Really... it's not for money-prizes-blue ribbons so who would get bent if our first effort is a little disorganized? I'm sure we all assume this will grow and mature with time. Doing it by calander month isn't important is it? Best to do a 4 or 5 week time frame from Wed. to Wed. so that a Saturday or Sunday wedding doesn't get lost in the gaps.
My reasoning for wanting it started soon is simply so I can participate with an actual wedding. I shoot next weekend and then just Bat Mitzvah's and BS until November. And yes, I do understand that the world doesn't actually revolve around me!!! That being said I know a few other local wedding photogs that may let me stop by their wedding and shoot a few with them.
Another thought I had, since this will most likely be a long entry term, is to put an age limit on the entries. This may keep people aggressively pursuing the topic shots and get people posting before the last minute. Maybe run the contest for 4-5 weeks but make it so entries must be less than a week old?
Matt
Except the goal is to increase involvement and learning. If we require limits on ages of the entries, it excludes those of us that don't shoot weddings every weekend... I think we were considering using catalogue photos. No "fresh- taken within the contest period" rules. That way more people can participate AAAND you can use your photos from that wedding you got comin' up whenever it fits theme. Plus then the judges don't have to look at exifs to kick out cheaters. So less work... more participation... more fun...
4-5 weeks is a long time for people (me) with short attention spans.... Could we go for a bit less?
Except the goal is to increase involvement and learning. If we require limits on ages of the entries, it excludes those of us that don't shoot weddings every weekend... I think we were considering using catalogue photos. No "fresh- taken within the contest period" rules. That way more people can participate AAAND you can use your photos from that wedding you got comin' up whenever it fits theme. Plus then the judges don't have to look at exifs to kick out cheaters. So less work... more participation... more fun...
4-5 weeks is a long time for people (me) with short attention spans.... Could we go for a bit less?
A few wrinkles are bound to pop-up, but we can deal with 'em.
The "we" who will have to deal with the wrinkles is a respected member of Dgrin who has volunteered to be the caretaker of this project. I think we can at least give him the time needed to get all the ducks in a row before embarking on what will...we hope...be a very long running feature of "Weddings".
Secretly though....I'm thrilled that you guys are so excited about this....:D .
The "we" who will have to deal with the wrinkles is a respected member of Dgrin who has volunteered to be the caretaker of this project. I think we can at least give him the time needed to get all the ducks in a row before embarking on what will...we hope...be a very long running feature of "Weddings".
Secretly though....I'm thrilled that you guys are so excited about this....:D .
Sorry...was really more of an opportunistic and jovial stab @ your "ironing" comment than it was about seriously rushing this to press.
Another thought I had, since this will most likely be a long entry term, is to put an age limit on the entries. This may keep people aggressively pursuing the topic shots and get people posting before the last minute. Maybe run the contest for 4-5 weeks but make it so entries must be less than a week old?
Matt
:soapbox
I would have to assume than any individual contracting themselves out as a wedding photographer has enough personal and professional integrity to shoot the wedding and then, if they have something that fits the current topic, they would post. To shoot a wedding with the current discussion in mind is, to my mind, a sever case of failing your client. <* /soapbox >
If the above were to be held to be true, then the age of the photo (or the lack of age for that matter) is not, and should not be, an entry validation criteria.
:soapbox
I would have to assume than any individual contracting themselves out as a wedding photographer has enough personal and professional integrity to shoot the wedding and then, if they have something that fits the current topic, they would post. To shoot a wedding with the current discussion in mind is, to my mind, a sever case of failing your client. <* /soapbox >
If the above were to be held to be true, then the age of the photo (or the lack of age for that matter) is not, and should not be, an entry validation criteria.
Simmer down there Big Guy! I agree with this. This is why I was thinking along the lines of broader topics "that could be shot at any or multiple times durring the day". Without being fresh photos it makes my initial point somewhat less viable, but it does give a big advantage to the more active wedding shooters and the people who have been shooting longer based on the depth of their portfolio.
Simmer down there Big Guy! I agree with this. This is why I was thinking along the lines of broader topics "that could be shot at any or multiple times durring the day". Without being fresh photos it makes my initial point somewhat less viable, but it does give a big advantage to the more active wedding shooters and the people who have been shooting longer based on the depth of their portfolio.
Matt
OK, maybe too much passion. My BP is back to normal.
Advantage ... I get the impression this is not really a competition ... more of an opportunity for all to share in a themed context and, thereby, offer pointers and inspiration.
OK, maybe too much passion. My BP is back to normal.
Advantage ... I get the impression this is not really a competition ... more of an opportunity for all to share in a themed context and, thereby, offer pointers and inspiration.
That's my take on it. Seems like somewhat less formal friendly competition to encourage sharing. I'll be paying attention to get inspiration for future weddings:)
For subject matter, I think that there could be instances where the entry could apply but not even be from a wedding if the theme is say "Good Use of Flare" and it's on the topic but not a wedding shoot and a people technique. Some of us that do weddings are more into shooting people across the spectrum of shooting styles and subjects.
:soapbox
I would have to assume than any individual contracting themselves out as a wedding photographer has enough personal and professional integrity to shoot the wedding and then, if they have something that fits the current topic, they would post. To shoot a wedding with the current discussion in mind is, to my mind, a sever case of failing your client. <* /soapbox >
If the above were to be held to be true, then the age of the photo (or the lack of age for that matter) is not, and should not be, an entry validation criteria.
Added thought
Actually, I have to correct a thought. While shooting a wedding or event, I have covered the day as hired and as professional. I remember from last summer that what they contracted me to shoot - a company picnic - they wanted all kinds of action shots and theme of the event shots. Within that, I chose to make my own theme of Kids at the Picnic. You can do both given the right opportunity - that said - we all want to do the best job we can but there are times when you can add some personal interest without any compromise of telling the story of the day. For example, I love getting ready shots enough to include them as much as I can. I'd foresake dancing shots once the standards are finished if the client put me on a timeclock.
For subject matter, I think that there could be instances where the entry could apply but not even be from a wedding if the theme is say "Good Use of Flare" and it's on the topic but not a wedding shoot and a people technique. Some of us that do weddings are more into shooting people across the spectrum of shooting styles and subjects.
Paralysis by analysis.
Lets just start it and tweak as necessary.
Pick a topic, has to be shots taken at a wedding, whenever, by you.
Jeffreax picks the first winner and topic and each subsequent winner picks the next winner and topic.
No prizes just for fun.
For a theme for the contests, how about adding "The First Anniversary"? The reason I ask, is because a couple has contacted me to shoot their first anniversary later this month. I don't normally do weddings, but I'm looking to get into doing them in the near future. The other day I was talking to a wedding photographer that I do his prints for, and he asked me if I wanted to be a second shooter for some of his bigger weddings in the future. Of course I said sure, but also warned him that I have no experience in weddings, but would love to learn. So until that day arrives, I'll be reading just about every thread in this forum to learn as much as I can, plus get a few videos and books on the subject. Thanks in advance for all the future help everyone is going to provide in helping me get started in wedding photography!
GaryB
GaryB “The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it!” - Ansel Adams
Comments
4-5 weeks is a long time for people (me) with short attention spans.... Could we go for a bit less?
AAAAHHH I missed the no fresh photo thing!
Matt
Bodies: Canon 5d mkII, 5d, 40d
Lenses: 24-70 f2.8L, 70-200 f4.0L, 135 f2L, 85 f1.8, 50 1.8, 100 f2.8 macro, Tamron 28-105 f2.8
Flash: 2x 580 exII, Canon ST-E2, 2x Pocket Wizard flexTT5, and some lower end studio strobes
The "we" who will have to deal with the wrinkles is a respected member of Dgrin who has volunteered to be the caretaker of this project. I think we can at least give him the time needed to get all the ducks in a row before embarking on what will...we hope...be a very long running feature of "Weddings".
Secretly though....I'm thrilled that you guys are so excited about this....:D .
Jeff
-Need help with Dgrin?; Wedding Photography Resources
-My Website - Blog - Tips for Senior Portraiture
Sorry...was really more of an opportunistic and jovial stab @ your "ironing" comment than it was about seriously rushing this to press.
I can't wait...it's gonna be alot of fun.
I figured as much.....no apologies needed......Im sure the start date is a popular question on everyone's mind.
Stay tuned!
Jeff
-Need help with Dgrin?; Wedding Photography Resources
-My Website - Blog - Tips for Senior Portraiture
I would have to assume than any individual contracting themselves out as a wedding photographer has enough personal and professional integrity to shoot the wedding and then, if they have something that fits the current topic, they would post. To shoot a wedding with the current discussion in mind is, to my mind, a sever case of failing your client. <* /soapbox >
If the above were to be held to be true, then the age of the photo (or the lack of age for that matter) is not, and should not be, an entry validation criteria.
Or, am I all wet on this one? <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/ne_nau.gif" border="0" alt="" >
My Photos
Thoughts on photographing a wedding, How to post a picture, AF Microadjustments?, Light Scoop
Equipment List - Check my profile
i hope we get past the ironing and don't add annealing or anodizing or even shiny electroplating.....
ps .... did somebody mention 'best uncle bob/bobette'? as
one of the possible contest.....
Later.... Mark
Simmer down there Big Guy! I agree with this. This is why I was thinking along the lines of broader topics "that could be shot at any or multiple times durring the day". Without being fresh photos it makes my initial point somewhat less viable, but it does give a big advantage to the more active wedding shooters and the people who have been shooting longer based on the depth of their portfolio.
Matt
Bodies: Canon 5d mkII, 5d, 40d
Lenses: 24-70 f2.8L, 70-200 f4.0L, 135 f2L, 85 f1.8, 50 1.8, 100 f2.8 macro, Tamron 28-105 f2.8
Flash: 2x 580 exII, Canon ST-E2, 2x Pocket Wizard flexTT5, and some lower end studio strobes
Advantage ... I get the impression this is not really a competition ... more of an opportunity for all to share in a themed context and, thereby, offer pointers and inspiration.
My Photos
Thoughts on photographing a wedding, How to post a picture, AF Microadjustments?, Light Scoop
Equipment List - Check my profile
That's my take on it. Seems like somewhat less formal friendly competition to encourage sharing. I'll be paying attention to get inspiration for future weddings:)
For subject matter, I think that there could be instances where the entry could apply but not even be from a wedding if the theme is say "Good Use of Flare" and it's on the topic but not a wedding shoot and a people technique. Some of us that do weddings are more into shooting people across the spectrum of shooting styles and subjects.
Flash Frozen Photography, Inc.
http://flashfrozenphotography.com
Good way to talk technique, your hows and whys and maybe a share a story about the circumstance or background of the shot.
Someone to coordinate the voting threads and to post the topic or themes. It doesn't have to be complicated!:D
Actually, I have to correct a thought. While shooting a wedding or event, I have covered the day as hired and as professional. I remember from last summer that what they contracted me to shoot - a company picnic - they wanted all kinds of action shots and theme of the event shots. Within that, I chose to make my own theme of Kids at the Picnic. You can do both given the right opportunity - that said - we all want to do the best job we can but there are times when you can add some personal interest without any compromise of telling the story of the day. For example, I love getting ready shots enough to include them as much as I can. I'd foresake dancing shots once the standards are finished if the client put me on a timeclock.
Flash Frozen Photography, Inc.
http://flashfrozenphotography.com
Lets just start it and tweak as necessary.
Pick a topic, has to be shots taken at a wedding, whenever, by you.
Jeffreax picks the first winner and topic and each subsequent winner picks the next winner and topic.
No prizes just for fun.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21695902@N06/
http://500px.com/Shockey
alloutdoor.smugmug.com
http://aoboudoirboise.smugmug.com/
GaryB
“The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it!” - Ansel Adams