compile everything, then 3 days for judging, then some time for me to compile the judge's information and get everything ready. The calendar attached here is what I need at a minimum.

I will be posting the proposed rules shortly.

 

[MesquiteMan]

BTW, I can be flexible with the start date and the deadline for entries as well as how long the polls run if necessary. I just need the time between the deadline and posting of the polls.

 

[MesquiteMan]

Here are the rules for the 2011 IAP Photo Challenge.If anyone here sees anything that needs to be changed, please let me know.



2011 IAP Photo Challenge

Whether photography is your passion, your hobby, or just a necessary evil to showcase your pens, we invite you to participate in our 2011 International Association of Penturners Photo Challenge, celebrating the IAP's 7th anniversary!

All IAP members are welcome to participate.

Please read the complete contest rules before entering.

OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES
No donation or payment necessary to enter or win

Photo Eligibility
To enter, you must be a registered member of IAP. Judges and others participating in the administration of the Photo Challenge are not eligible to participate. All photos must be taken during the month of February, 2011. The photo subject must be relevant to one of the following contest categories:

• Pen Marketing Photos (like you would use on a website to sell your pens)
• Shop and Shop Life Photos (photos of anything related to penturning)
• Creative use of the IAP logo (anything goes!)

Photo Formats
Entries may be color or black & white digital images only.

Submitting Digital Images
Digital images should be submitted using the official entry form. Images should be a minimum of 600 pixels and a maximum of 800 pixels in one direction, depending on the orientation. Images should be submitted in JPG format. File sizes must be less than 150K per image. ALL PICTURES THAT DO NOT MEET THESE REQUIREMENT WILL BE REJECTED WITHOUT NOTICE!

Image Modifications:
Minor digital enhancement is permitted, but images that have been significantly modified or appear unnatural will be disqualified except for the artistic/creative category where anything goes.

Not Permitted:
• Anything goes in the Creative Use of the IAP Logo category but it must contain the IAP logo! Please do not add any personally identifying information, however.
• No borders or frames may be added to images.
• No watermarks, signatures, or copyright notices may be added to images. All winning images will be displayed with the photographer's name.
• Adding or replacing elements in an image is not permitted.

Permitted Modifications:
• Anything goes in the Creative Use of the IAP Logo category!
• Images may be cropped and rotated as necessary.
• Red-eye removal and spot editing
• One-step enhancement (such as "AutoFix", "QuickFix", "Auto Levels", etc.)
• Use of filters to sharpen, soften, blur, despeckle, or remove noise.
• Use of corrective functions to improve the natural appearance of the image, such as levels, contrast, brightness, curves, intensity, tone, hue, saturation, lightness, value, color balance, and tint

Photographer/Copyright
Entries must be submitted by the original photographer. Do not submit a photo taken by someone other than you. You must be the sole owner of the copyright of any image submitted. Your submission of the photo is your guarantee that you are the author and copyright holder of the photo.

Ownership/Use Rights
Photographers retain the copyright to their photographs. By entering the contest, photographers agree to have their submitted photograph displayed on the IAP website without any fee or other form of compensation. Photographers agree that IAP may display winning photos in a "past winners" photo gallery and retain copies of the photograph for promotional purposes. Photos will be credited to the photographer.



How to Enter
Photos need to be submitted through the official entry from and ABSOLUTELY NOT POSTED ON THE FORUM. If it has been shown on IAP, it is not qualified. Only your IAP username is required on the entry form but I highly suggest that you include the other fields so that it will make it easier to send you your prizes if you win! All personal information will be kept strictly confidential and will only be accessible to myself, Jeff, and the person shipping your prize.

A photo may only be entered in one category; up to 2 entries per person per category. Entries must be received by February 14, 2011 11:59 PM CST be eligible.

Judging
Entries will be judged using the following criteria: Composition (5 points) Creativity (5 points) Lighting (5 points) Visual Impact (5 points). An anonymous panel consisting of 4 expert IAP Members will judge the entries to narrow the field to the best 6 photos in each category. The finalists will then be posted in a thread for general membership voting. Any ties in the general membership voting will be decided by the judges. All contest decisions are final. Entries that fail to comply with the Official Contest Rules will be disqualified.

Prizes
Prizes will be awarded as follows:

Pen Marketing Photos
1st Place
2nd Place

Shop and Shop Life Photos
1st Place
2nd Place

Creative use of the IAP logo
1st Place
2nd Place

Best Overall Photo
1st Place

 

[mbroberg]

Thanks Curtis!! This is going to be a great contest!

 

[MesquiteMan]

I would LOVE to have a good digital camera to give out as an unannounced prize to the WORST photo. Any thoughts on how to get one?

 

[mbroberg]

LOL..................,that would be great!

OK Boys & Dawn. Put your thinking caps on!

 

[MesquiteMan]

I have created a photo submission form on my webserver for photo submissions. The last time I ran this contest, I had a hard time getting people to follow basic directions and provide the required information! This form should fax that problem. Now all of the required information has to be filled out in order to submit the photo and the form limits the photo size to the size stated in the rules so I don't get these people sending 2 MB pictures like they did in the past. If you would be so kind to check out the form and give me any feedback, I would appreciate it. if you could test it out by sending a photo, that would be great.

You can find it here: http://www.photos.turntex.com/

Let me know what you think!

BTW, if anyone else wants a similar form for their contest, just let me know. This form takes all of the data and sends an e-mail to whatever e-mail address I have it set up to send to. In that e-mail, all of the info is displayed and the photo comes in as an attachment. If there is enough interest, we may even be able to get Jeff to set something up on the IAP server where I can do it with an IAP address.

 

[Displaced Canadian]

I think that there is plenty of time for people to take their pics and this has the makings of an interesting contest.

 

[MesquiteMan]

I need someone to test my entry form and give me feedback!!!

 

[MesquiteMan]

I have deleted the Artistic/Creative Pen Photos category for this year. I remembered that the last time I did this, that category was confusing for many people. If anyone has any suggestions for a category to replace it with, please let me know. Otherwise, we will just have 3 categories with a best overall.

 

[Displaced Canadian]

I filled out the form and sent it. This a test. First time I tried it didn't work because the photo was 202 kb changed sizes and it worked fine.

 

[MesquiteMan]

Yep, I got a test from 3 different people. I assume it all worked perfectly as long as you followed the rules?

 

[ed4copies]

Curtis,

The following prizes are yours for the photo contest,
allocate as you wish, just let us know who gets what, please.

Lazerlinez---laser cut blanks---valued at $100
Turn-Tex---"Cactus Juice Stabilizing system"---valued at $105
Lazerlinez---laser cut blanks---valued at $100
Lazerlinez---laser cut blanks---valued at $100
Turn-Tex---3 Mesquite & Walnut pen boxes
Wolftat----Small flat rate box photochromic & Pearl blanks
Stan Cook---5 rope twist sierra blanks---$75

 

[Phunky_2003]

Just out of curiousity. What is a cactus juice stabilizing system? I checked your site but done see no such monster.....

I am not sure.... I may need one of those? How do I check if my cactus juice is stable?

LOL

 

[MesquiteMan]

Just out of curiousity. What is a cactus juice stabilizing system? I checked your site but done see no such monster.....

I am not sure.... I may need one of those? How do I check if my cactus juice is stable?

LOL

That is a new stabilizing resin system that I am about to launch but please keep it under your hat for the time being! I should have it ready to launch in a few days and will be offering introductory pricing during the bash!

 

[Phunky_2003]

Crap my wifes gonna hurt me....

So much going on this year, lots of cool toys and stuff. I'll definately keep my eyes peeled..... I like new toys!