Junior Photographer Challenge Volunteers Needed

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

11/19/2010 04:13:01 PM · #1

I have proposed a Junior's Side Challenge to run from November 24th thru January 6th, aka American Thanksgiving to Epiphany/St. Stephen's Day.

I am in need of Volunteer Judges. Gyaban has agreed to be one of them but I still need more. The proposal is that we will have 3 age groups, 8 and under, 9-14 and Teens. Each child will have age appropriate rules and will submit 1 photo and a brief explanation showing off their ''Holiday Spirit.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd places will be given ribbons and perhaps a prize if we can get enough. But for now, I'm only asking for judges.

I can't wait to see what interesting shots our kids come up with. They have a long time to come up with a shot. We may see lots of cool things. I think that it's fair to let them change their shot if I can figure out how to do that, just like we can up to the last minute in our challenges. The time frame is when our kids have time off to do this amidst all the other things that are going on. It isn't just about Christmas but is about any of the holidays that occur within the time frame.

Let me know if you are willing to judge or help out in some other way if needed. Maybe a list of 'non parental' advisors would be nice for the bigger kids. I want them to try to do as much as they can without their parent's help but someone else can give them advice.

Thanks in advance for all volunteers. If you are asked to be a judge then you are not permitted to be and advisor.

Thanks,
Ellen

dahlin

Nikon D610

11/19/2010 04:21:19 PM · #2

I'm happy to judge.

Simms

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

11/19/2010 04:26:16 PM · #3

Happy to judge.

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

11/19/2010 05:01:05 PM · #4

Originally posted by dahlin:

I'm happy to judge.

Would you be willing to be an advisor/mentor too?

Message edited by author 2010-11-19 17:01:22.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

11/19/2010 05:15:27 PM · #5

Let me know how I can help out. Judging, advising, whatever, I'm interested. I used to teach photography to kids, way back when...

R.

dahlin

Nikon D610

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

11/19/2010 05:19:13 PM · #6

Originally posted by cowtownmom:

Originally posted by dahlin:
I'm happy to judge.

Would you be willing to be an advisor/mentor too?

absolutely. Whatever you need. Happy to help. It will be fun.

salmiakki

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Sony Sonnar T* 35mm F2.8 ZA

11/19/2010 05:22:14 PM · #7

I'd be willing to assist if you need me.

11/19/2010 06:27:01 PM · #8

Thanks for volunteering. Any ideas for affordable prizes? I think 3 groups would be the best. 8 and under, 9-12 and 13-18.

I would love to be able when I announce the side challenge to be able to say who the judges are and who our mentors are so that the kids know who to ask for help. Don't think that I'll be able to say what the prizes will be or what the ribbons will look like. I'm hosting Thanksgiving this year so have a few other things to do. Just want to get things started in the best way possible with my limited time frame.

11/20/2010 12:51:46 AM · #9

Melethia and Gyaban have both agreed to be a judge. We still need more volunteers for both judging and mentoring. But it looks like the side challenge is going to happen.

Any ideas on how to spread the word?

Maybe I should do up a flyer and post it here.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

11/20/2010 01:28:57 AM · #10

I think the concept is great, but I'll just state again that I don't understand the need to make it a competition for the young kids. Teenagers can go at it, but why judge the young ones? Let's be honest with ourselves about who is actually seeking the glory, the 6 year old or the parent on the side line?

The entry fee for the young ones (12 and under) will be a commitment from the parent to order a copy of the book. They can post as many entries as they want, and the judges will decide on which will be published, one per child. I'll take the responsibility of putting the book together. How inspired will your child be to see their photograph in print?

You may also sign me up to judge the teen competition (13+).

Message edited by author 2010-11-20 01:39:02.

spiritualspatula

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

11/20/2010 02:08:06 AM · #11

I'd be willing to provide whatever is needed as well.

Mambe

Canon EOS-1000D Rebel XS

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

11/20/2010 05:57:27 AM · #12

If you still need some kind of help, just let me know, not sure about mentoring but ...

vawendy

Sony Alpha 1

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

11/20/2010 09:26:23 AM · #13

Originally posted by bspurgeon:

Entry fee?

Book?

I think I missed something...

I have one child that would definitely be interested:

jcar -- But, to be honest, I really don't have much interest in an entry fee or a book. I have a 15 year old who'd probably participate -- but since she's not particularly into photography, I'd be even less interested in an entry fee and book.

The side challenge sounds interesting and fun, but I think we should stick to virtual prizes and no fees to get wider participation. Kids have fun winning, whether it's something tangible or virtual -- they have fun saying they've won.

Message edited by author 2010-11-20 09:28:45.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

11/20/2010 09:42:16 AM · #14

Originally posted by vawendy:

Entry fee? cost of the book

Sorry Wendy, I should have been more clear. This would not apply to the teens. I'm looking for a way to avoid judging the young kids. I don't think it's needed. A cheap photo book for the young ones would be fun. A 5x7 book would cost $10. I mention this because they were talking of buying prizes, that's how the $ became involved.

Simms

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

11/20/2010 09:45:15 AM · #15

Originally posted by cowtownmom:

Melethia and Gyaban have both agreed to be a judge. We still need more volunteers for both judging and mentoring. But it looks like the side challenge is going to happen.

Ummm - offered my services in the third post on this thread.

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

11/20/2010 09:46:31 AM · #16

Originally posted by vawendy:

Kids have fun winning, whether it's something tangible or virtual -- they have fun saying they've won.

Older kids yes. But this is photography, not soccer, etc. The young kids don't need to be judged. Forget the book, it was just an idea, how about letting the young kids post as many as they want, and the judges will pick their "best" entry for a virtual participant ribbon to post in their profile, etc. The OP and a few others would like real prizes.

vawendy

Sony Alpha 1

11/20/2010 09:49:38 AM · #17

Originally posted by bspurgeon:

Originally posted by vawendy:

Entry fee? cost of the book

Sorry Wendy, I should have been more clear. This would not apply to the teens. I'm looking for a way to avoid judging the young kids. I don't think it's needed. A cheap photo book for the young ones would be fun. A 5x7 book would cost $10. I mention this because they were talking of buying prizes, that's how the $ became involved.

I understand what you're saying -- but when all is said and done, I think it's healthy for kids to learn early on that you can't win at everything. My daughter is 15, and my son is 11, and there does seem to be a switch to having "everybody wins". It actually gets harder in life then, when all of the sudden they don't win.

My son has always been an very competitive person. Though he doesn't usually win. He's learned to have fun with the process.

However, if people are concerned about the little ones, perhaps theirs can just be a gallery, and they're not eligible to actually compete until the 9-12 years? I've seen that type of thing done before.

Not trying to cause strife -- just thinking out loud. I think it's worthwhile however it's done.

(I didn't see your most recent post when I posted this.)

Message edited by author 2010-11-20 09:52:05.

bvy

Sigma DP1x

11/20/2010 10:30:09 AM · #18

I'll catch up on reading all of this later, but I'm happy to help as advisor, mentor or judge. Might be a good opportunity for my son (14) to get involved in the site too.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

11/20/2010 11:23:43 AM · #19

Wendy, totally agree with you. I like competition, it's healthy and natural, and I enjoy it.

I'm more concerned with the young ones, 4-8, etc. Children love to create, a competion in this age group is about the parents, not the child exploring, learning, and growing. This age group needs to be applauded and mentored, not labeled as "not good enough to win".

bvy

Sigma DP1x

11/20/2010 11:32:10 AM · #20

Is it me or are the age groups a moving target? I'm still trying to get my head wrapped around the concept and proposed execution, but I tend to agree with Ben about making it non-competitive for the really young ones (ten and under or so). I'm reminded of the Cub Scout pinewood derby race and all of the fathers who competed passionately under their sons' names. A teen competition is fine, I think.

sjhuls

Canon EOS-7D

11/20/2010 11:34:18 AM · #21

I have a 6 soon to be 7 year old who will be quite disappointed if her older sister gets a chance at a prize and she does not. Whatever is decided I think it should be equal among all age groups.

I am not for an entry fee or a commitment on a book. I don't necessarily think a book is a bad idea, I just don't think we should force people to buy one. I for one will not be entering my children if there is an entry fee.

11/20/2010 12:07:17 PM · #22

I understand the debate. I think children love to get something. Have a new idea.

The littlest ones is a gallery and each child will get a certificate of participation that they can have to see and keep.
The 9-12 year olds each get a certificate of participation and a real and virtual ribbon, will be judged. for 1-3 and honorable mentions for 4 & 5.

The Teens will each get a certificate of participation, a place ribbon and prize for 1-3 places, and honorable mention for places 4 & 5.

This way each child has something they can see, feel and show off that they did this.

How will this work for you guys?

Ellen

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

11/20/2010 12:10:01 PM · #23

One thing that could be done is a book or just see if someone would be willing to put together a downloadable slide show that shows off everyones pictures. Should be done by age group , with thier first names, age and included information that they submitted with their picture.

How about that. Any volunteers?

ace flyman

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

11/20/2010 12:23:45 PM · #24

You could give the young ones or all the age groups a ribbon like the first Rubber Ducky challenge for participating, then give out the Blue, Red & Yellow to the top 3 ? If you need more volunteers let me know, I would love to help out in judging or mentoring.