The Contest:

Note: There have been about fifteen photos submitted for the "contest." Officially the contest is over but if you have a great shot, consider submitting it anyway.

Two photos have come fairly close to what we are looking for, three others were close enough for consideration. For now we will use four photos in a loose rotation on the home page. Each of the four will receive a "prize" within the next 60 days. We will continue accepting great photos, hoping to get a definitive, if one is submitted. Notification will of winners will be within the next 60 days, and the prizes follow. October 30, 2011

For those interested in continuing our search for the GREAT CURLY HOME PAGE photo, here is the criteria (For any accepted, there will be an award similar to our original prize.):

We are looking for a great photo of a Curly to be used on the Club's home page. We may use one or several in rotation if more that one exceptional shot is received. There will be one "Winner," though something will be awarded (We're working on it.) to the winner. Something, as of now unknown, will be given for the image(s) selected as one of the rotating Web Page Curlies. There are no rules per se, we are simply looking for the best image(s) of a Curly for our home page.

Image detail, color clarity and curls should be clear, and the dog’s expression will be two of the important considerations in picking the winner. We will edit the image to remove artifacts and background details.

The dog should either be in profile or partially facing the camera. Shots taken from squarely in front of the dog lose too much perspective and probably won’t make the cut. A great shot taken straight on or nearly so might be fine, so if it’s really good, submit it.

Image detail is important so the shot should have a clear focus, and have sufficient lighting to clearly show face, eyes, and curl detail. (Squinting eyes from direct sun, or yellow eye from flash probably won’t work.)

The dog should be either in a sit or a standing position. The conformation “stacked” posture probably won’t work. Don’t bother submitting show “Win” shots.

Submit high resolution versions of photos if possible, but don’t try to increase the resolution of 72 dpi images, we’ll handle that if it’s a great shot. A high resolution shot will normally have 600K to several MB sized files. Submit original Camera RAW format images if you are able.
(Camera Raw explained at http://ccrca.org/curly-photography)

Here’s what we are going to ask from you.

    1. With your submission(s), include a note listing the image’s file name; your name; and optionally, the dog’s name.
    2. Verify that you own the photos submitted, and that you grant the CCRCA exclusive publishing rights for the photo for five years.
    3. If your photo is not the winner, we’d like the option of using the image elsewhere on the web site or in the Curly Commentator. Please indicate whether this is acceptable to you. (We will try to notify you if the image will be used elsewhere.)
    4. We will add digital information to photos under consideration for use. This information will carry your name as copyright owner, so please provide accurate information with a contact phone number and an e-mail or postal address.
    5. The winner can brag all he/she wants, except if the Curly or Curlies in the winning photo are active in conformation or other dog show events. The winner will be asked to promise that no reference shall be made on your dog's behalf which might be considered, in anyway, to influence the outcome of judging at any conformation or other dog show event. This would include advertisements on other websites, dog show publications, or in conversations with judges, handlers, or other entrants.
    6. If an image is taken by a professional, the professional shall also release copyright ownership to you, and also release publishing rights to you and the CCRCA for five years. Photo credit will not appear on the home page, though attribution may appear on a separate section if requested.

For Examples and Tips on taking better shots of a Curly, go to: curly-photography

Sending photos for the contest:

EMAIL:

If you're trying to send in photos and run into file size problems, check out YouSendIt.com which allows you to send large files for free. Groups of photos should be put in a folder and the folder should be sent as a ZIP archive.

For instructions on creating a ZIP archive on a Windows PC: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306531
For creating an archive on a Mac put the photos in a folder and select "Compress XXX" from the File menu. "XXX" being the name of the file you selected.

Or Mail a CD or DVD to: Hamilton, 7133 Hihn Rd. Ben Lomond, CA 95005