It's competition time! The kind folks at ColorVision have offered a Spyder 2 PRO for the winner of our first ever PhotoWalkthrough Challenge. Here's what you do to enter:
- Take your best photograph inspired by the topic, "Colour"
- Upload it to Flickr and add the keyword, "pwchallenge1"
- Cross your fingers and hope to win - good luck!
Please only enter pictures you've shot since the start of the the competition - no hunting through your back catalogue for that perfect shot!
Entries will be judged by a panel of photographers chosen from the Photocast Network and the best shot will win the Spyder 2 PRO. And I'll produce a special PhotoWalkthrough Gallery show to display as many of the best shots as I can when the competition closes.
You may only enter one image to the competition so choose carefully! The competition closes on the 6th of October 2006 so you've got a maximum of a month to enter.
Ready, set, GO!
FAQ
When does the competition start and end?
The competition is open as of right now and will end at midnight UK time on the 6th of October 2006.
Can I submit more than one entry?
No. Just one entry per listener please.
Does my entry have to be a new picture?
Yes. Strictly speaking I can't tell if you enter an old image - it's too easy to fake EXIF data - but I'm asking you not to. PhotoWalkthrough is all about learning photography and post processing. You won't learn anything by picking an old photo out of your back catalogue so please only enter images you've shot since the competition began.
Am I allowed to post process my image?
Of course! This is PhotoWalkthrough after all. Process your images as much as you like. Your entry is acceptable as long as it's based on a photograph or photographs that you took yourself.
What is a Spyder 2 PRO?
A Spyder 2 PRO is a monitor colour calibration tool which, together with its associated software, allows you to calibrate your monitor to give perfect, consistent and reliable colour response. Once you've calibrated your monitor you can feel confident that what you're seeing on your screen is an accurate representation of the colours in your image file. And there's a much better chance that others viewing your image on their monitors will see your images as you intended. The Spyder 2 PRO can be used to calibrate traditional CRT monitors, modern LCD monitors and projection monitors.
What are the system requirements for a Spider 2 PRO?
If you've got a PC running Windows 2000 or Windows XP or a Mac running MacOS 10.3 or higher then you're all set. You also need a powered USB port and a 1024x768 or larger screen. But chances are you do.
Why is it important to calibrate my monitor?
Monitor calibration is an important first step in building a colour managed workflow. It allows you to be consistent about the colour tones in your image as well as greatly increasing the chance that others viewing your work will see your colours as you intended. A colour calibrated monitor is also the first step in getting good quality printing with consistent colour reproduction.
Do you use a colour calibration tool?
As a matter of fact I do - I use a Spyder 2 PRO. I bought it last year and I've been delighted with the results.
Are you getting paid by ColorVision for this?
Nope. ColorVision were kind enough to offer a competition prize that I felt was perfect for the PhotoWalkthrough audience and it just so happens that I have one of their products myself. I believe it's a good product and I'm willing to say so.
Who will be judging the competition?
I've not got everyone's agreement yet but for sure it'll be at least me and Chris Marquardt. I'm planning on roping in one or two others from the Photocast Network as well.
By entering this competition do I agree to allow PhotoWalkthrough.com to use my picture on the show?
Yes you do. I can't make any promises that I'll include your picture but I'll try and show off as many of the best submissions as I can in a special PhotoWalkthrough gallery show.
How do I join Flickr?
Easy! Head over to www.flickr.com and hit the "Sign up!" button on the home page. Flickr is owned by Yahoo! so if you've already got a Yahoo! ID then it's a doddle. Just sign in with your Yahoo! ID when it asks you and follow the instructions on screen. If you don't have a Yahoo! ID then there's a link to create one. Click it and follow the instructions.
How do I upload a photograph to flickr?
Once you've got your flickr account and you're signed in you can click the "Upload Photos" link on your homepage (the page you see when you go to www.flickr.com when you're logged in). On the next page you'll see space to browse for up to 6 images. Remember you can only enter ONE image for this competition. Below that is a box where you can enter keywords. Be sure to include "pwchallenge1" in your list of keywords! And below that is a checkbox for public or private. Better make it public if you want me to be able to see it. Then hit the Upload button at the bottom and you're done. |
