Picture of the week thoughts after a few months.

[KBasa]

OK, so we get a pretty steady stream of photos for the PotW thing on the main page. Some folks will send us the same photo a couple times, even though we didn't pick it the first time around. Sometimes we get kind of mad email about why someone's dear photo didn't get picked. I always feel bad when that happens, mostly because I'm sure that the photo in question is near and dear to the submitter's heart.

I thought it might be a good idea to list some of the things that will, without a doubt, keep your photo from getting picked in an effort to encourage folks to dig around a bit and send us some of those amazing photos I know are hiding on drives around the continent.

- A picture of your bike in a little pull out somewhere scenic. Sounds good, right? The problem is that the bike is dead center in the picture and you can't really see what's behind it. Put the bike in the corner and focus on the scenery. The bike is an addition to a wonderful scene. The objective is to make folks think that the scene is wonderful, someone else rode their bike there, so I should go out, get on mine and ride there too.

- An out of focus picture. That's just not going to work, even if it's a picture with a unicorn riding your bike. It needs to be in focus.

- A big yellow or red date in the corner. We're looking for pictures that someone can copy down and use as wallpaper on their computer and nobody wants a wallpaper that has the date and time from some day last summer up there in the right corner.

- Photoshopped pictures. Yeah, we let one through, but it was a seasonal item. That's not gonna happen again either.

- Pictures taken in such low light or with such a poor exposure that we can't figure out what it is.

- Pictures of people and bikes taken from so far away it looks like we're looking at a GI Joe doll and a toy bike. If I can give one bit of advice, zoom in, get close and make sure the subject of the photo fills the frame to some degree. We want to see your smiling face. It may feel strange and intrusive, but trust me, the photos really work.

Mostly, though, the photos we like the best are ones that tell a story. The picture with the woman squinting at a map was great. The picture of the bike parked on the road with the big RT. 66 was terrific. The photos of the newly wedded couples with their bikes. These are photos that tell stories we all recognize. Take a poke around the photo gallery of the Lima Rally. There are a bunch of pictures in there that, with just a slice of time, tell an entire story about what was happening.

Sometimes, we get a picture that's just a nice work of art. The K1 in the garden. The K12RS with the graffiti. The leather strap with the roundel. These are wonderful, textural photographs that are composed like a painting.

Anyway, we really do truly appreciate the absolutely stellar photos we get almost every day. We'd really like to put your photo up there too, so keep snapping those shots and help us make this site YOUR site. :thumb

[knary]

:lurk

[BradfordBenn]

Thanks for the tips. I thought it was the fact that I stapeld $20 to the e-mail that put mine up there.

[knary]

Thanks for the tips. I thought it was the fact that I stapeld $20 to the e-mail that put mine up there.


I have this image of a bunch of twenties stapled to your monitor.

Send some pics over!

[tourunigo]

Thanks for the tips. I thought it was the fact that I stapeld $20 to the e-mail that put mine up there.

$20s? ...uh....there's a lot of things in life that a twenty can't buy anymore :evil -Bob

[SKS46LT05]

Thanx for the info!

[Mika]

Thanks for the tips. I thought it was the fact that I stapeld $20 to the e-mail that put mine up there.

So if the Rounders do an audit of the donations to the site the trail will lead to MOA picture of the week?!?! :stick

[Hodag]

So if the Rounders do an audit of the donations to the site the trail will lead to MOA picture of the week?!?! :stick

shhhhhh, didn't you read the plan I sent you

[BradfordBenn]

So if the Rounders do an audit of the donations to the site the trail will lead to MOA picture of the week?!?! :stick

Nope, it is all in a very safe investment, my beer fridge.
(Actually we still ain't broken even yet. No worries - I am doing it for the fun not the money just like everyone here :D )

[KBasa]

Thanx for the info!

You bet. I hope folks don't think pictures just fall into a black hole. We have a secret panel of judges for them. :evil



I'm not one of the judges any more.

[BradfordBenn]

I'm not one of the judges any more.

Are you a judge any less?
:nyah

[naddy100]

I thought it might be a good idea to list some of the things that will, without a doubt, keep your photo from getting picked in an effort to encourage folks to dig around a bit and send us some of those amazing photos I know are hiding on drives around the continent. [much stuff deleted]
[Opinion mode=on]I prefer people be in the pictures of landscapes-with-bikes. The story that a bike on a pull-out in front of a waterfall tells me is that the rider was unprepared to tell the story. The rider was unprepared to tell <b>their</b> story of their trip. Excellent stories that to my mind parody landscapes-with-bikes include (1) the ON article of the bike that rode around the rockies (there was a health issue with an owner, so the bike never got out of the truck), and (2) a story (different website) from the POV of a part that falls off the bike. Intentionally or not, these stories illustrate the oddness of a bike in a setting with no people. In fact, in a serious picture, the current picture of the bike under a layer of snow exploits the isolation of the bike from people.

Explicitly different from landscapes-with-bikes are bike-as-art pictures and we had some excellent photos posted from the LV Art of the Motorcycle. No people required.[Opinion mode=off]
Noel

[knary]

We want good photos. ANY good photos should be sent in if they relate to owning and, hopefully, riding a BMW motorcycle. There are no hard rules, but Kbasa's list is a good starting point.

Give us a beautiful shot. Or give us a story. Or, preferably, both. Tell us about the machines, about the rides, about the riders.

http://www.conary.org/bike/post/scottcamera.jpg

http://conary.org/bike/post/utahnose.jpg

[jdiaz]

You guys don't know anything about pictures. CUTE SELLS!! :stick

[KBasa]

Does that Kbike still look like that?

[jdiaz]

Does that Kbike still look like that?
You bet! All the damage is on the right hand side. :laugh

[ian408]

An auto e-mail response saying the image was received would be cool.
You could acknowledge the picture and let the submitter know that if the
image is chosen, a followup e-mail would be sent letting them know when
the image would run.

Ian

[PacWestGS]

Also with Ian's post above, how long should one expect to wait for their picture to be selected. I sent this in and never heard back or saw it used.

Sorry, but 'Rider' was standing in the rain trying to keep his camera dry while taking the shot, 300-miles from nowhere (not really) and 5-miles from cold beer and juicy steak in a dry room.

Russ

http://SFDOC.smugmug.com/photos/33523779-M.jpg

[lorazepam]

Also with Ian's post above, how long should one expect to wait for their picture to be selected. I sent this in and never heard back or saw it used.

Sorry, but 'Rider' was standing in the rain trying to keep his camera dry while taking the shot, 300-miles from nowhere (not really) and 5-miles from cold beer and juicy steak in a dry room.

Russ

http://SFDOC.smugmug.com/photos/33523779-M.jpg

Hey Russ, I think the gas can is a safety issue.

[PacWestGS]

Hey Russ, I think the gas can is a safety issue.

Gale,

Well, so is running out of gas in the northern reaches of British Columbia. If I get hit hard enough from behind I would think that an approved fuel container would be the least of my problems. Anyway I'm sitting on top another gas can. :dance

P.S. I didn't need it for this trip, but it will be there again when I go to Alaska.

Russ

[naddy100]

[QUOTE=SFDOC]Also with Ian's post above, how long should one expect to wait for their picture to be selected. I sent this in and never heard back or saw it used.

Sorry, but 'Rider' was standing in the rain trying to keep his camera dry while taking the shot, 300-miles from nowhere (not really) and 5-miles from cold beer and juicy steak in a dry room.

Russ

The bike looks packed for traveling! I was going to say, 'loaded for bear.' Where is Port Hardy?
Noel

[lorazepam]

Gale,

Well, so is running out of gas in the northern reaches of British Columbia. If I get hit hard enough from behind I would think that an approved fuel container would be the least of my problems. Anyway I'm sitting on top another gas can. :dance

P.S. I didn't need it for this trip, but it will be there again when I go to Alaska.

Russ

guess I should have put the little stick thingy, just ribbing you a bit

[PacWestGS]

Where is Port Hardy?
Noel

Noel,

Port Hardy is the Northern most location on Vancouver Island, BC. It's the END OF THE ROAD, literally. It's also where you can catch the Ferry to Prince Rupert, BC. up the inside passage.

Check out "What to do with 4-days off"

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7491

[PacWestGS]

guess I should have put the little stick thingy, just ribbing you a bit

:D I knew that :nyah

[tourunigo]

Intentionally or not, these stories illustrate the oddness of a bike in a setting with no people. In fact, in a serious picture, the current picture of the bike under a layer of snow exploits the isolation of the bike from people.

:type ...interesting observation. You got the point. Not sure I would use the word exploit but the picture does intend to imply circumstantial isolation for both. What a good friend he's been though. -Bob

[naddy100]

:type ...interesting observation. You got the point. Not sure I would use the word exploit but the picture does intend to imply circumstantial isolation for both. What a good friend he's been though. -Bob
I meant 'exploit' in a good way! It looks like a great bike.
Noel

[SNC1923]

Also with Ian's post above, how long should one expect to wait for their picture to be selected. I sent this in and never heard back or saw it used.

I guess that's the $64k question. I'm pretty sure not all pictures will be used. There is a selection criteria--and I appreciate this thread for clarifying that--and I'm sure that many images are rejected for one reason or another. I also assume that some pictures may be kept for future consideration. I wonder what kind of numbers the editorial board is working with, dozens? hundreds? thousands?

I remember submitting poetry to my college literary magazine and having my feelings quite hurt when one of mine (I thought a real masterpiece :hungover) was rejected. Looking back, I realize that my poem, good or bad, didn't fit the editorial style of that semester's journal. Ultimately, the judging is highly subjective, a group decision, and based on some editorial criteria, considerations which are all valid.

I'm sure it's a difficult decision for the judges, and I'm sure that a lot of nice images have been rejected for reasons the photographer never thought of: harsh lighting, mundane compostion, too many pictures of that model bike, who knows? I appreciate that the POW has provided a great variety of photo styles, of bikes, of themes, and of photographers. I also really appreciate that it's become a regular more-or-less weekly thing.

I'm going to keep sending pics in and hope that all of you do the same.

[SNC1923]

Why hasn't this been posted as a "Picture of the Week"? It's a natural! (not my photo, but pirated from the rally photos on the homepage.) Whoever took this photo was spot on.

http://bmwmoa.smugmug.com/photos/41785772-M.jpg

[KBasa]

I guess that's the $64k question. I'm pretty sure not all pictures will be used. There is a selection criteria--and I appreciate this thread for clarifying that--and I'm sure that many images are rejected for one reason or another. I also assume that some pictures may be kept for future consideration. I wonder what kind of numbers the editorial board is working with, dozens? hundreds? thousands?

I remember submitting poetry to my college literary magazine and having my feelings quite hurt when one of mine (I thought a real masterpiece :hungover) was rejected. Looking back, I realize that my poem, good or bad, didn't fit the editorial style of that semester's journal. Ultimately, the judging is highly subjective, a group decision, and based on some editorial criteria, considerations which are all valid.

I'm sure it's a difficult decision for the judges, and I'm sure that a lot of nice images have been rejected for reasons the photographer never thought of: harsh lighting, mundane compostion, too many pictures of that model bike, who knows? I appreciate that the POW has provided a great variety of photo styles, of bikes, of themes, and of photographers. I also really appreciate that it's become a regular more-or-less weekly thing.

I'm going to keep sending pics in and hope that all of you do the same.

We typically see two or three a day, with spikes that might be five or six coming in a day.

Basically, we've got a ton of pictures showing up and not all of them, even though they might be good, won't get used as PotW. They might get used elsewhere, though.

If you think about it in terms of sheer numbers, we have to select 52 photos out of what is literally hundreds of submissions. Someone's feelings are going to get hurt, without fail.

That said, we encourage you to keep sending them in. We're building a stock of photos that we can use in all kinds of ways for the site, so you never know where your stuff might wind up. :thumb

[wuli959]

If you think about it in terms of sheer numbers, we have to select 52 photos out of what is literally hundreds of submissions.

Make it a daily photo :brow

[knary]

Make it a daily photo :brow


While we get many good submissions, we do not currently get enough to make it a daily photo. Also, the Photo of the Week format allows more people to readily see a particular submission.

Have you sent in a good photo? We'd love to see those shots that folks haven't already seen.

[wuli959]

While we get many good submissions, we do not currently get enough to make it a daily photo. Also, the Photo of the Week format allows more people to readily see a particular submission.

If you already have hundreds with 2-6 coming in daily . . . you should have enough for daily. they shouldn't have to be works of art but shots of the BMW experience - bikes and their riders.

Photo of the month would allow even more to see a particular submission :stick

Photo of the day (or a series of photos that would refresh on page refresh) would give daily visitors something new to look at. Otherwise they just jump to the forum.

Of course opinions, are like . . . :bolt

[knary]

If you already have hundreds with 2-6 coming in daily . . . you should have enough for daily. they shouldn't have to be works of art but shots of the BMW experience - bikes and their riders.

Photo of the month would allow even more to see a particular submission :stick

Photo of the day (or a series of photos that would refresh on page refresh) would give daily visitors something new to look at. Otherwise they just jump to the forum.

Of course opinions, are like . . . :bolt

Your opinion has been heard. :nod

Have you sent in a photo?

[wuli959]

Your opinion has been heard. :nod

Have you sent in a photo?

Nope.
I'm not trying to get one of my photos up. . . doubt that anything I have shot is worthy. :hungover
But I like to look at other's. :bliss

[SNC1923]

But I like to look at other's. :bliss

Yes, I, too, like to watch.

:hide

[wuli959]

Yes, I, too, like to watch.

:hide

:ha

"other's" as in possessive - other's photos; not "others"

[SNC1923]

A: Rodney Harvey's picture of the week this week is very cool, particularly for a vertical image.

B: In looking at the gallery, I noticed a picture 43 by Dave Swider. Was that on our homepage? I didn't see it.

C: Wasn't that your avatar, many moons ago?

Whatever the case, cool shot and nice stunt work, too. :burnout

[KBasa]

Yeah, I didn't see it up there and it was, for a short while, my avatar.

Actually, I just leaned over and stuck the camera out by the left jug. I put it on a slow "film" speed and clicked the picture. It was enough to blur the road and front wheel a bit, but the rest of the photo is still reasonably sharp.

Oh, note that I'm not picking photo of the week.....:)

[knary]

B: In looking at the gallery, I noticed a picture 43 by Dave Swider. Was that on our homepage? I didn't see it.


Now Fixed. :D
(that's next week's photo. Someone -ahem- made a small sorting error in a database)

[SNC1923]

Oh, note that I'm not picking photo of the week.....:)

Duly noted. Great picture, nonetheless, as I've said before.

We don't have too many riding pictures. I'm guilty of not taking the trouble to photograph fellow riders in motion or trying to take shots while riding the bike. Such shots are often really cool pics, as is the case with this week's POTW. Nice goin', K. :brad

[KBasa]

Duly noted. Great picture, nonetheless, as I've said before.

We don't have too many riding pictures. I'm guilty of not taking the trouble to photograph fellow riders in motion or trying to take shots while riding the bike. Such shots are often really cool pics, as is the case with this week's POTW. Nice goin', K. :brad

Thanks, Tom. I admire your stuff quite a bit, so this means a lot to me.

[SNC1923]

LOVE IT! :dance

[PacWestGS]

Yeah! :brad :clap I finally got selected :boldpurpl :bliss

You have to open it and look in the mirror, we were going about 45-50 mph and I had my TM set to hold it steady. :rocker

Doc

(P.S. Thanks Tom Moran, you must have been the deciding vote)

[SNC1923]

Yeah! :brad :clap I finally got selected :boldpurpl :bliss

. . . .

(P.S. Thanks Tom Moran, you must have been the deciding vote)

Oh that I were a voting member. Not me, but I think it's cool that it was selected. Interesting following the above thread about riding pictures.

It's a neat picture for several reasons, not the least of which is you there in the mirror, but it's also nice to see a couple out on the bike, especially a 650.

Anyway, congratulations and welcome to the POTW club. Looking forward to many, many more members! :dance

[SIBUD]

is NOT what you have in mind for POTW? :D :D

No view, no rider, cluttered background, but it tells a BMW story.

<img src="http://downloads.c-2.com/photos/1149262851.jpg"/>

Just kidding. Leaving for Colorado next week. Will use your guidelines and try to get some shots that could be considered.


BTW What about size? PC res, high res, very high res, does it matter?

[KBasa]

is NOT what you have in mind for POTW? :D :D

No view, no rider, cluttered background, but it tells a BMW story.

<img src="http://downloads.c-2.com/photos/1149262851.jpg"/>

Just kidding. Leaving for Colorado next week. Will use your guidelines and try to get some shots that could be considered.


BTW What about size? PC res, high res, very high res, does it matter?


:thumb

It works. It's not always about a bike parked in front of some majestic grandeur.

Take a decently high resolution photo and make sure it's in focus, has the date turned off and isn't just a picture of a bike on a patch of green. Remember, you need to place the bike (or people) in context of the scene. For me, the bike is like a little sparkle in the shot if the scenery is truly majestic.

If you're submitting a photo for picture of the week, it will never, ever get selected with a big yellow date in the corner.

Oh - I don't pick the pictures of the week anymore, never did, actually.

[PacWestGS]

Kyle,

Very nice POTW, I like the blending of the B&W and Color mirror. That's a nice honor to Rick Moran.

Past and Present is how I looked at it...


Doc