National Geographic photo competition

[HEPZIBAH]

I know we have many excellent photographers that members of this forum so when I saw this National Geographic Photograph Competition I thought it may be of interest to some. National Geographic Magazine has to show some of the most beautiful, amazing, awe inspiring photographs from around the globe - people, places, plants, wild life etc - so to get your photo into their magazine you will be facing some stiff opposition - but it is open the amature as well as professional photographers.

For more information on the categories for the competition, rules etc see the link below.

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/p ... 0342/view/

[LovelyLadyLux]

Horus, Grandad and Kiya should be entering!! Hope they're reading this one Hepzi :):)

[Grandad]

Horus, Grandad and Kiya should be entering!! Hope they're reading this one Hepzi :):)

Have you seen the standard of the pictures in the NG LLL? Superb! But how about yourself, you are in the ideal country at the moment to capture something colourful and eyecatching.

The UK has been rather lacking in photo opportunities this year and the days when I might get out early (or late) to get a special shot are long gone.

[Kiya]

Wow! some great photos in the NG I haven't the camera equipment to take pics at that level

[Horus]

I think we are all agreed that we lack the standard required for NG.

[Grandad]

Just had another look, just in case I had something worth enterring.

Have a look at this, The Atlantic editors selection and see what I mean about 'standard' of the pictures. It is not just about your equipment, even a modest compact can capture superb images, it is more about being at the right place at the right time. Just look at the ranger being mauled by the leopard, the elephant in Tsavo, sunrise in glacier and so many more.

Oh to take pictures like that.....but just keep on snapping.

http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2012 ... 12/100373/

[Horus]

I always think that you need one of several things to get these sort of pictures, either be in some exotic location that has plenty of dramatic vistas, or to be there when something dramatic happens or a natural event occurs. To be in a wildlife location and to be extremely patient, but most of all to have the ability to see the picture unfolding and be capable enough to capture that moment as dramatically as possible. Finally to be an observer of life and to see something special in what may seem to the rest of us as an every day situation that portrays an emotion of some kind, who can forget the impact of the eyes on the face of what became known as The Afghan Girl, a truly beautiful capture, I can only live in hope. My favourite from your link is the Yosemite image, it looks as if someone has poured fire into the valley.

The Afghan Girl

[Kiya]

Great photos, its hard to choose a favourite when they're all so good but I do like the elephant one....I love elephants anyway.

And having a more understanding of icebergs after watching on Tuesday evening "Operation Iceberg" I like the iceberg photos too.

Did anybody else see the program, it was amazing!

[LovelyLadyLux]

I can't comment on the photos as, for whatever reason, I can't seem to actually 'open' anything here in Mexico at the moment.

I do agree one needs to be 'in' exotic or different locations to get the shot, anticipate when to get the shot etc. and it is extremely difficult for 'us' regular folk to be out and about getting the shots such as the Afghani girl.

I have to say that I do 'try' to get to locations that could be termed exotic. Last couple of days I've been out in the villages - well 1 village - in Mexico snapping away at what living in a regular village in Mexico entails...........NOT a pretty picture for the normal, regular working person here.

I also have to add that getting great photos also requires not only a photographer and great locations but people with you who are equally patient while you snap photos. Having a driver who is ok with going away to sip ONE beer while you walk the streets, get stared at, followed by kids (and otherwise distracted) and set up pictures is also necessary AND whilst dusk and dawn are great times to photograph I'd say that #1 it is hard to find drivers who are early risers AND #2 dusk in any country brings NIGHT time and dark hours are never the best to be solo driving around..............(hate to say it and sound - ahem - racist - but MY 'white' face in a darker skinned land CAN bring unwanted abrupt attention. (Word to the wise)

BUT I have been able to get some good shots over the past couple of days. Nothing NG will want to publish but my driver was able to get me INTO a traditional Mayan family home in the middle of the Yucatan penninsula and I was allowed 'some' photos and then nearly killed as the little old Mayan lady basically 'made' me eat (I never know when it is ok to say 'no') some farm fresh eggs, scrambled with dhal (like spinach) and topped off with habaneros sauce (clear juice (to FOOL the unwary) mixed with oil and scooped with a small hand patted hold fried taco prior to being cooked on a pan on stones. At least the little kids got a good laugh at the old lady (me) coughing, spitting, tears running down my face begging for "agua pro favor"!!!!

I know enough to be suspicious of RED sauces here but this clear dipping liquid which the old lady generously with SMILES drizzled onto my scoop or egg and dhal.......darn near thought I was going to die..........(note to self - LEARN MORE SPANISH before eating anything else!!!

Bottom line - I think, those of us who carry cameras stand a better chance of capturing unique and novel photos since we're carrying cameras. We're also capturing memories in time that we can carry with us and show others, as well as reminisce about in our dotage (thought I was going to DIE!! How can people eat that HOT stuff???)

[Grandad]

Can't wait for you to get home and post some pictures LLL.....and more of your VERY descriptive dialogue.

Have a safe journey home...or have you still got another week?

[Kiya]

Looking forward to seeing your photos