Image Upload Rules

First, some reasons why I want pics uploaded.

1. Share with the group.
2. See your progression.
3. At the end of the year we as a group will make a photobook(s) which will be the Shutter Nirvana Portfolio. Each member owns the rights to their pictures and agrees to have their pictures used to promote the group (free of charge). This will include the usage of their images on other websites such as facebook to promote group growth. Any due credit received will be directed towards the respective member.

Image sizes are to be maximum 1600 pixels in anyone directions. I.e. Horizontally 1600 pix or Vertically 1600 pix. The image size should then be constrained 500-800 kB max.

There are a lot of programs to resize images, but if for some reason you can't, send the pics to nirvana.shutter@gmail.com

Some More Ground Work

I got asked by Becca if I viewed the weekly challenges as a competition. The simple answer is no, I don't. If someone takes an amazing picture then good on them. However, no one should feel pressured to take better pictures or discouraged from taking pictures. Everyone is allowed to progress on their own terms. The whole idea is to learn from each other's unique perspectives. In fact I won't condone it as a competition. lol

Criticism is allowed and I think we should all do so. Criticism should be positive, encouraging, and constructive, not insulting. If it isn't, I'll send the blog enforcer Vic the Bulldog.

Post Processing??

So I was asked an interesting question by Vic about how much post processing should go into the picture. At first I thought he was referring to photoshopping different colors and light levels and what not. To answer that initial thought, anything is allowed. Basically anything photoshop can do you're allowed to modify your picture to your heart's content. Keep in mind though, the idea behind this group is to be able to take good pictures so that you minimize post processing. Do try to keep that in mind when framing your shots. The more time spent in the field taking a good shot, the less time you spend in front of a computer trying to figure out how to make that picture look better.

Now Vic replied back with an interesting concept he had for the first challenge. He wants to make one photograph out of 24 different photographs. I think this idea is really good. However, I think we should make the group's focus on taking 1 good picture and less about post processing. Initially 1 photograph for every challenge. Eventually do what you want.

I'll get to post processing in further posts and provide some suggestions for what to do. Things like B/W conversion, HDR, etc... Feel free to do so.

Weekly Challenge #1 - Stripes

This week's challenge is stripes! Don't settle for the first shot you take of stripes. I want everyone to think about it all week and I encourage everyone to take more than one shot of "stripes". Take your camera everywhere with you! At the end of the week pick your best one and upload.

I'll get Vic to post about uploading once he figures out if we can mooch off of Dima's server.

Once again, TAKE MORE THAN ONE PIC!

Good Luck!