contests: photography

categories

1. Prototype Photos: Steam Related. Images of prototype steam locomotives.
2. Prototype Photos: Non-Steam. Images of any locomotives, rolling stock, structures, etc., except for steam.
3. Model Photos. Images of model railroads and related model items.
4. Artistic Photos. Pictures that have been substantially changed in terms of composition or content through computer modifications or similar processes. Pictures or images that manipulate details or the overall image beyond the capabilities of usual modeling techniques or beyond truthful prototypical reference possibilities would go into this category. It also includes images that have had substantial changes made to them, such as cloning, layered images and collages. It does not include minor modifications such as contrast, brightness, gamma, cropping and similar minor corrections. Digital or film pictures with these minor corrections may be entered in any of the first three categories, above.

judging

Judging will be by popular vote. Instead of just one vote, you will vote for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each of the four categories. When the votes are counted, 1st place counts as 5 points, 2nd place as 3 points and 3rd place as 2 points. This system helps equalize differences created by varying convention localities and the possible tilting of scores away from recognizing the quality images our members produce.

In addition to the 1st place plaque, 2nd and 3rd place certificates and ribbons, a Best of Show will also be chosen from all of the entries.

A three-person panel, chosen by the Photo Contest Chairman, with the advice of the General Contest Chair will choose members who have experience in photography and/or publications. They will select the winner of this award. If the Best of Show is one of the category winners, the rest of the images in that category will be moved up one place to fill all awarded slots.

rules

1. All current NMRA members are eligible to enter.
2. You cannot be a professional photographer and enter this contest, i.e. you cannot derive more than fifty percent of your income as a photographer.
3. Participants may enter up to five prints in each of the four categories. (Slides are not accepted.)
4. The maximum size for each photograph is 96 square inches (i.e. the equivalent of an 8 x 12 photograph). The minimum size is 35 square inches (i.e. the equivalent of a 5 x 7 print). All prints must be mounted on a stiff mounting board. Maximum size for the mounting board is 154 square inches (equivalent to 11 x 14). Entries may also include an appropriate mask surrounding the image, not to exceed the mounting board dimensions. Entries may not be framed.
5. Each participant must fill out Contest Entry Form #901 when checking in photos to the contest room. Participants should try to bring their photos in as early as possible within the convention's announced hours to facilitate the popular vote process. No entries can be accepted after the model contest judging begins on Saturday morning after 9 AM.
6. Do not enter the same image(s) in more than one category. That includes changing a color image to a gray scale or vice-versa.
7. Any image that won a first place or Best of Show award in a previous MER photography contest may not be entered again. If you change a previous first place-winning image from color to gray scale, or vice versa, it is still the same image and may not be entered again.
8. If your entry has won first place or Best of Show at the National Convention you may not enter it -- but you can display it to show off your winning entry.
9. The participants of the photography contests will be totally responsible for their images and will not hold the MER, the host Division or people connected with the contests liable for damage or losses.
10. The Photography Contest Chairperson or an appointed representative shall make the final judgment on questions or questionable entries dealing with the Photography Contests.

Make sure while at the Convention to stop in and vote. Even if you have not entered the contest, it can only help the camaraderie of model railroaders. The ballots will be available in the contest room after all entries have been accepted.

These rules are reviewed on a continuing basis by the Photo Contest Chairperson to see if the activity can be improved even more as time progresses. If you have questions or any suggestions, comments, etc., please contact Roger Ossman at rwo1361@aol.com or 3307 Englewood Road, Wilmington, DE 19810.