Two big changes for the 2012 POTM competitions

gparr · Dec 30, 2011

The POTM activity is a competition to determine the best photo, not the photo of the most unusual or popular coral or a competition to see who can get the most friends to vote for their image. Too often in the past we have had winning entries that were clearly not the best photo and, in each instance, I've had great sympathy for the two or three people who put up excellent images that month and were not recognized.

Beginning with the January 2012 POTM competition, winners will no longer be determined by a popular vote. The winner will be determined by a panel of three photographers--me and two photographers who have no experience with aquarium photography, i.e., they will only be able to judge photos based on photographic merit. Obviously, I won't be entering any of the monthly competitions.

The other change for 2012 is that there will be a prize for each monthly competition.

My hope is that these changes will raise the level of the competitions, encourage participants to strive to produce better images and, above all, greatly increase the odds of the best image receiving recognition.

Gary

revhtree · Dec 30, 2011

I am excited about this new format!

soccerbag · Dec 30, 2011

I like it too Gary. Good change and forces everyone to step up their game : ).

secretreefer · Dec 30, 2011

I'm down. That's a GOOD change. I'm gonna bring it 2012!

LBA · Dec 30, 2011

Sweet idea, Gary!

Aquaph8 · Dec 30, 2011

The only part I don't like is that Gary doesn't get to participate. That takes some of the best pics out.

LegoZ81 · Dec 31, 2011

Aquaph8 said:
The only part I don't like is that Gary doesn't get to participate. That takes some of the best pics out.

I think that is so anyone else would actually get a chance to win one

btkrausen · Dec 31, 2011

Aquaph8 said:
The only part I don't like is that Gary doesn't get to participate. That takes some of the best pics out.

I think Gary should still submit pics but not be counted if he chooses not to

skinz78 · Dec 31, 2011

Sounds great, I love this idea!

Gary will there be any restrictions on consecutive wins? For instance if someone wins will they be able to enter the next months competition?

cdness · Dec 31, 2011

So will it be only on image quality or will composition/originality be part of the judging? Otherwise those of us without DSLR cameras are basically out

secretreefer · Dec 31, 2011

good point cdness.

skinz78 · Dec 31, 2011

Maybe there still should be a competition for members who don't have DSLR camera's that is decided by popular vote and without any prizes given?

I have to admit, I quit entering because I couldn't compete with the pic's taken with DSLR's.

clowns101 · Dec 31, 2011

I like this idea alot, this will truly bring out the competition and skills of the photographers on R2R.

CJO · Dec 31, 2011

I like this, but I hope Gary can submit a picture, even if it's not eligible to win.

CJ

revhtree · Dec 31, 2011

We just need Gary to post pics every once in a while.

Murfman · Dec 31, 2011

No reason Gary can't submit an image as an "example" of the subject group for that month. Not like he and the board are going to select his image, since he has recused himself ;-)

cdness · Dec 31, 2011

skinz78 said:
Maybe there still should be a competition for members who don't have DSLR camera's that is decided by popular vote and without any prizes given?

I have to admit, I quit entering because I couldn't compete with the pic's taken with DSLR's.

Yeah I know my $350 camera will never be able to compete with the $2000 macro setup DSLR cameras. Maybe there should be 2 categories for the competition DSLR and non-DSLR. If not there are many who may just stop submitting, myself included. The prizes bring in people so I don't think it should be prize-less either, just a different category. It may get some of you pros out there to pull out a point and shoot digital again and try get a good shot.

revhtree · Dec 31, 2011

Not to turn this into a debate but I have taken images with a P&S camera that rivaled many "great" dlsr shots. Having a DSLR doesn't mean you take good images. On the contrary I think your images are worse than those taken with a decent P&S if you don't know how to use a DSLR.

We can't provide 2 nice prizes and keep up with 2 contest.

BTW a lot of you buy and sell coral all the time. Save a little money and buy you a nice DSLR. You can get nice used ones for $400-$500 like I am using now.