Figured I'd start a new thread on this since the resparking of the (there was a url link here which no longer exists) thread.
Obviously, I like this idea. I don't mind people buying Press Cameras as a cheap way to get into large format one bit, but it does kind of leave me sad if they don't ever point it away from the trees and mountains, or remove it from the tri-pod and to let it roam free. In my experiences, I've had the most fun ever in photography using a big press camera shoot spontaneously.
So, I'm just going to kick it off with some random ideas I've had on the subject on how to go through with this.
1. I don't think we need to tie the name Weegee to it. "2008 Press Camera Shootout" or something to that effect could be more universal. I have plenty of books from the period from many other photographers then Weegee, and the images are still great. Even the one's shot during the day!
2. I'd be willing to buy a new domain once a good name is picked and host a web site on my server for this. A simple forum & gallery package is all we'd need initially. Simple to get rolling, and if it a success, would be great to expand for annual/semi-annual events.
3. Instead of one month as the original concept suggested, I think a three month period would be better for a round.
4. Some sort of voting scheme after a round. A handful of volunteer jurors, both photographers & non photographer maybe?
5. A prize for the winner. I got a couple of ideas that aren't horribly expensive.
- A book of photos could be a good item. Getting a second copy of the Weegee books, or the 1950 "Complete Book of Press Photography" that I own would be affordable, and be on topic.
- A box of 4x5 film for the winner.
- Hell, I'd be willing to give away a Speed Graphic if I could get hold of another one with lens for $100.
Some ideas on rules.
1) No Weegee-style standard. Tri-pods are cool, and so is not using a flash. I think the angle should be human interest with a big camera. I've worked fast without a flash, on a tripod covering events before, and got great results. And I've also seen a lot of handheld work that would have been better suited to use a tri-pod. So I don't think we should limit anyone to a specific technique to get a good story onto a sheet of film.
2) One official entry per person? We can set up a gallery to display as many shoots taken for the contest as we like to share & discuss, but when it comes down to the end. Only what the photographer thinks is their best from the shooting period should go against the judging. Agree? Disagree?
3) Camera limitations? I hate to exclude anyone who doesn't own a big press camera, but from my experiences, it just isn't the same experience, or the same results when using a 35mm. This will take some discussion to pin down where the cut off point on film format/camera style should be, so I'd like to hear your thoughts on the subject.
That is all I got for now. I'd like to shoot for a May through July shooting period if possible. That should be long enough before hand to get our gear in order and take some warm up shots right?
Obviously, I like this idea. I don't mind people buying Press Cameras as a cheap way to get into large format one bit, but it does kind of leave me sad if they don't ever point it away from the trees and mountains, or remove it from the tri-pod and to let it roam free. In my experiences, I've had the most fun ever in photography using a big press camera shoot spontaneously.
So, I'm just going to kick it off with some random ideas I've had on the subject on how to go through with this.
1. I don't think we need to tie the name Weegee to it. "2008 Press Camera Shootout" or something to that effect could be more universal. I have plenty of books from the period from many other photographers then Weegee, and the images are still great. Even the one's shot during the day!
2. I'd be willing to buy a new domain once a good name is picked and host a web site on my server for this. A simple forum & gallery package is all we'd need initially. Simple to get rolling, and if it a success, would be great to expand for annual/semi-annual events.
3. Instead of one month as the original concept suggested, I think a three month period would be better for a round.
4. Some sort of voting scheme after a round. A handful of volunteer jurors, both photographers & non photographer maybe?
5. A prize for the winner. I got a couple of ideas that aren't horribly expensive.
- A book of photos could be a good item. Getting a second copy of the Weegee books, or the 1950 "Complete Book of Press Photography" that I own would be affordable, and be on topic.
- A box of 4x5 film for the winner.
- Hell, I'd be willing to give away a Speed Graphic if I could get hold of another one with lens for $100.
Some ideas on rules.
1) No Weegee-style standard. Tri-pods are cool, and so is not using a flash. I think the angle should be human interest with a big camera. I've worked fast without a flash, on a tripod covering events before, and got great results. And I've also seen a lot of handheld work that would have been better suited to use a tri-pod. So I don't think we should limit anyone to a specific technique to get a good story onto a sheet of film.
2) One official entry per person? We can set up a gallery to display as many shoots taken for the contest as we like to share & discuss, but when it comes down to the end. Only what the photographer thinks is their best from the shooting period should go against the judging. Agree? Disagree?
3) Camera limitations? I hate to exclude anyone who doesn't own a big press camera, but from my experiences, it just isn't the same experience, or the same results when using a 35mm. This will take some discussion to pin down where the cut off point on film format/camera style should be, so I'd like to hear your thoughts on the subject.
That is all I got for now. I'd like to shoot for a May through July shooting period if possible. That should be long enough before hand to get our gear in order and take some warm up shots right?
