A Spring Street Photography Project/Contest [Archive]

Stephanie Brim

03-11-2008, 08:40

Roger Hicks recently posted about the fact that a government-run street photography contest would go a long way to promote the idea that street photography is a legitimate form of the craft. I think that we, also, as rangefinder camera users, could do a lot to promote the idea of street photography as art. So I'm going to run an idea by you.

I want to have a combined street photography contest and project.

This contest/project would have 2 main goals:

- To create an online gallery of images (perhaps even off site) of photos taken during the run of the project.

- To create a book of community voted best images to represent the larger body of work in the gallery.

This contest/project would be themeless other the idea of street photography. This way we would be showing the broadest range of street photography we could. It would be open to everyone on the forum. It would be a rangefinder-only project; other than that simple fact, equipment used to take the photo would not be revealed. I want the work to stand on its own merit.

If anyone thinks this idea is complete horse poopy, or if you think it's great, please let me know. Also, I welcome suggestions to make this an even better idea.

I think that it would be a welcome project for a lot of people, and being the contact would give me something to do now that I'm a stay at home mom. I'm ITCHING for something to do. ;)

AusDLK

03-11-2008, 08:55

Sounds like fun to me. The fledgling Austin Center for Photography may want to sponsor the event. The ACP is really only a gleam in my eye right now but this could put ACP on the photographic map to some extent even before it gets too far off the ground.

Stephanie Brim

03-11-2008, 08:59

Tell me more about this "Austin Center for Photography" you speak of...it sounds very nice indeed. :D

And I'm seriously interested. I think that it's a really good idea.

Oscar Rubio

03-11-2008, 09:18

for me it´s ok, i will enjoy!!

nightfly

03-11-2008, 09:24

Stephanie Brim

03-11-2008, 09:28

I'd like to have a board. If the project goes as I originally envisioned it's a bit large in scale for one person to run on his/her own. The submissions to the gallery would not be limited by anything other than that they had to exhibit the ideals of street photography, but the submissions to the book would be voted on by the entire group. I was thinking at least a 3 month timeframe for photo submissions to give everyone plenty of time to shoot.

The first thing I'd like to do is set up the guidelines of what should and shouldn't be put in the gallery. We'd be setting in stone the definition of street photography for this project that way and no one would get confused.

jbf

03-11-2008, 09:31

Count me in. I'd love to participate in this.

lZr

03-11-2008, 09:33

Fantastic idea.
I think our BarTender will like it. I remember his participation in DeviantArt site for the same contest.

Stephanie Brim

03-11-2008, 09:37

I figured he'd read this and let me know if he wants to help. I'd love any help he could provide.

One other thing that may be useful, if we decide to do this, is a subforum in the projects forum just for this project so that discussion of things is easier. But that can wait until the time comes when there are actually enough people interested to do it.

photogdave

03-11-2008, 10:06

Great idea! I'd love to participate.

Rick Waldroup

03-11-2008, 10:34

Why rangefinder only?

I shoot a Lumix L1. Would I qualify to submit a photo?

RML

03-11-2008, 10:49

Sounds cool. Count me in for now.

Stephanie Brim

03-11-2008, 11:03

Why rangefinder only?

I shoot a Lumix L1. Would I qualify to submit a photo?

I'd like to get back to the roots of what this forum was originally about. Another good reason is because you can pick up a Canonet or a Yashica rangefinder very cheaply these days. I'd like to show the power of the rangefinder when shooting this subject. Really...if not for rangefinders, what are we here for?

Larky

03-11-2008, 11:04

Hi. Count me in too. I'm off for a couple of weeks from Friday, but please PM me to keep me in the loop.

I have contacts with publishers (currently writing a book) and printers (used to work for one, send many of my student that way too) and have access to as much printing gear as you could need to proof this thing up and get mock copies sent out.

I also 5+ years InDesign experience and have laid out many a publication.

I don't think I'm qualified at all to judge, but would be happy to get involved.

Also, if you wanted to get the winners in a gallery, my side-business is making giant interactive touch walls (iPhone the size of a wall) which would be great to have in a gallery. I'm at your service.

A.

MickH

03-11-2008, 11:04

I love the idea.

I'm in for sure.

How would it work? Could we leverage the Thursday Street Photography thread which may or may not still be alive?

Would it be edited by an individual? A board? By vote? Limit on submissions? Timeframe?

THe thread is as alive as you want it to be. It's dead easy to start & seems popular enough once the ball is rolling.. go for it.

I haven't any worthwhile photographs to post, or I'd have done last week's.

Cheers.

MickH

03-11-2008, 11:07

Oh.. and by the way I'd also enjoy being involved in this spring project.

Stephanie Brim

03-11-2008, 11:08

The more people the merrier!

I'm liking how this is stacking up. I'm excited.

DougFord

03-11-2008, 11:14

Limit the participation to RFF members only. Any camera should suffice. Most entries will probably be taken by RF's but I think it's too limiting. All photos to be tagged with the photographer’s name and equipment used.
Absolutely no monetary or equipment offer/reward to entice entrants.
Pending the definition of ‘street photography’ as defined for this project, I’m in.
Usually these projects are started by some stanky, Homer-esque, middle-aged fat guy. So it’s easy to say NO and dismiss the idea.
But who can say no to a 24 yr old brand new mom! It’s not fair.

BillP

03-11-2008, 11:25

I'm in.

Oh, and Doug, your post is ILLEGIBLE!!! :bang:

Regards,

Bill

Rick Waldroup

03-11-2008, 11:26

Oh well.....

I did not know you have to shoot a rangefinder to shoot street.

I've been a street shooter for more than 30 years and have used just about every type of camera you can think of.

jayjee

03-11-2008, 11:31

I'm in.
I have plenty of design experience as well. I worked as the head designer of the photo fairs photo L.A. and photo MIAMI and for fine art photography gallery as well. I'd be more than glad to help with this.

A suggestion though would be to allow any camera kit (both film and digi) in order to properly exhibit the broadest range of street photography.

BillP

03-11-2008, 11:40

Oh well.....

I did not know you have to shoot a rangefinder to shoot street.

I've been a street shooter for more than 30 years and have used just about every type of camera you can think of.

Rick, it's a RANGEFINDER Forum. If this was being posted on the Leica Forum, then I'd expect a stipulation to be the use of Leica kit. If on the 4/3 Forum, 4/3rds, on the DSLR Forum, etc...

When in Rome...

Regards,

Bill

Rick Waldroup

03-11-2008, 11:45

Rick, it's a RANGEFINDER Forum. If this was being posted on the Leica Forum, then I'd expect a stipulation to be the use of Leica kit. If on the 4/3 Forum, 4/3rds, on the DSLR Forum, etc...

When in Rome...

Regards,

Bill

Sure, no problem at all. I was under the impression it was a contest about street photography.....

Like I said before, oh well......

SergioGuerra

03-11-2008, 12:18

Nice idea... count me on! :)

crawdiddy

03-11-2008, 12:32

I like the sound of this project, but let me mention 1 thing, which I think is the most important thing: participation. Sounds as if some members might be more inclined to participate if not for the rangefinder restriction. That includes me.

Actually, there are some SLR techniques that lend themselves to candid street photography. One of these is use of a waist-level finder, and I just acquired one of these for my Canon F-1n. I'm very interested in trying it out for street shooting.

Anyhoo, I'm not trying to be difficult. Just making a couple of arguments in favor of the evil SLR machines.

NB23

03-11-2008, 13:11

From my experience, these beautiful projects end up never happening.

nightfly

03-11-2008, 13:11

I think it's a great idea and would love to participate no matter what the rules. I'm very excited particularly to see people with such great skill sets and connections itching to get involved.

However, I would like to say I think adding in what the equipment used for each photo is might end up leading to gear discussions which we already have enough of here.

If you want to limit it to rangefinders, I see no problem with that, but I think it should be a rule and then we just use the honor system since it's unverifiable anyway unless someone is watching you take the photo and then developing the film.

BillP

03-11-2008, 13:21

From my experience, these beautiful projects end up never happening.

Oh yes they do...

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/customer-forum/45189-leica-day.html
http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/gallery/index.php?c=5
http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/vbgooglemapme.php

Regards,

Bill

Stephanie Brim

03-11-2008, 13:28

The reason for the restriction to rangefinders is that it is rangefinderforum.com. The contest is about street photography, but about street photography that you do with rangefinders. If this was a general photography forum then I'd open it to all camera types, but because it's a specialist forum there's nothing wrong with limiting. If we were going to switch this to a general street photography project then I think it should be moved offsite and others should be able to participate.

Oh, and the only hard and fast rule I have is that what equipment you used is NOT posted with the photographs. If it's rangefinders only, people will know if it's a rangefinder. If it isn't...then they just don't know. I really don't want this one changed. Not knowing the gear used will make it much easier to discuss the merits of the photos themselves instead of what they were made with.

DougFord

03-11-2008, 13:36

Limiting equipment will limit participation. I'm out.

photogdave

03-11-2008, 13:39

BillP

03-11-2008, 13:42

Limiting equipment will limit participation. I'm out.

Are you SERIOUS?

It seems simple enough to me. One rule, related to the nature of this forum - how hard is that?

Regards,

Bill

Stephanie Brim

03-11-2008, 13:58

photogdave

03-11-2008, 14:01

Hey, you guys limit it any way you want. In reality, all you are limiting is who can participate and who cannot.

Once again, the basic premise was for a street photography contest.

With this ridiculous limitations on what cameras can and cannot be used, all you are doing is shutting out some really good photograpers from participating.
Re-read the very first post. The basic premise is a street photography contest with images shot by rangefinders. Simple. There are plenty of contests to participate in that out there are open to photos from all cameras.
The basic premise of this entire forum is that we are all supposed to be rangefinder users anyway.

BillP

03-11-2008, 14:09

The basic premise of this entire forum is that we are all supposed to be rangefinder users anyway.

It would seem not...

Regards,

Bill

Rick Waldroup

03-11-2008, 14:18

As I've said, this is a rangefinder forum. For the people here, it shouldn't be that limiting.

Also, as I've said, there are plenty of good, cheap rangefinders out there for the people who don't have one. It isn't a very hard limitation to overcome.

I'm happy with the camera I shoot with now. It is an excellent street shooter. In the end, when all is said and done, isn't that all that matters.

Todd.Hanz

03-11-2008, 14:25

I'm in.

rangefinders only and I like the idea of no prize (bragging rights only), the last one we had here almost ruined the forum with people who joined the for the prize only. There are plenty of RF shooters that will play so don't worry about participation, you'll have plenty.

good luck,
Todd

CameraQuest

03-11-2008, 14:25

Steph,

I can make a gallery for it at RFF if you like.

Stephen

AusDLK

03-11-2008, 14:55

Stephanie --

ACP is my idea to create a place for photography and for people who love it in Austin. Other cities have similar places. It is very, very early in the process and some may argue it is premature to even talk about it publically since, of course, it may never break ground. But I don't see any problem in participating in this under the guise of ACP. Perhaps I can arrange an exhibition in Austin at premliminary/temporary location.

MickH

03-11-2008, 15:32

FFS! Is it surprising that there aren't many females on this forum? A simple competiton WITH NO PRIZE still gets you geezers squabbling and taking hissy-fits "Limiting equipment will limit participation. I'm out". "This type of elitist bull**** attitude is exactly why I left this forum for a couple of years. I came back, hoping it had changed. Obviously, I was wrong" Bye Doug, we'll miss you. Grow up Rick.

Why not start your own chuffin' Street Photography competition/project open to all comers with a GREAT BIG MEGA PRIZE for the longest lens?

What are you guys taking?

Calm down, it's only t'internet.

Stephanie Brim

03-11-2008, 15:39

Yeah, I really don't care who's out. The only thing that matters, really, is who's IN.

So all those in favor, please post an "I'm in" message of some flavor. I'm in the process of designating an email address for this so that it'll be easy to contact me.

nextreme

03-11-2008, 16:00

I'm interested, not sure I can produce something that would be picked though. Do you have an idea of the timeframe ?

mccurleyphoto

03-11-2008, 16:00

Count me in...great idea!

meltedARTS

03-11-2008, 16:06

Tape one of these (http://www.amazon.com/EZONICS-EZ-628-Scope-Range-Finder/dp/B00012O7L0/ref=sr_1_62?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1205280177&sr=1-62) to your SLR and you've got a rangefinder.

PlantedTao

03-11-2008, 16:06

I'm in.
This is a great idea with easy to understand guidelines...

I hope that we can do the definition of streetphotography without argument?
:)

Morca007

03-11-2008, 16:19

I'm in, this should be fun.

Daragh Regan

03-11-2008, 16:30

Good idea.
Surprising to see unpleasant exchanges though- it's a little disconcerting.
The energy could be better used to propose another project with rules that would suit their tastes. After all, there's nothing wrong with another point of view, it's what makes life interesting, but let the person who proposed the idea in the first place decide- it's only fair.
I'd like to participate, looking forward to seeing how this develops.
Regards,
Daragh

MickH

03-11-2008, 16:48

I hope that we can do the definition of streetphotography without argument?
:)

Oh dear oh dear oh dear.

Stephanie Brim

03-11-2008, 16:50

I'm about to make that thread. Let's see if me saying that we should conduct ourselves in a civil manner has any effect. :D

marke

03-11-2008, 16:59

This will give me a good way to get inimate with my new Summilux 50/f1.4. :D

As far as the "rangefinder only" rule goes, I'm okay with that. It's Stephanie's idea, her vision...so why can't it happen? If someone else wants to start a competition that includes any kind of camera, they are free to do it.

Bingley

03-11-2008, 17:21

Thanks, Stephanie, for organizing this.

I'm in.

gb hill

03-11-2008, 17:30

Rangefinder only:eek:....Darn!! I was hoping to use my Holga. Ok count me in.;)

photogdave

03-11-2008, 17:32

Hmm. One of my posts in this thread was deleted. It wasn't by me.

gb hill

03-11-2008, 17:33

Hmm. One of my posts in this thread was deleted. It wasn't by me.

I promise I didn't do it.

photogdave

03-11-2008, 17:35

I promise I didn't do it.
Darn! You were my prime suspect! :D

Todd.Hanz

03-11-2008, 17:56

Why not start your own chuffin' Street Photography competition/project open to all comers with a GREAT BIG MEGA PRIZE for the longest lens?

What are you guys taking?

Calm down, it's only t'internet.

ummhhh...that's pretty damn funny.

furcafe

03-11-2008, 18:27

I would participate. I agree that limiting the equipment to RFs is logical for the RFF; it also serves to somewhat even the playing field as everyone will be using the same type of camera.

I'm pretty sure there would be many other RF users here in DC who would participate.

Also, the issue of law enforcement/private security harassment of innocent photographers is, uh, kind of big deal in your nation's capital, so anything that demonstrates the legitimacy of street photography as an art form is welcome.

Roger Hicks recently posted about the fact that a government-run street photography contest would go a long way to promote the idea that street photography is a legitimate form of the craft. I think that we, also, as rangefinder camera users, could do a lot to promote the idea of street photography as art. So I'm going to run an idea by you.

I want to have a combined street photography contest and project.

This contest/project would have 2 main goals:

- To create an online gallery of images (perhaps even off site) of photos taken during the run of the project.

- To create a book of community voted best images to represent the larger body of work in the gallery.

This contest/project would be themeless other the idea of street photography. This way we would be showing the broadest range of street photography we could. It would be open to everyone on the forum. It would be a rangefinder-only project; other than that simple fact, equipment used to take the photo would not be revealed. I want the work to stand on its own merit.

If anyone thinks this idea is complete horse poopy, or if you think it's great, please let me know. Also, I welcome suggestions to make this an even better idea.

I think that it would be a welcome project for a lot of people, and being the contact would give me something to do now that I'm a stay at home mom. I'm ITCHING for something to do. ;)

shg005

03-11-2008, 18:30

I would like to be participant too.

sienarot

03-11-2008, 19:08

Yeesh, there's only two rules and people are complaining about something as simple as that?

You can definitely count me in.

BillBingham2

03-11-2008, 19:38

Steph,

What about the Bessa L, it does not have any type of finder. You can add a range finder to it, but most folks just use a viewfinder with a wide lens. Would that fit your definition of a rangefinder?

Either way I think I'm in.

Thanks.

B2 (;->

mfunnell

03-12-2008, 00:57

Well, I'm in. If I'm allowed in that is: from where I sit the timeframe and "spring" mean geography rather conspires against me :D May I assume "autumn" might be allowed for those of us in more southerly climes?

...Mike

Roberto

03-12-2008, 01:19

Count me in... :)

sinetsin

03-12-2008, 01:39

count me in too!! if it's possible!;)
Great idea!!

maddoc

03-12-2008, 02:18

Count me in !! In Sapporo spring is a little later (around May) but I try some other locations. :)

marke

03-12-2008, 04:02

From my experience, these beautiful projects end up never happening.

Never, Ned?

Well, maybe you're in for a new experience. :eek:

tritiated

03-12-2008, 04:33

I would like to join in!
What a good idea!

Spyderman

03-12-2008, 04:43

I'd like to participate too. I just hope I'll have enough time... I'm finishing my diploma thesis in may :eek:

PS: technically even AF P&S cameras have rangefinder... only that it's automatic and electronic and IR :) How about older scale focus or zone focus cameras ? XA*, HiMatic*, Bessa L, Leica I... Not that Iwould like to use any of these, but you should think about those too and somehow specify which are allowed...

Marsopa

03-12-2008, 04:46

Nice idea... no problem with rules

Count me in if possible.

Gid

03-12-2008, 05:04

Count me in. Great idea.

sleepyhead

03-12-2008, 05:07

I'm in!

"The message you have entered is too short..."

mcgrattan

03-12-2008, 05:07

Count me in, no problem with the rules, also.

rover

03-12-2008, 05:27

I'm gonna try

crawdiddy

03-12-2008, 05:37

I'm in also. Just a clarification about the gear-nondisclosure-rule: It's Don't Ask, Don't Tell, right?

paralx

03-12-2008, 05:56

I'm in.
Sounds like a fun excuse to burn some film.

yanidel

03-12-2008, 05:57

Hello, I am new on this forum and would gladly participate to that project.
Idea and rules are great, thanks.
Just a suggestion : once the book is selected and project over, I think it would be great to publish the camera and lenses used on each picture. That way it would not influence the vote but in the end it would also help to learn from others technical choices. And I do need to learn :) What do you think ?

Stephanie Brim

03-12-2008, 06:32

I'm glad that so many people want to do this.

I got an email address set up for people who want to help me with the project. Those who can help with the book down the road, the gallery, a true gallery opening, or any other ideas you have about displaying or helping this project, can contact me using this email address:

rffstreet-at-thirtyfivemillimeter-dot-org

Goes to a separate inbox to make shuffling through emails easier for me.