As promised..
Get Free Stuff
We’ll not only print every entry that’s up to our standards, but we’ll be picking a winner and two runners-up. The winner will get a big box of free stuff we’ve been saving all year just for this purpose. Our two runners-up will receive goodies too. As a bonus, the top 20 entries will get a special PHR T-shirt commemorating the occasion. Even if you don’t score prizes, you’ll still be able to see your hard work appear on the pages of PHR in our November issue.
The Assignment
After last year’s contest, we came to the conclusion that most people didn’t care so much about the quality of their photos, so long as they got their car and their name in the magazine. Since we already have the “Hometown Hot Rodding” section for that purpose, we decided to mix things up for this year’s contest. To avoid the quickie snapshot syndrome, we’re making the assignment more specific: we want you to take pictures of your car at sunset, sunrise, or just after sunset. Only photos taken at twilight or at night will be accepted for the photo contest. (We can hear the groans now.)
This does a couple of good things. First, you won’t be able to send us the photos you’ve already taken (which is the lazy guy’s way out anyway). You’re gonna have to work for it. Secondly, it means you’ll have to plan your photo shoot. You’ll need to look for a good location, you’ll need to bring helpers, and you’ll need to follow our tips in order to negotiate the unfamiliar territory of low-light photography.
So what does twilight mean? We’re looking for images taken during the sweet light. This light will flatter the car and give it a rich color, unlike harsh midday light. If the sun is too harsh and you shoot in the middle of the day, we’ll be able to tell because there will be dozens of little white-hot dots all over your car. Not good. If you’ve got no choice but to shoot in bright sun, make the most of it by putting the sun to the side or in front and using some homemade reflectors.
Send Those Photos In!
So you like the idea and want to participate. Good. Here’s what we need: Send us your five best digital photos (no more than this please) on a CD, along with corresponding 4x6 color prints and a brief letter explaining the photos. Entries must be postmarked no later than June 30, 2006. Don’t forget to write your name and physical address. We also need to know the names of the photographer, and car owner or driver if different than the photographer. Please include your, e-mail address, and daytime and evening contact phone numbers as well.
All images that are published need to be submitted in high-resolution jpeg format (the highest-quality setting your digital camera). We will assume all photos are OK for us to print and that Popular Hot Rodding and Primedia have the right to reproduce them. By sending us your photos, you represent that you have the right to grant this. Sorry, but no entries can be returned and we cannot notify individual entries of their contest status prior to publication. Also, no entries will be received via e-mail.
Please send entries to the following address:
Primedia
Popular Hot Rodding Photo Contest
774 S. Placentia Ave.
Placentia, CA 92870
Judging
Your entry will be judged on how well you follow the 16 Tips For Better Car Photos, so make sure you read them and understand them. We’re also giving away some professional secrets in the sidebars. If you use one of them successfully, you’re chances of winning increase a bunch. If you don’t understand the tips or want more guidance, we will be happy to help you. Just send an e-mail with your question to
[email protected] with the subject line “Photo Contest Guidelines,” and we will respond within three business days.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
PHR photo contest rules - for those that lost thier June issue
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