N.B. PLAN and LINKS -- CDPF Enters Wildlife Photo Challenge

[Leighow]

EDIT: February 27, 2004
Hello Fellow Members

This "sticky" post serves three purposes:
1: To cover some of the initial discussion realted to the topic that follows
2: To detail "The Plan (see below)" that evolved from that discussion
3: To provide an index of subsequent posts related to the plan.
(By way of explanation, the plan provides for a series of related activities. Each activity will have its own post ... however .. all subsequent posts will carry the sub-title "CDPF Enters Wildlife Photo Challenge" and they will be cross-referenced and announced here to avoid the need for future "sticky posts".

LINKS realted to the plan :

Planned activity (1) : Websites related to Wildlife Photography http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=26272

Planned Activity (2) Categorize WPC Contest - CDPF Enters Wildlife Photo http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=26504

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

WILDLIFE CONTESTThe contest is at http://www.wildlifephotoclub.com/wpc/default.asp

VARIED SUBMISSIONS
I have three G2 heron shots in for February and three more images on tap for March. And CDS, I saw at least one of your great images in an earlier month -- plus -- a few from other members. I believe that these can be oldies. Anyway a variety of lands and species are represented. Mine are handheld and in the fresh air. The deer shot in Feb was a long lens (probably a tripod) and in a blind! So too there were images that are "rare events" to the North American eye. Lions feasting on a water buffalo. A bird with prey. Even so, many are just P & S and not strong artistically (light, shadows, colour, etc). On the other hand, many are "too easy" -- like a Cardinal picked off with a 500 mm lens! So to compete successfully we have to define some minimal expectations.

OPTION 1 - CRITIQUE CORNER
What I was suggesting that we ought to start placing "warm-ups" on the Critique Corner. That way we can start to critique & hopefully strengthen composition et al. What counts ? What differentiates ?

OPTION 2 - RUN OUR OWN CONTEST
As I understand one suggestion above, we would run our own contest. That would be a bit tougher than Option 1 -- but if a great shot emerges it might go forward to the offshore contest.

OPTION 3 - Ask A Winner to CoachWe could contact the winner of a past International Contest and ask him/her to describe and critique some shots that we can select from past wildlife posts by our own members. Or we could ask that past winner to select and describe the process for his/her own winning shot and to post a few almost-rans.

I dunno .. just talking. But I have seen guys dedicated to wildlife out with a lot of gear. My only thought at that time was that if I was to do as well with my g2 it would have to be because of its portability!

[IanD]

Gang,
How about we post a sticky in Share or Critique and call it Water Fowl.
As suggested, Shots only taken in the "contest" (used in the loosest sence of the word) dates. Any "water bird" counts. (Exclusion: drowning sparrows)
Run it for say 30 days. At the end of 30 days we let folks vote. Count up the votes and see what shakes out.
I'll even put up a prize.
Prize Package......1-Giotto MH-1003 ball head. (some how I ended up with 2 of them and they are being used as paper weights) and a real nifty Giant Bicycle baseball cap! (new)
Any thoughts?

[CyberDyneSystems]

I'm game,.

Howie,.

Since this was your brainstorm.. 8)

Would you do the honors of posting a thread in either Share or Critique explaing the idea. (you could essentially cut and paste your thread above with some alterations)

Personally I don't think we should limit our efforts to Waterfowl or even birds...

...the contest we are "honing our skills" for is wildlife in general,. so why not leave it open..

The thread could be something like "CDPF Wildlife Competiton contenders" or some such thing.

But I think Ian is right that we look for new stuff,. it would be lame if we started to fill the thread with a bunch of stuff we shot last year.

When Howie makes the intitial post I will "sticky" it.

What do you think?
Are we game? 8)

[IanD]

I'm game. Do we put a limit on # of pics each person can post?
Memo to Thos: We understand that you live in the desert and No, an SUV is not wildlife. :lol:

[marie]

Memo to Thos: We understand that you live in the desert and No, an SUV is not wildlife.
Ian unquote


but Tom/Thos (belmundo) has a frog already caught !!!

is that eligible ???

(or even edible)

:lol: :lol:
regards
marie

[JZaun]

On this forum, (Shakey) is housting a contest, Currently #9. Can we do the way he is or--- get him to run it!! just a thought.. why reinvent the wheel. But what do I know

[Tom W]

Go for it. Who will head it up?.

Hmmm... If we get CDS to head it up he can't enter.

And a "no butt shots" rule will rule out IanD.

What other rules can we invent to swing this our way?
:)

Heh heh! How about no digital and manual focus only.

http://home.comcast.net/~trwilk3/Images/FT_Pillow.jpg

OK, J/K....

But no donkey pictures. :D

[IanD]

You should see Gitzo after a couple of pulls on the jug....pretty wildlife :lol:

[JZaun]

Tom, that would leave me out. I sold all my film cameras years ago. I do wish I still had my Nikonos IV though. What ever I do will be on a 10d, I didn't spend all that $$$$ to go back to film hahahaha

[CyberDyneSystems]

I think we have two different ideas converging here,.

Howie's Idea,. (if I read it correctly) is NOT that WE have a competition on this fourm,.. we do allready have a running series,. the we shouldn't compete with,.

I think the Idea is that we accumulate a bunch of our best Spring season Wildlife pics to give us impetus to come up with entries for This contest here;

http://www.wildlifephotoclub.com/wpc/default.asp

Any of us can enter that contest anytime,. but the Idea was to get some of our best work into that contest as representatives of this forum...

Yes?

However,. if we DO want to have it as in internal competition I agree that we should merely ask that Wildlife be a subject in the next of our regularly running contests...

[Tom W]

I think we have two different idea converging here,.

Howie's Idea,. (if I read it correctly) is NOT that WE have a competition on this fourm,.. we do allready have a running series,. the we shouldn't compete with,.

I think the Idea is that we accumulate a bunch of our best Spring season Wildlife pics to give us impetus to come up with entries for This contest here;

http://www.wildlifephotoclub.com/wpc/default.asp

Any of us can enter that contest anytime,. but the Idea was to get some of our best work into that contest as representatives of this forum...

Yes?

However,. if we DO want to have it as in internal competition I agree that we should merely ask that Wildlife be a subject in the next of our regularly running contests...



Good idea, CDS.

[Leighow]

I'm game,.


...the contest we are "honing our skills" for is wildlife in general,. so why not leave it open..

The thread could be something like "CDPF Wildlife Competiton contenders" or some such thing.

8)

OK

Look I have a big mouth and a small lens! Here are some ideas that I have.

* Feel free to can them.Maybe all you want is a contest. If so, I agree that future internal contests ought to take advantage of the investments that members have made in forum contest organization.

* Feel free to copy and alter these ideas and we will grow your version, or

* Feel free to abandon the enterprise. Maybe it all sounds far too quasi-organized for the way we want to spend our I-time !




************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************
(1) OBJECTIVE:
What I see "roughly" now is an objective to have a member of Pekka's forum WIN or PLACE in the International (Pros &Amateurs) wildlife contest sometime in the next 12 months. The rules say that no sign of man or his environment is allowed to creep into an image. Also, while the wildlife photo contest is open to landscape photos, for "our" purposes we will stick to wildlife.
ACTION: At least a few members are keen on trying
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************
(2) BEGIN WITH A BRIEF KNOWLEDGE OVERVIEW
While we will continue shooting and posting as we have over the past 12 months, this year we want to go beyond the straight praise of individual shots to review how to plan/execute such shots successfully.
STRATEGY: The idea is not to spend too much time in overview, but to spend enough to grasp some of the common tools and approaches that being used by wildlife photographers in time to apply some (potentially) new ideas this Spring and Summer. We can't detail it all .. like lens .. blinds... binoculars .. BUT ... we can ID sites for all to peruse
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************
(3) SCAN THE WILDLIFE PHOTO TOPIC
To achieve (2) I think that we have to upgrade (assumption) our appreciation for and skills related to wildlife photography. That seems to require a bried review and inventory of;
- (i) some of the better websites
- (ii) some of the categories of wildlife shots
- (iii) some of the prize winning shots
- (iv) the basic elements and approaches that underpin success.
HOWIE'S ACTIONS:
WEEK #1 - POST 1: I will look over 100 wildlife contest entries for a 3 month period and categorize the submissions as well as the winners and honourable mentions.
WEEK #2 - POST 2: I will ID two good wildlife image or tips sites. Others can add to the list.
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************
(4) INVITE GUEST WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER TO POST:
I think that we could then ask an external whiz to share in a "Guest Post" by sharing say three images that he/she has taken . Members could probe for advice, etc.
HOWIE'S ACTION: I can try to ID someone that would volunteer.
WEEK #3 -POST 3: Guest to post images
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************
(5) MEMBERS POST OLD IMAGES ON CRITIQUE CORNER
Members (idea not firm) might then post their best shot and based on knowledge gained in steps (1) through (4) our critiques might improve.
MEMBERS ACTIONS - WEEK #4: Post their best past or present for critique.
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************
(6) SPRING and SUMMER PRACTICE
If we get this far, Spring and Summer will allow time to "execute" and image takers could post at random on Critique. Obviously in the end winning shots will in situations where planning, chance, and readiness "jive". So we have to get out into the field with equipment and intent.
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************
(7) FUTURE PLANS
See what makes sense nect Fall.!
************************************************** ************************************************** ***********************************

[IanD]

I like the second option cause with my luck every animal/bird that I come across for the next 30 days will give me the "south end heading north" view and that wont make it in Wildlifephotoview. However, majority rules.

[Tom W]

Howie, that seems like a pretty good plan of attack.

I personally would like to participate in this, not necessarily with the mind that I might win, but that I might emerge a better photographer as a result.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I love the Idea,. I like the "team" aspect.. for us "independant photographer types"

And I really like the idea of the excercise in learning.. the "Contest" aside.

The "Challenge" is improving our skills!

I especially like part # 3 "Howie's actions"


....'cause that means you have volunteered to do the hard work! :)

We will definately need someone to take the reigns and kick us in the pants... :?


...and this is it...

"How'd he do that!!!"

[garethhhhh]

Right! when do we start? :?: :mrgreen:

[IanD]

Right! when do we start? :?: :mrgreen:
I'm formatting a new CF card and fattening up Gitzo..... :lol:

[OviV]

I'm game. Most of my wildlife shots are either egrets or gators being that I live on the edge of the Florida Everglades. ;)

[CyberDyneSystems]

Right! when do we start? :?: :mrgreen:
I think as soon as you post a picture! :)

I am swamped at work right now,. not sure when I'll be able to get some new pics,. But when I have some time I think I may dig up some of my better old stuff and submit it in Critique so that I can get some input on post processing etc... as well as what I should do in the field to to get better shots.. :wink:

[Leighow]

Prepping for the
WILDLIFE PHOTO CLUB CONTEST

http://www.wildlifephotoclub.com/wpc/default.asp

************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************
(OBJECTIVE:
Our objective is to help develop members of of Pekka's forum (CDPF) to WIN or PLACE in the Wildlife Photo Club contest sometime in the next 12 months. Contest rules permit pros and amateurs but signs of man or his environment are not allowed to creep into submitted images. Also, while the wildlife photo contest is open to landscape photos, for our purposes we will stick to wildlife.
ACTION: At least a few members are keen on trying
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************
(1) BRIEF REVIEW OF “SELECTED” WILDLIFE PHOTO WEB SITES
While we will continue shooting and posting as we have over the past 12 months, this year we want to go beyond the straight praise of individual shots to review how to plan/execute such shots successfully. The idea is not to spend too much time in overview, but to spend enough to grasp some of the common tools and approaches being used by wildlife photographers in time to apply new ideas this Spring and Summer. We can't detail it all .. like lens .. blinds... binoculars .. BUT we can ID sites for all to peruse
ACTION:WEEK #1 - POST 1:HOWIE will ID two good wildlife image or tips sites. Other members should can add to the list and discussion.
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************
(2) CATEGORIZE RECENT SUBMISSIONS TO THE WILDLIFE PHOTO CONTEST
Great photos are great photos! Even so, there may be some value in categorizing the kinds of images that are being submitted to the contest and any obvious factors observations that appear to have underpinned a win or an honourable mentions – as well as factors or subjects that might best be avoided. Finally, given our earlier review of related sites it may be possible to identify hi-potential wildlife photo opps that have been overlooked by past contestants.
ACTION: WEEK #2 – POST2: HOWIE will look over 100 wildlife contest entries for a 3 month period and categorize the submissions as describe above. Other members should comment and add to the discussion.
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************
(3) INVITE GUEST WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER TO POST:
I think that we could then ask an external whiz to share in a "Guest Post" by sharing say three images that he/she has taken . Members could probe for advice, etc.
ACTION:
If you have anyone in mind , please pm Howie—otherwise, Howie will try to ID someone that would volunteer.
* WEEK #3 -POST 3: Guest wildlife photographer to post images. Members to query.
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************
(4) MEMBERS POST OLD IMAGES ON CRITIQUE CORNER
Members might then post their best shot and based on knowledge gained in steps (1) through (4) our critiques might improve.
ACTIONS - WEEK #4: Members post their best image (past or present) for critique..
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************
(5) SPRING and SUMMER PRACTICE
If we get this far, Spring and Summer will allow time for members to "execute" on the basis of their growing knowledge, skills and wildlife encounters. Images might best be posted on the Critique Corner. Clearly great shots will involve filed situations where planning, equipment, skills and nature cooperate. So we have to get out into the field with winning intentions.
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************
(6) FUTURE PLANS
See what makes sense next Fall! But the idea would be to have participants in a better position to compete in either:
o an internal contest – if we DO want to have it as in internal competition we should merely ask that Wildlife be a subject of one of our regularly running contests, or
o the Wildlife Contest (with a stronger submission). Of course, any of us can enter that contest anytime, but at a minimum we want to get some of our best work into that contest as representatives of this forum.
************************************************** ************************************************** ***********************************

[IanD]

Should we sticky this post? Easier for folks to find.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I was going to do that.... //scratches head....

Thanks for reminding me :)

[IanD]

I was going to do that.... //scratches head....

Thanks for reminding me :)
Tis part of my job description :lol:

[Leighow]

Ladies and Gentlemen

Please see the non-Sticky post on the critique corner at
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=26272 It details Planned activity (1) : Websites related to Wildlife Photography

Feel free to add items and to amaze yourself and your friends as you absorb a pinch of "all there is to know about Wildlife Photography. The scope of the resource material on the WWW is simply amazing.

This new link has been cross-referenced in the inital paragraphs of our "Sticky Post" as this seemed like a way to report and comment on progress.

[Leighow]

Ladies and Gentlemen

Please see the non-Sticky post on the critique corner at
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=26272 It details Planned activity (1) : Websites related to Wildlife Photography

Feel free to add items and to amaze yourself and your friends as you absorb a pinch of "all there is to know about Wildlife Photography. The scope of the resource material on the WWW is simply amazing.

This new link has been cross-referenced in the inital paragraphs of our "Sticky Post" as this seemed like a way to report and comment on progress.

PLEASE SEE:
Planned activity (2) Categorize WPC Contest - CDPF Enters Wildlife Photo http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=26504 I have invited -- but probably unsuccessfully -- a pro to coach us. Will get back on this .

[Belmondo]

Memo to Thos: We understand that you live in the desert and No, an SUV is not wildlife. :lol:

I guess you've never seen me drive.

Sorry I caught this thread so late. I might just cancel vacation and go looking for lizards.