phishphorphun
Members
To do a photo contest, there are always rules that usually don't make everyone happy. My experiences involved in a photography forum (APF), most of the logistics to provide a level playing field is quite difficult.
Number one, there is the DSLR vs the P&S controversy. In most cases, the DSLR photographers have the edge over the P&S folks. The main reason for that is the equipment is better suited for aquarium photography. All DSLR formats provide individual camera settings that produce better images, better lenses, remote flash capabilities, and the user is normally more technically astute in photography.
Then there is the two different philosophies about a fish photo contest. Should people's votes weigh more heavily on the aesthetic qualities of the image, or the technical proficiency of the photograph? Being a photographer, as opposed to a picture taker, I feel that technical results are more important than showing a blurred mouthbrooder spitting her fry. (This last comment provides the ammo for the ongoing debate, I'm sure).
So with that said, a photo contest can be fun, as long as it doesn't involve serious competition. I know I haven't been able to come up with a format that allows the casual entry be fairly competitive to the advanced photographer's entry. I think there is a strong advantage to the DSLR users. So, the only other choice would be to have two contests. Digital P&S and DSLR.
And having only a few entries in a contest waters the whole thing down too. Currently, we only have a handful of members that share images on this site. Most of the better photographers don't even bother. Perhaps they would rather sit on their laurels than share. Just a guess. :confused0083:
Number one, there is the DSLR vs the P&S controversy. In most cases, the DSLR photographers have the edge over the P&S folks. The main reason for that is the equipment is better suited for aquarium photography. All DSLR formats provide individual camera settings that produce better images, better lenses, remote flash capabilities, and the user is normally more technically astute in photography.
Then there is the two different philosophies about a fish photo contest. Should people's votes weigh more heavily on the aesthetic qualities of the image, or the technical proficiency of the photograph? Being a photographer, as opposed to a picture taker, I feel that technical results are more important than showing a blurred mouthbrooder spitting her fry. (This last comment provides the ammo for the ongoing debate, I'm sure).
So with that said, a photo contest can be fun, as long as it doesn't involve serious competition. I know I haven't been able to come up with a format that allows the casual entry be fairly competitive to the advanced photographer's entry. I think there is a strong advantage to the DSLR users. So, the only other choice would be to have two contests. Digital P&S and DSLR.
And having only a few entries in a contest waters the whole thing down too. Currently, we only have a handful of members that share images on this site. Most of the better photographers don't even bother. Perhaps they would rather sit on their laurels than share. Just a guess. :confused0083:
mscichlid
Founder
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (phishphorphun @ Mar 2 2008, 01:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
He hee! Once we get this thing rolling, I envision a using some kind of gallery and some image sharing to go be goin' on, I do! The images could be attached using photobucket in poll fashion maybe and members could vote. First place of each month would get a spot in the calendar. Therefore, the photo contest would be twelve months eventhough we meet nine months.
He hee! Once we get this thing rolling, I envision a using some kind of gallery and some image sharing to go be goin' on, I do! The images could be attached using photobucket in poll fashion maybe and members could vote. First place of each month would get a spot in the calendar. Therefore, the photo contest would be twelve months eventhough we meet nine months.
phishphorphun
Members
Now that's a good idea. Rather than just a contest, make it a "photo of the month - people's choice award". Winners get their photo used in the calender.
Start practicing all you new camera owners. :smile:
Start practicing all you new camera owners. :smile:
JustRon
Members
The gallery feature is available for the board, but it costs each year. Maybe the Photo club could raise the funds for annual purchase?
tash
Members
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (JustRon @ Mar 4 2008, 09:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
I like the calender idea. but why do we need to pay for a gallery?
I like the calender idea. but why do we need to pay for a gallery?
maddog10
Members
What he is saying, is the Gallery function is an add-on to the program and would cost the club more money every year to keep it up and running.
phishphorphun
Members
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>
Man, that photo club is going to be busy. It may have to buy a cash register first. :confused0083:
Man, that photo club is going to be busy. It may have to buy a cash register first. :confused0083:
tash
Members
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (maddog10 @ Mar 4 2008, 09:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
but why do we need a gallery?
but why do we need a gallery?
Pat Kelly
CCA Member
I am all for most things that will make this more fun and a better site.
However most things have to be approved.
There is talk about a Photography "sub club"/"study group"/"photgraphers group"/ many names. The Board is still discussing this item. There may be ramifications(sp) for insurance, tax status, etc. We are checking these things out first. Bear with us.
I would love to see more photos on here but would there be enough participation in a photo of the month club? Would it last more than a couple of months? Hmm.
I think we need to figure out why more members are not on here. We are growing but still only like 50% or so of the membership uses the forum. Why. If we get more of them on here, may get more pictures.
However most things have to be approved.
There is talk about a Photography "sub club"/"study group"/"photgraphers group"/ many names. The Board is still discussing this item. There may be ramifications(sp) for insurance, tax status, etc. We are checking these things out first. Bear with us.
I would love to see more photos on here but would there be enough participation in a photo of the month club? Would it last more than a couple of months? Hmm.
I think we need to figure out why more members are not on here. We are growing but still only like 50% or so of the membership uses the forum. Why. If we get more of them on here, may get more pictures.
phishphorphun
Members
We don't need a gallery here. Most folks that take a lot of photos already have a gallery site of their own or can hyperlink to photobucket or other hosting sites.
phishphorphun
Members
I'm with Pat on the photo contest idea. Like I mentioned earlier, not many of them at other sites go smoothly for fish club forums. Now if it is a PHOTOGRAPHY site, that's different. Because if you are a member at a photo site, it's likely you are already posting images.
You can't imagine the discussions that are going on currently between all the staff members from Li's Monster Aquaria Network's three sites about photo contest rules. That network has a huge membership, so it may attract a decent amount of interest. But our little forum...how many different folks to we have now posting pictures...four or five?
You can't imagine the discussions that are going on currently between all the staff members from Li's Monster Aquaria Network's three sites about photo contest rules. That network has a huge membership, so it may attract a decent amount of interest. But our little forum...how many different folks to we have now posting pictures...four or five?
phishphorphun
Members
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>
Sure makes it hard having fun when all the legal stuff has to be ironed out. :angry:
Sure makes it hard having fun when all the legal stuff has to be ironed out. :angry:
SubMariner
Master Jedi & Past VP
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cyradis4 @ Mar 2 2008, 11:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
That's not a bad idea Amanda.
That's not a bad idea Amanda.
phishphorphun
Members
I have had second thoughts about a contest. However, instead of a "photo contest" where some may construde that the emphasis is placed on the "quality" of the photo, make it a snapshot contest where the subject matter weighs the heaviest for the voting criteria.
"Photo Capture Of The Month" (PCOTM) contest.
This setup will allow everyone a fair and equal chance to win, no matter what skill level or equipment is used to make the capture.
Let's hear if you are interested</span>
"Photo Capture Of The Month" (PCOTM) contest.
This setup will allow everyone a fair and equal chance to win, no matter what skill level or equipment is used to make the capture.
Let's hear if you are interested</span>
SubMariner
Master Jedi & Past VP
Love it!!! 
Spine
Members
Sounds good to me.
marge618
CCA member
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (phishphorphun @ Apr 3 2008, 08:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
Count me in. One more feature that will make CCA even MORE FUN than it already is!
Later,
Marge
Count me in. One more feature that will make CCA even MORE FUN than it already is!
Later,
Marge
phishphorphun
Members
