For all of you "regulars", I hope that you are considering or have at least thought about entering the print competition. I know that there are some who definitely are, and I've been very encouraged by finding out about others that are planning to, when I had no idea that they might!

This is to say that it should be great fun! and an excellent learning opportunity! I will let you know more about the judge later on...

If you are having a hard time getting started, then perhaps my "flow of thinking" will help....

I recently read about a person who used to be in a local club who began entering contests as a beginning point-and-shooter, and she is now an accomplished prize winner in print competitions...and she is still shooting with a point and shoot camera! This should challenge and encourage you!
First read this article

And you will enjoy selections from previous winners

On the Theme...

If it is "OPEN", then anything you want goes, except for objectionable content.

For themed competitions, I am leaving the "theme appropriateness" element of the competition up to the judge. Basically, anything even loosely related to the theme would qualify. But how much it says about that theme and its value as an entry will be up to him. You could enter something that has nothing to do with it if you want...at the very least it will be critiqued, but you probably wouldn't receive any points for the theme. However, if it knocked the socks off the judge, then I suppose it's possible you could even win. The main idea here really is to learn from your entry and from others. Learning is the icing on the cake. Winning would be the decoration on the icing on the cake...but without it your sweet tooth will still be satisfied.

The photo does not need to be complicated. There are everyday types of things that can make good pictures. Check out this link to see what I mean and get some ideas Click here Check out the links page on our own site for other ideas.

In a recent video we viewed in a meeting, the renowned nature and landscape photographer Galen Rowell talked about how much effort went into actually planning a picture. So,

• Think of an idea...something that you already know of or have seen.
  If you have no ideas, just get out and drive around a bit, or ask some friends for ideas. Think of the little out-of-the-way places as well as the more well known spots.
• Then think about when to do it...if it's outdoors
  Time of day (at what point would the sun be in the right position for it)
  The type of day (Bright or overcast)
• Color or B & W?
• Then get the shot the best way you can.

Now the hard part is done...

Creating the print

Get it processed any old way for now. If slides, you'll have 'em inside of a day if you'll get them to CBC Lab, 817.336.3456.

Pick your shot, or shots (remember you can enter up to 6 - 3 color and 3 B & W)

If you want help getting your enlargements done in a quality way, just call me and I'll help with it. Also we can use my accounts at the pro labs which will save some money. Be sure to note the other specs on the competition page.

In actuality, as long as you have a negative, slide or digital file by as late as Thursday or Friday RIGHT BEFORE that Monday we can still make it happen. Inexpensive prints are available at Costco and Sam's, to name a couple, and it doesn't take long.  So please give it some thought...

I will be happy to talk with each one of you about your specifics, and the best way to make it happen. Call me anytime.

I really look forward to it!

Jon  235.1788 cell