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Each year as we work on the photo
contest, cataloging entries and judging, we brain storm as well
on just what we can do next year to make things work smoother.
Should we incorporate some new rules, or do we limit the number
of entries? Well after a fair amount of consideration we have
decided that we ask that you review the rules that are in place
now, and we’ll point out those that seem to get overlooked. As
for limiting you to a number of entries we aren’t going to do
that either. What we are going to do is ask you to just send
your best and offer up some guidelines and tips that David
Stoecklein has also suggested to make your entries winners.
First and foremost follow the rules.
We cannot accept your entries if they’ve appeared in another
photo contest or magazine.
This year entries that arrive not
correctly mounted on 11 x 14 black poster board will be
disqualified. In past years we have actually mounted photos for
the contestants - we will no longer do this. Be sure that your
photo is securely mounted, as the entries are moved around a lot
during the judging process. Please be sure that your name,
address and phone numbers are on the back of each entry once
again in a secure manner. This year entries that have names and
information on the front will be disqualified. Make sure that
your photo is printed on good quality photo paper - it makes a
difference.
Do not put your entry through a
photoshop makeover, photo shop skills are not what we want to
see. In the past we’ve chosen to overlook some minor touches.
This year all photoshop enhanced entries will be disqualified.
There has been some question
about entry use by Western Cowman magazine, so please note rule
number six that states photos will become the property of
Western Cowman magazine for use in publication and promotion.
We ask that you take extra
caution when mailing your entries to us. Be sure that envelopes
have some heavy card board in them to prevent the photos from
being bended or folded in the delivery process. Boxes are fine,
although we request that you do not send us Styrofoam packing
peanuts, they’re difficult to dispose of and bad for the
environment. Take caution on taping your envelopes and boxes
shut: quite often we find that the actual entry gets caught in
the tape and requires lots of time and patience on this end for
us to open your entry without damaging the photo in the process.
Last but not least, make the deadline. That’s why we have it -
there will be no exceptions this year for late entries.
When judging the photos we want
to see photos that tell us a story. Each time you snap a shot
ask yourself what that impression imparts. Winning photos are
more than just a pretty picture.
When you are selecting entries to
send us, be sure that you’ve cropped your photo so that we see
it at its best. So often we’ve had amazing photos that if only
they had been cropped down to the subject it would have made all
the difference in the world. Give your photos a critical review
and it will pay off.
If you’re looking to have a shot
at a Western Cowman cover keep in mind the photo that works best
for us is the vertical shot. It’s very difficult to make a
horizontal photo work in the space.
Entry deadline for the 2010
contest is September 20th, 2010. All entries must be postmarked
by that date.
This year the special subject
category is the Ranch Hat. This relates to cowboy hats, caps and
any hat that we use in the ranching lifestyle. Be creative - it
should be an interesting special subject.
We encourage your notes and
letters about your photos, the subjects and anything else that
goes into getting the photos that you send us. These letters are
extremely special to all us that coordinate the photo contest.
If you have any questions we’re
as close as your phone and as easy to access by e-mail. Our
phone number is 916/362-2697 or email
jdainc@cwo.com.
Last but not least keep on taking
photos and being a part of this contest. It is an amazing way
for you to chronicle your life, and the lifestyle of the rancher
as well.
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