July 2008 Photo Contest

[Old 97]

The time to vote has arrived folks!
Thanks to all who submitted photos for this month's contest.

[wheeler1963]

Good Luck to everyone!!!! I'm for on vacation for a week or so. See you all when we get back!!!

[UP2CSX]

Lots of great photos and great models. We should have an honorable mention for the second place finisher.

[Rotorranch]

Could you link the pics in the poll to enlarge? It would be easier for old eyes to look at.

Rotor

[UP2CSX]

Rotor, you can find the big versions at http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=586.

[Railphotog]

Wonder if voters are selecting their favorite scene or the favorite crane model? To be really fair in a Big Hook contest, the models would have to be photographed on a plain background. Whatever.

[Old 97]

Wonder if voters are selecting their favorite scene or the favorite crane model? To be really fair in a Big Hook contest, the models would have to be photographed on a plain background. Whatever.

I never thought about that Bob. I just came up with a theme and didn't think to specify the subject matter. I was however very glad and appreciative that you entered a photo into this month's contest. :)



Could you link the pics in the poll to enlarge? It would be easier for old eyes to look at.
Rotor

My apologies to everyone for the linking of the photos.
I'm unable to link the photos from within the website to the contest because I don't know how it's done.
I have put in a request for help to the powers that be and should have it worked out before the next voting.

[rhoward]

Wonder if voters are selecting their favorite scene or the favorite crane model? To be really fair in a Big Hook contest, the models would have to be photographed on a plain background. Whatever.

I may be wrong here, but I have always been of the opinion that it was the entire photo that is used to judge. The only requirement has been that that subject of the photo should have to do with the theme........... At least that is how I have always voted.

[UP2CSX]

Ray, I second that. If the contest was for "The Best Detailed Crane", I would have voted differently. I voted based on the whole scene and how it fit together and caught my eye. I have no problem with a pure rolling stock or motive power contest sans scenery but I think that should be called out first or I'm going to assume it's the total scene we're voting on.

[Railphotog]

Ray, I second that. If the contest was for "The Best Detailed Crane", I would have voted differently. I voted based on the whole scene and how it fit together and caught my eye. I have no problem with a pure rolling stock or motive power contest sans scenery but I think that should be called out first or I'm going to assume it's the total scene we're voting on.

The title of this thread/contest is "Who's your favorite Big Hook?? " and not "Show your best scene with a big hook in it", so that's the way I participated.

[Selector]

I see both points of view. Let's take this as a learning lesson, all of us, and use it as an attempt to refine our method for these "competitions". I say this for two reasons: it does make it more fair for everyone to have the boundaries and guidelines established clearly, but it also encourages more people to contribute, thus enriching everyone's experience here. For example, would anyone have preferred that Bob didn't enter this month? No? Well, then, I agree that we are better for it, and having some clearer instructions at the outset will keep Bob coming back. At the same time, few of us merely shoot a model on a plain vanilla background and enter them on a weekend photo fun or a "competition" because most of us want to demonstrate a holistic approach to railroad modelling. If Bob, with his experience, understands that pure model imagery competitions tend to have strict requirements so that the judging is more focused (not "less subjective"...it'll always be subjective) then maybe we should adopt a more conventional approach if we want to get wide participation.

Just a thought...or two. :)

[grande man]

This looks like a tight race! There are (as usual) some great shots this month!!!

[Old 97]

Congratulations to Jerome for winning the July 2008 Photo Contest!!
Crandell gets Honorable Mentions for this month.

I would like to thank all who participated in the contest and I look forward to more great work and photos in the August 2008 Photo Contest.

[UP2CSX]

Congrats, Jerome and Crandell. It was a hard pick between the two. Actually, it was a hard pick between all the photos. Outstanding work, everyone.

[Selector]

I add my congratulations to Jerome, and at the same time acknowledge his contribution to my honourable mention. If it were not for his generosity, it would have gone to someone else. :D So, in a way, he gets both prizes.

-Crandell

[wheeler1963]

Thank you Mike, Jim and Crandell. It is an honor.