Photo contest running out of steam???

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Old 97

Old 97

Hogger
Hey Folks,

There is only one entry in the January photo contest and today is the 10th.
Is everyone running out of steam or working really hard on that winning photo??? 21 days left.......
 
Well I never had steam. There's a crack in the boiler:eek:

I am working as fast as I can though so I can join in next month if possible.
 
I don't do as much photography as I used to, mostly because my layout looks like a construction zone and many of my recent mrr projects [wiring, track realignment, etc.] simply aren't very photogenical! :D

Tell u what, I'll try to find something from the archives to put in the contest...
 
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can't speak so much for this forum, but I managed the contest over on the (prototype) RRF for a few years, and I think I just burned out. Participation is down over there as well. I think that is the case for most of us, whether we manage the contest or just participate.
 
No, I don't think the contest is running out of steam. I've entered the last several because I had pictures or scenes that matched the theme. In this case, my era just doens't have patched locomotives or things like that. Sometimes the theme just doesn't have a broad enough appeal but I don't think people are getting tired of entering the contests.
 
I believe you have a combination of reasons. Jim has stated probably the most prevalent, but I still say people just don't remember to do it until you post a vote notice. Another reason is probably intimidation: when you have a computer manipulated scene that looks right out of a magazine, it is hard for newcomer (or others) to feel confident with his entry. IMHO and with expected growls, the rule should be "as seen by the observer" with background adjustments only, no computer enhanced photos allowed. If there are many that wish to do this, have different contest with this in mind. After all, this is for model railroading and not photography or computer skills.
 
There would have to be a number of reasons, and in some cases two or more would apply to the various individuals who have elected to stay out of the competitions.

I can't speak for anyone other than myself. However, it the parameters of the particular monthly theme preclude me from entering unless I decide to spend a lot of hours creating something that will allow me to to take a respectable image (my standards), then I won't enter...simple. My priorities get in the way.

I suspect that there is more to being bitten than being burned out...or maybe more to being burned than burned out. What I mean is that if a person enters faithfully for several consecutive months, but never garners more than a single vote or two, one eventually decides that there is little in it for him. He will turn to other things that offer more of a 'return'. I will admit to feeling some of that myself. I just don't have the drive to turn to full-scale improvements...too many competing draws on my time and energy these days.
 
While I have never been able to contribute to any of the contests since I am still in the construction phase, I really enjoy the contests themselves. It gives me a chance to actually see what some of the fantastic modelers on this site are doing and gives me ideas of my own. I agree with Rex on the point about photo manipulation too. Enhancing a photograph definitely adds some character to it but, it also takes away from what is really there and I can definitely see where that could be intimidating to some others. Maybe enhancing shots could be a theme of some sort down the line?

Anyway, I really enjoy seeing what everyone can put together so I hope that the contests stick around for a while.
 
Between looking for a job, getting ready for the new baby and other modeling projects that actually pay a little, I haven't had time to build anything for myself in awhile or even visit this forum for more than a few minutes every so often. I will go and put in my computer manipulated photo there now, thanks for the reminder.

Jim, your RR only has new locos? The theme is old locomotives and old is relative so you could just show the oldest one you have and it would be legit. It doesn't have to be patched or in a previous owner's paint.

I am also a big fan of less rules and restrictions for the photo contest, I don't have time to go and make a scene just for the contest so if I can't do something in an hour or so it just doesn't happen. If a general theme is presented, the voters should be able to decide which one best fit said theme.
 
I don't have any re-done locos to take photos of; I usually enter if I already have photos taken of the subject.

I don't recall any photos in the contests that were "highly manipulated in the computer". Maybe I just missed them. Smoke and steam added, yes, and maybe the background replaced but nothing else. The phrase seems to mean that models themselves were placed within totally fantasy scenes.

A contest is a contest, the best win. If mediocre images win, then its not really a showcase of the best there is.
 
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Lots of good reasons for the waxing and waning of photo contests. Paul, you have a good point. I have a set of UP F units that have had body panels replaced and do look like they are at the end of service so I guess that would qualify now that I think about it.

Rex has a good point about just forgetting. If I don't run down and take a photo right away or know I already have one stored, I tend to forget about it too. Some way that we could have a banner reminding us about this months contest and the closing date when we first log in is not a bad idea.

I have to go along with the idea of limiting computer enhancement as well. I'd like to see two categories, one that's, as Rex suggested, exactly what came from the camera, and another where anything goes. I really like seeing the computer enhanced photos but it is intimidating to those who don't have those kind of skills. I also like seeing the "warts" photos since I can relate to how the real layout looks and sometimes get some ideas for my layout rather than wondering how I can make it look like something that's just not possible in the real world of model railroading. Just my two cents on that and not meant to start a flame war.
 
I just haven't had time to do anything, and the link in the navigation pane to the left is dead...
The requested URL /2005_photo_contest_winners.htm was not found on this server
 
I'm just out of steam in general. I need to get the layout togeather, before I enter much, and the projects for customers, and work, are taking up all my time!
 
I would like to add a few pics but I dont have a proper camera or tripod to get the good shots. i also dont have a backdrop yet so you get to see nice white walls
 
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