Thanks to Adam Schallau for initiating a conversation with Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, and coordinating a wonderful opportunity for RMNP members to display images in the Park's Visitor Center from September 2006 until April 2007!
Brent & I will work on a contest page soon, but given that this is a great time of year to visit GSD, we thought we'd post this message first and work on the details in the near future. What we do know at this point is:
1. The Park has requested that we submit images that meet the following guidelines: "As far as content, yes, definitely need to be abstract/evocative/unusual - no scenic calendar type images. Can be dunes, or wildlife, or photos from the other parts of the park, including wetlands, grasslands, forests, and tundra. In fact it would be preferable to include an image or two besides dunes. The park/preserve boundaries extend east up to Mosca Pass, Medano Pass, and Music Pass including the Upper Sand Creek Lakes; and west to the boundary of San Luis Lakes State Park. If it's a close up of wildlife or wetlands or tundra or something, it can be from outside the park if it is something that is found in the park. For instance, a photo of lily pads wouldn't work since those kind of water lilies are not in our wetlands here, but a close-up of a pelican dancing on the water would work, since pelicans are sometimes seen in our wetlands."
2. The contest is open to RMNP members and participants only. You must have posted on RMNP within the past year, as of this posting.
3. You may submit up to two images (once the contest page is live and the submission process opened). PLEASE carefully read the Park's criteria above.
4. Image Selection: When images are submitted, we will ask you to identify the format used (e.g., 35mm film, xMP DSLR, MF, LF, etc.). There will be very limited space - likely 10 - 12 images, possibly a few more. It is likely that someone from the Park will be selecting images that meet their criteria. Understanding the format used in making the image will help in maximizing the number, quality and diversity of images. We have not worked out all of the details, BUT, it is unlikely that images will be selected using our typical post-and-vote process. The Park has specific criteria regarding the types and diversity of images they want; we are working with them to identify a selection process that meets their needs. It is quite possible that the desired size of prints may be determined by the Park during the selection process in order to accommodate the number/diversity of images that satisfy the Park's needs.
We'll have more details soon, especially regarding item #4. In the meantime, happy shooting! And a big THANKS again to Adam for coordinating this fantastic opportunity!
Adam, Brent and Rick
Posted by Brent Murphy on April 6, 2006 at 12:09 PM
Item #2 will be enforced. Previously, we've never had any specific criteria for saying who could or could not participate in a contest, it was more of a gut instinct. But because Rick has listed specific criteria, CNP participation will be easily enforcible this time.
Posted by Scott Bacon on April 6, 2006 at 12:40 PM
One of the challenges previously is that we simply said submissions would be taken from members and participants only, and then, by virtue of posting a reply in the event thread, someone technically met the requirements. By setting the criteria the way it is described above, we've eliminated that ambiguity.
It's always a sensitive topic and we try to do our best to be fair and accommodating. What we want to avoid is people coming out of the woodwork, submitting for a contest and then disappearing. That's counterproductive to our goals as a group, and unfair to all those new and long-time members who participate regularly.
There's always going to be the potential for someone who just started participating on the forum to take place in a contest. In fact, I noticed that a couple of folks made their first posts very recently in the "Who are you" sticky thread. Can they participate in this contest? Absolutely. I don't see that as a bad thing at all. Hopefully the contests and other activities are what help draw people to CNP. What we want to be careful about is when the only participation is when there's a contest.
Rick & Brent, since the Park will most likely be making the selection, you might consider asking for higher resolution files, in addition to the 200kb "thumbnails" that we normally submit online. Just a suggestion.
Adam, I'm curious how the conversation came about. Did you inquire about a gallery display when you were there and that this group could more than fit the bill, or what?
I spoke with the ranger that is responsible for the art exhibit and asked how I could get a photo or two on the wall. Initially it was a completely selfish act, but then I pictured all of the kids faces of CNP and thought it would be a great opportunity for the group.
I can't believe you didn't get this worked out for the peak summer months. Geez.
If I remember correctly the park typically exhibits other types of art during the summer months. The summer was offered to us but we are trying to give people time to create new work that is in-line with the park's request.
Well now I do believe this is another excellent opportunity, but now I have to get my butt down to GSD's and get on it. It'll be good to get out again, anyone up for an adventure? Thanks again for the opportunity........................J
Posted by Adam Schallau on April 10, 2006 at 2:46 PM
Discussion
9 repliesBrent & I will work on a contest page soon, but given that this is a great time of year to visit GSD, we thought we'd post this message first and work on the details in the near future. What we do know at this point is:
1. The Park has requested that we submit images that meet the following guidelines: "As far as content, yes, definitely need to be abstract/evocative/unusual - no scenic calendar type images. Can be dunes, or wildlife, or photos from the other parts of the park, including wetlands, grasslands, forests, and tundra. In fact it would be preferable to include an image or two besides dunes. The park/preserve boundaries extend east up to Mosca Pass, Medano Pass, and Music Pass including the Upper Sand Creek Lakes; and west to the boundary of San Luis Lakes State Park. If it's a close up of wildlife or wetlands or tundra or something, it can be from outside the park if it is something that is found in the park. For instance, a photo of lily pads wouldn't work since those kind of water lilies are not in our wetlands here, but a close-up of a pelican dancing on the water would work, since pelicans are sometimes seen in our wetlands."
2. The contest is open to RMNP members and participants only. You must have posted on RMNP within the past year, as of this posting.
3. You may submit up to two images (once the contest page is live and the submission process opened). PLEASE carefully read the Park's criteria above.
4. Image Selection: When images are submitted, we will ask you to identify the format used (e.g., 35mm film, xMP DSLR, MF, LF, etc.). There will be very limited space - likely 10 - 12 images, possibly a few more. It is likely that someone from the Park will be selecting images that meet their criteria. Understanding the format used in making the image will help in maximizing the number, quality and diversity of images. We have not worked out all of the details, BUT, it is unlikely that images will be selected using our typical post-and-vote process. The Park has specific criteria regarding the types and diversity of images they want; we are working with them to identify a selection process that meets their needs. It is quite possible that the desired size of prints may be determined by the Park during the selection process in order to accommodate the number/diversity of images that satisfy the Park's needs.
We'll have more details soon, especially regarding item #4. In the meantime, happy shooting! And a big THANKS again to Adam for coordinating this fantastic opportunity!
Adam, Brent and Rick
It's always a sensitive topic and we try to do our best to be fair and accommodating. What we want to avoid is people coming out of the woodwork, submitting for a contest and then disappearing. That's counterproductive to our goals as a group, and unfair to all those new and long-time members who participate regularly.
There's always going to be the potential for someone who just started participating on the forum to take place in a contest. In fact, I noticed that a couple of folks made their first posts very recently in the "Who are you" sticky thread. Can they participate in this contest? Absolutely. I don't see that as a bad thing at all. Hopefully the contests and other activities are what help draw people to CNP. What we want to be careful about is when the only participation is when there's a contest.
RichieV
Rick & Brent, since the Park will most likely be making the selection, you might consider asking for higher resolution files, in addition to the 200kb "thumbnails" that we normally submit online. Just a suggestion.
I spoke with the ranger that is responsible for the art exhibit and asked how I could get a photo or two on the wall. Initially it was a completely selfish act, but then I pictured all of the kids faces
If I remember correctly the park typically exhibits other types of art during the summer months. The summer was offered to us but we are trying to give people time to create new work that is in-line with the park's request.
I'm heading up to the dunes on the 29th or 30th.