2007 ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST
New 2007 rules to improve the Documentary Photo Contest category
by Damian R. Pieper
The Documentary image must include at least one specimen in situ. i.e., not moved from its original location or altered in any way, except for the removal of detritus or soil that obscures the view of the subject.
The photo must include one specimen that has been carefully sliced in half from top to bottom with a razor blade or plain sharp knife. A horizontal section should also be included if it is necessary to exhibit some interior structure that is not visible in the vertical section.
If a spore print is useful in the identification of the species, a photo or flatbed scan of that must also be set somewhere in the frame. The spore print may be omitted if the spore color is already clearly evident somewhere in the frame, or if you attach notes describing the spore color with any standardized color chart or system.
For fungi and myxomycetes which change color with development, age, bruising, etc. a shot of the same specimen in each color stage must be included somewhere in the frame. Images may originate from any flatbed scan, any kind of film, Polaroid, or other digital source. Photographers are encouraged to use any available methods, including computer programs, to correct an inappropriate color balance, overexposure or underexposure, crop, assemble several images into one frame etc.
The contest director requests that you use a file name for each entry in this form:
- category letter & entry number matching the ones on your entry blank
- Genus and species names
- the photographer's full name, or first, middle, and last initials in capitals
- the file extension
Example: D3 Biscogniauxia atropunctata by Johnathan E. Smitherbergmann.jpg
Read the FAQ also!
Eligibility
The contest is open to all paid-up NAMA members. Non-members may enter if a separate check for 2007 dues ($35.00) is enclosed with the entry. Slides that have previously won (including Honorable mention) are not eligible. Closing Date: All entries must be received by the Contest Contest Director(s) on or before May 15, 2007. Allow at least one week for mailing.
Subject material
For Pictorial and Documentary, organisms from the Myxomycota (slime molds) and the classes Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes of the Eumycota ("true fungi") are eligible. For Judge's Option, nearly anything goes, so long as the theme relates to fungi, and fungi are a key element of the photograph.
Entry Divisions
For the 35mm slide contest, if there are not enough entries for 2 divisions all entries will be judged in 1 division. There will only be one division in the digital contest.
Pictorial
This division is for single photos that illustrate the beauty and variety of fungi in form and color. The objective is a photo suitable for display or illustration in a fine book. Judging criteria include consideration of both technical (focus, depth of field, exposure, lighting, color, absence of distracting elements) and artistic (composition, color, background, lighting) aspects.
Documentary
The Documentary image must include at least one specimen in situ. i.e., not moved from its original location or altered in any way, except for the removal of detritus or soil that obscures the view of the subject.
The photo must include one specimen that has been carefully sliced in half from top to bottom with a razor blade or plain sharp knife. A horizontal section should also be included if it is necessary to exhibit some interior structure that is not visible in the vertical section.
If a spore print is useful in the identification of the species, a photo or flatbed scan of that must also be set somewhere in the frame. The spore print may be omitted if the spore color is already clearly evident somewhere in the frame, or if you attach notes describing the spore color with any standardized color chart or system.
For fungi and myxomycetes which change color with development, age, bruising, etc. a shot of the same specimen in each color stage must be included somewhere in the frame. Images may originate from any flatbed scan, any kind of film, Polaroid, or other digital source. Photographers are encouraged to use any available methods, including computer programs, to correct an inappropriate color balance, overexposure or underexposure, crop, assemble several images into one frame etc.
Judge's Option
For single photos or series which do not fit into the Pictorial or Documentary divisions. Examples include time-lapse series, ecological relationships of fungi (e.g. fairy rings), fungi with animals, people enjoying fungi.
Entrant Classifications
Limited or Open classification
Open is intended for experienced photographers who are not entering for the first time and Limited is intended for the novice. All entries from a person must be in either Limited or Open: no dual classification entrants. Entrants must compete in the Open class if they have won 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or Merit in two or more previous contests. The two classifications are judged separately for the Pictorial and Documentary divisions, and together for the Judge's Option.
Other Information
Awards
First, 2nd, and 3rd prizes will be awarded in Pictorial and Documentary in both Limited and Open classifications. Additional Honorable Mention awards are given at the judges' discretion up to a maximum of 15% of the entries in that particular category. There will be no ranking in the Judges' Option division and up to 20% of the entries may be selected. Prizes such as film, subscriptions, book credits, certificates, etc. are awarded, depending on the contest director's resourcefulness and the generosity of donors.
Format
Color transparencies of any size that will fit into two inch square mounts that function in a standard 80-slide carousel. Glass mounts are discouraged, but will be accepted with no guarantee against breakage and if an additional fee is paid to cover high return postage. Slides may be cropped, retouched or otherwise reprocessed.
Marking, Listing and Submitting Slides
Mark each slide with a projection spot at the lower left corner of the mount when viewed right-side up out of the projector. The same side should include the entrant's initials, division initials and slide number (e.g. OQ K-P-1), Use 1a, 1b, 1c, etc. for sequences. Fill out and submit the Entry Form along with your slides. Send first class mail. Acknowledgement of receipt will be sent to you. If possible, arrange your packaging so that it can be reused in returning your slides.
Marking, Listing and Submitting Digitals
What information do you want included in the digital photo’s filename? If your computer program will permit, we like to have at least these 3 things in your filenames: “D” (for Documentary), “J” (for Judges Option) or “P” (for Pictorial), the entry number matching the one on the entry blank, the photographer’s initials in 3 spaces, followed by the Genus and species of the fungus or myxomycete if you can identify it, and your title for the photo, (unless it is the same as the previous) and, of course, the file extension. If you have enough space for your full name, the date the photo was taken etc., or you wish to include other info, that is a bonus, but not required.
Entry Fee
The entry fee for slides is $4.00.
The entry fee for the digital contest is $4.00
Reproduction
Entry in the contest constitutes the consent of the photographer to allow NAMA to reproduce copies of each photo entry for circulation by the Education Committee among the membership and affiliated societies. NAMA also reserves the right to post images of the winning slides or digital images on the NAMA website and in the Mycophile. All copyrights remain with the photographer.
Questions?
Read our Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the Chair of the NAMA Photo Committee:
Entry Form
To enter, use this HTML entry form or this PDF entry form.