2013 Contests

[Amber]

Hello!

I think we have had a very successful year in the photo contests this year. But, it's about that time to think about what do we want to do next year. I'd like to have the new calendar out by the end of the 2nd week of December so anyone going to WDW or any other Disney park for the holidays knows what the contests will be.

So here is everyone's chance to put in their two cents. What did you like? What didn't you like? Any contest ideas? Any rule changes you would like to see? I'm not saying all the suggestions will happen, but I'd like to know what everyone thinks.

Thoughts?

 

[Kristia]

Overall I really like the contests. They are a lot of fun whether I do well or not. My only suggestion for the overall contest might be to loosen the rules on post-processing. So many people shoot in raw mode these days with an automatic white balance and then adjust the balance later. It is tough to go back and find my old raw files and save another unedited version of the photo. I have so many already uploaded to photobucket, but sometimes have to upload new unedited versions. I am not strong on my photoshop skills as others in the forum are, but I do normally adjust white balance, tweek saturation levels, and adjust contrast, shadows, highlights etc. Maybe adjust the rules to allow for this type of adjustment but not the layering, HDR images and such? A lot of the easier adjustments can be made with software that comes with most cameras.

Another idea would be have a contest week where people could submit their best post-processed image.

Just some ideas. No matter what the outcome, I look forward to participating in 2013!

 

[Amber]

The problem with allowing *some* post processing but only certain things is that someone will try to push the envelope. "Well if they can do that, why can't I do this?" kind of thing. It has to be cut-and-dry "no editing" to be at all enforceable, unfortunately. Even then, it's tough. I just don't know how we would be able to keep it fair.

And we did have a Photoshop contest earlier this year. Participation was pretty low, probably one of the lowest of the year. And then in one of the editing "discussions" someone tried to tell me that editing is acceptable because "we had a whole contest based around it" or something to that effect. I'm fine with keeping a photoshop contest, but there really wasn't that much interest.

 

[Nemo14]

I think you're doing a great job, and I strongly urge you to keep the rules as is. There are plenty of photo threads where people can show their editing skills, and that's fine. I enjoy them immensely.The original spirit of this contest was that anyone could enter a photo they were proud of. It gets pretty intimidating enough for us point-and-shooters to compete with all the professionals we have here without having to deal with editing skills too. After all, it's not like we do it for prizes or anything - let's keep it fun!
JMHO

 

[Nemo14]

As far as topics for next year, how about an "Ooops" week where we post pictures that didn't quite turn out as expected - I'm sure I'm not the only one who has a few of those!

 

[fractal]

AMH97,

First off, thank you for all the hard work you do with the contest. Your time and effort is much apprectiated.

The post processing issue is a tough one because in reality, all pictures are post processed - either by the camera itself into JPEG files or by the photographer by adjusting a RAW file. I recognize that there is a fine line between post processing to adjust "normal" issues and HDR, bracketing and layering. Don't know the answer.

As far as different themes; How about "Rainy Day @ Disney", or "Disney Food picture". Can't think of much else, you did a great job this year of covering so much.

 

[Amber]

Thank you @Nemo14 and @fractal for your kind words. Most of the time I really do enjoy taking care of the photo contests. I do realize that some post-processing happens within the camera, but changing the type of file is a long way from physically editing the photo. I can't remember where I read it, but someone at one time said something like 'the photo should go from the camera to the contest. Anything in between is editing.' That's the original spirit of the contest and that is how I feel it should remain.

As for new topics, I'm always interested in hearing about those. We did a Food and Drink contest this year, which also had fairly low participation, especially considering how many food photo threads there are out there. I like all of the ideas I have heard so far - I will see what I can do.

Thanks!

 

[WDI 1998]

It sounds to me like this contest is about seeing the skill of the photographer not the skill of an editor. I have taken some pretty dismal shots and made them look really good in post. The no post editing will push us all to shoot better and become better photographers. I will put some thought into the contests for next year and post those later.

 

[NowInc]

A few topic ideas (some jokes..some serious..lol):

Ride-ception - Taking a photo of a ride while riding another ride. This may only result in pictures taken from peoplemover tho.
Got ya! - Pictures of people taking pictures.
Heres one for the little guy - Pictures of some of the lesser known but important staff: Ie: food service or Janitorial
Happiest place on earth? - Pictures of children crying. Which now that I re-read that sounds a bit sadistic. eeps
Rain Rain go away - Pictures taken while its raining
Pardon our dust - Best photos of construction
Hide N Seek - Picture of your favorite "hidden" spot
Outside the box - pictures taken from *gasp* non disney parks

 

[whitethunder]

I have a few ideas (I just found this part of the website so forgive my ignorance if these have already been done!)

Ground Art - Pictures of the drawings or lights etc. that you see throughout the parks, on the ground.
Had enough? - Pictures of people that just look like they've had enough of the park
Special Cast - Pictures of somebody casting spells, in an interesting manner, for the Sorcerers of the MK game. Obviously this would require extra work.
Turnstile Mania - Pictures of the morning turnstile flood of people

 

[WDI 1998]

Here are a few ideas:
Flowers and Trees - shots must include and have flowers and or trees as main focus
Architectural Details - Not the whole building just part of it.
Signs - They are every where, so why not find creative ways of photographing them.
Panoramic - taken any where of anything on property
Near and Far framing - items in the image in the foreground and distant back round
Cliche Shot - shots we have seen a million time taken in a new and creative way
Expressions in Light - Shots with the ligthing being the focus
Disney Details - shots of all the detail WDI puts into the parks and resorts
Colors - capturing the amazing colors that are everywhere on property. Can be day or night shots
Best shot for specific shows ie Indiana Jones or LMA etc.
Best on Ride shots - Pushing our limits to capture the rides in ways they have not been before
Boats Trains and Automobiles - shots of Disney Transportation
Topiarary shots -
Parade Shots -
Guess where this is shots
Best non park non resort on property shots