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- Ken Smith

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Countdown to December's Contest Results


Hello Everyone!

I'm stepping in for Chris, who stepped in for Michele Fricke in June 2013, who replaced Elida Gutierrez in June 2009, who replaced Chris Budny in April 2008, who replaced John Caruso in Feb 2008, and who replaced Sharon Day in April 2007. Sharon was doing the contest countdown when I joined BP in 2005.

This monthly thread is where we share our favorite contest image(s) from December. If it makes Staff Fav/Finalist/Winner, all the better. So give your favorites a showcase here, tell us why you picked them, and join us in the countdown... Good luck to all of you!

If the last few months are any indication, BP will finish the EP selection around the 25th of January, then Staff Favs by the 28th, Finalists by the 29th, and Winners on the 30th. It could be a mad dash to the finish line, so hold on cause we're all in it together. If it's any consolation, the judges have far fewer images to judge, as compared to several years ago. This month, I think there were around 6,000 contest images; three years ago the total was 30,000/month.


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January 15, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Highlighted Comment: Some helpful hints for attaching photos into a BP Forum Thread, if you're unfamiliar with the process:
1) Sign into BP. IF YOU HAVEN'T entered the Contest for today, you can use the "Photo ID" method to pull an existing image (from your Member Center) into your Reply here. This avoids a duplicate image upload to your Member Center. Note the Photo ID# of the image you wish to include here (visible in your Member Center) then return to this thread, click Respond, enter the text of your reply, and choose "1" from the images-to-attach drop-down (even though you won't actually be uploading a file.) Click Submit; at the next screen, populate the "Photo ID" field shown over at the right. Skip the other text fields on that screen, check the boxes at the bottom, and Submit.

2) IF YOU HAVE ALREADY entered the Contest for today, you can't use the Photo ID method *today*. Either wait until tomorrow to reply here first, or upload a copy of the image (from your PC) and attach to this thread. This produces a duplicate image in your Member Center; however, you don't have to make that duplicate visible in your Gallery.

If you're uploading a duplicate, I suggest titling it "For Forum" so it stands out in your Member Center, for easier housecleaning later on. This can also help nudge BP viewers to go find the original image in your gallery, if they want to leave a comment. Likewise, if you want to add a comment to a photo seen here, first try to tell if it is a duplicate upload. As a courtesy, try to find the original image in the member's gallery and leave your comment there instead of on the duplicate... which may one day be deleted.


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January 15, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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Here are my two candidates.


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January 15, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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BetterPhoto.com Editor's Pick  
One Year Old
One Year Old
This is our granddaughter, Declyn, on Thanksgiving Day, which was also her first birthday. We spent the holidays at my daughter and son-in-law's house. My parents joined us for Thanksgiving Dinner.

F5, 1/60th sec, ISO 2000, 90mm focal length

Ken Smith

 
 
Here's my photo….


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January 15, 2014

 
- Carolyn M. Fletcher

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I have a granddaughter with a Thanksgiving birthday, too, but she's slightly older than this one.
It's hard to pick a favorite this month so I'm gonna throw the dart and see what it hits. (not really a dart, an ink pen)..So here's my fave for December!


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January 15, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Carolyn, I think you picked a perfect one. A very beautiful scene and the leading lines from the clouds/reflections draw my eyes into your comp.


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January 15, 2014

 

Kalena Randall
 
 

BetterPhoto.com Editor's Pick  
Blue
Blue
Taken at Moody Gardens in Galveston, TX.

Nikon D7000, Lensbaby Composer Pro and the Edge 80 optic with the 16 mm macro tube attached. PP in LR5.

(12/1/2013)

Kalena Randall

 
 
Great photos! Thanks for the tip Ken on adding photos to the forum. I was wondering about that.

I have two that made it to EP, but not sure if they will go any further.


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January 15, 2014

 
- Martha R. Mazon

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BetterPhoto.com Editor's Pick  
Remain in Light
Remain in Light
A holiday ornament, shot in window light.

f/5.6, 6 secs, ISO50, 100mm

** Monthly Theme **

Martha R. Mazon

 
 
Thanks for picking up the thread, Ken, and for sharing its history of hosts!

Here's my favorite for December.

Good luck everyone!


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January 15, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Hi Kalena, I can't take credit for the tips. I just cut/pasted what Chris Budny had last month, which he probably cut/pasted from Michele. :-) It's a team effort, for sure! Nice job with the Lensbaby. I like its effect on your flower shot. I tried one a few years ago and could never master it, and gave it to a friend.

Martha, thanks for sharing your photo. Pretty colors with a nice flow. Good luck in the next round!


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January 15, 2014

 
- Jill Odice

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  Littlerock Snowfall
Littlerock Snowfall

Jill Odice

 
 
Littlerock Snowfall, Uploaded 12/22/2013. MT category. Snowflake brushes and NIK Color EFex


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January 15, 2014

 

Kalena Randall
  Thanks, Ken! We sure gave done great shots on here do far! Let's hope we all make it to the next round! :-)


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January 15, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Highlighted Comment: Jill, that's a very magical shot. And I bet you've had more snow in the Mojave Desert than we've had in Omaha. It's just brown here now; no snow at all.

Kalena, there's a lot of talent at BP and I'm sure we'll see many more inspirational photos on this thread!


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January 15, 2014

 

Kalena Randall
 
 
 
I have one more photo that I really like. It's a fun shot!


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January 15, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Kalena, I thought they were piano keys at first. It's a very unique photo and a fun shot for sure!


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January 15, 2014

 

Garret Ray
 
 
BetterPhoto.com Photo Contest Finalist   ~Golden Gate Bridge~
~Golden Gate Bridge~

Garret Ray

 
 
~Golden Gate Bridge~


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January 15, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Hey Garret, welcome to the countdown thread! Beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge; I'm envious. I lived in San Francisco many, many years ago but have never returned. On my bucket list!


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January 16, 2014

 

Kalena Randall
  Highlighted Comment: Beautiful shot, Garret!


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January 16, 2014

 

Michelle L. Frick
  Tagging! Good luck everyone!


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January 16, 2014

 
- Usman M. Bajwa

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  The U-TURNS
The U-TURNS
As the cars were few and far between, I decided to stack three images with 30sec exposure for each made in-camera. Nikor 35mm prime lens on Margalla Hills in Islamabad.

Selective coloring in PS CS5 and applied Topaz Star Effects in post processing.

Usman M. Bajwa

 
 
Thanks to you Ken for the historic preview of this threrad and taking on the baton and thanks Chris for your services over the last few months and previously too.

Heres my favorite, it took quite some effort to get it as it is.

Good luck to you all on your hopefuls!!

UB.


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January 17, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Hey Usman, thanks for sharing your photo. That's a nice comp with the car lights, and a nice touch for infusing some color in just the right places.


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January 17, 2014

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Highlighted Comment: Thanks, Ken, for taking on the thread! Boy, I had forgotten just how many people are sipping cocktails or nibbling chocolates in the "Lounge For Past Countdown Hosts" ;)
Of course, I already made an entry today, so I can't post a Dec. favorite here in the thread until tomorrow. Will be a toughie -- I only had 5 entries ;)


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January 17, 2014

 
- Carolyn M. Fletcher

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  Why don't you just upload a new copy, Chris? The comment section that goes with it really isn't all that necessary as we can always go to your gallery if we want to read the comments.


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January 17, 2014

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Highlighted Comment: hehehe... I can't stand having duplicates in my Member Center! And don't want to risk someone commenting on the duplicate (which if I had dups, I'd eventually delete from Member Center; don't want to lose comments, and don't want to have to cut-paste them onto the "proper" image.)
And long story short, I'm at work, and can't upload another copy anyway, since it is at home ;) hehehe


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January 17, 2014

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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BetterPhoto.com All Time Best Photo Contest Editor's Pick BetterPhoto.com Photo Contest SECOND PLACE Winner   Nickel
Nickel
Too cold and icy outside, so I started looking for photo subjects inside this morning...
I also dug out my light-tent lights and started playing around with them; I ended up shooting
a banged-up nickel with my macro lens; it is impressive, the tiny details that go into the coins!
Unfortunately, Jefferson kind of looks like he ran through a thorny thicket, face-first!
12/13 2nd Place - D&M

Chris Budny

 
 
Here we go... December was my lightest month in a long time -- only 5 entries -- and this one came about from boredom one cold night, wondering what I could photograph with my macro lens at home; I got out the light tent & lights, and really liked the result of this, particularly the light reflected off the nickel and onto the black mat board.


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January 18, 2014

 
- Peggy Pfister

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BetterPhoto.com All Time Best Photo Contest Editor's Pick
BetterPhoto.com Editor's Pick  
All Roads Lead to ...
All Roads Lead to ...

Leaf in afternoon window light. Minor adjustments in CS5.

Peggy Pfister

 
 
Yes, thanks to all the previous hosts, and to Ken for taking the reins!

December was a light month for me too ... only 8 entries and so far only two of them have EPs.

It's always hard to pick a favorite, because all my photos are my "babies", ya know?

Anyway, I'll pick one of my two (!) EPs.

Here's wishing the best of luck to all in the contest, and happy shooting!

Peggy


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January 18, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Hi Peggy, welcome aboard!! That's a nice macro you've submitted…the colors, the crispness, and the comp. Good luck to you in the next rounds!

As best I can tell, BP has gone thru less than 50% of the December photos, for EPs. I've seen consistent results from Dec 1st thru 12th, and some random ones from Dec 22nd and Dec 31st. So, please don't get discouraged for those photos you posted after Dec 12th, as I think we'll see many more EPs coming soon.


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January 18, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Well, this is strange. I left a comment and I can only see it when I respond to this thread. So, I'll cut/paste it here and hopefully it shows up for all to see:

Hi Peggy, welcome aboard!! That's a nice macro you've submitted…the colors, the crispness, and the comp. Good luck to you in the next rounds!

As best I can tell, BP has gone thru less than 50% of the December photos, for EPs. I've seen consistent results from Dec 1st thru 12th, and some random ones from Dec 22nd and Dec 31st. So, please don't get discouraged for those photos you posted after Dec 12th, as I think we'll see many more EPs coming soon.


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January 18, 2014

 
- Peggy Pfister

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  Thanks so much, Ken!


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January 18, 2014

 
- Michael Frazier

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BetterPhoto.com Photo Contest Finalist   S Curve Ahead
S Curve Ahead
Shot From Morant's Curve Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. F/14, 1/160sec, iso 500, 24mm Focal Length.

Michael Frazier

 
 
Thanks Ken for telling me about this forum. Here is one of my Fav's.


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January 19, 2014

 
- Nikki McDonald

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I don't take that many candid street shots that I like, but I do like this one. I find the colors, the building, the guy and his stance, and the composition interesting - quirky, but interesting.


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January 19, 2014

 

Kara L. Hendricks
 
 
BetterPhoto.com Photo Contest Finalist   s t u n n i n g
s t u n n i n g

Thanks for looking!

~People~

Kara L. Hendricks

 
 
Wonderful to see so many images in here already... Thanks Ken for taking this thread over... I know many of us love it..:) Good luck to you all, I see some great work here... Now for a personal fav. of mine.... hmmmmmmm


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January 19, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Welcome Mike and Nikki. Mike, it's great to have another landscape photographer join our thread. Morants Curve is a beautiful area in the Canadian Rockies, and you've done it justice. I'm sure the wait was worth it.

Nikki…oops…hopefully you can get your photo uploaded.

And for a little personal info…I've known Mike since 1994 as he lives about 10 minutes from me and we've traveled/photographed many nice locales in the United States. And Nikki McDonald lives about 15 minutes from both of us, and all three of us have gotten together multiple times to photograph Omaha and the surrounding countryside.


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January 19, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Kara, welcome aboard! :-) "Stunning" is aptly titled. A beautiful portrait and very eye-catching. I hope it's very succesful in the next round!


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January 19, 2014

 
- Jill Odice

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  Lunch by the Big Red Ornament
Lunch by the Big Red Ornament

Jill Odice

 
 
This was my favorite new image taken with the Holiday theme in mind...but was passed over :-(


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January 19, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Sorry to hear that Jill. But if it's a fav to you, that's what's important. It's a cute shot and a fun shot. Even though it didn't make an impression on the EP picker, it's still a great shot and something to be proud of!


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January 19, 2014

 
- Nikki McDonald

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  1/19/14, Jill? We're doing December favorites and they aren't even to the 19th of December, much less the 19th of January. Or am I missing something?
Cute picture - that's one big Christmas ball!


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January 19, 2014

 
- Carol Quina

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BetterPhoto.com Editor's Pick  
Westlake Canal
Westlake Canal
3 exposure HDR. Processed with Photomatix. Canon 7D; Tamron 17mm; ISO 200; EV -1, 0, +1. Hand held.

Carol Quina

 
 
Here's my pick. One of my first attempts at HDR.


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January 19, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Hi Carol, welcome to the contest thread. I've often used Photomatix to process several exposures from the same parent RAW image. And you did a great job on your first try; very natural looking. And a nice scene too. Fingers crossed!


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January 19, 2014

 
- Jill Odice

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  Nikki, this thread is for posting your favorite images from December. I posted this one on Dec 12 and since I have gotten an EP for Dec 15, I assume they passed this one over...:-)Like Ken said, as long as I like it, that is really all that matters. It's going to be my Christmas card next Christmas...


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January 19, 2014

 

Kara L. Hendricks
  I agree Jill... I post images that I love... I shoot what I love... If it gets a BP nod, that's wonderful... But most importantly, the contest keeps me shooting.. and shooting things I might normally not... That's what it's all about for me.. Good luck everyone!


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January 20, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Very well said, Kara. I think you speak for many of us!

Looks like they are about done with December's EPs. I'm seeing tons of EPs on people's galleries, from the 20th thru 31st of Dec. On the EP thread, Jim Miotke said they were speeding up the selections, and they have.

The preceding three months, the final EPs weren't handed out until the 25th, 27, and 28th of the month. For December, they are basically done by the 20th.

Moral of the story--we might see Staff Favs in the next few days, followed by finalists around the 25th, similar to how BP used to do it. I don't think it will be as rushed this month.


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January 20, 2014

 

Marilyn Cornwell
 
 
 
I lost track of the EPs for December, so checked back. I had more personal favourites than in other months, but the one that was so much fun was the Solstice Stars - using the Topaz Star Effects and other filters on a very old orchard tree.


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January 20, 2014

 

Ujjwal Mukherjee
  Way to go,Jim and team! This early completion of EP selection process will provide sufficient time for the remaining three stages to get over in due course and without rushing through.This was the need of the hour and what I had also suggested in my feedback. Thanks!!


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January 20, 2014

 

Marilyn Cornwell
  Isn't that good news!

I too gave feedback for a faster EP selection, so hope this has helped support the BP team.


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January 20, 2014

 
- Carolyn M. Fletcher

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  I think it's great! We are all happier now, I bet, and that will make them happier, also!


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January 20, 2014

 
- Usman M. Bajwa

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  Kudos to Team BP on expeditious EP stamping. Looking forward to find out the SFs, Fs and Winners, hopefully a few days before the end of the month.

I, however, have a prayer for Team BP....
to try to keep two days between announcing the Finalists and Winners, this way I, along with many other BPers am sure, will have ample time to see/comment on many of the Finalists before actually knowing the Winners. Its been very frustrating the last few months, when the Winners were announced too soon after announcement of the Finalists. In fact, it happened on the same day just recently. So if the suggestion is not too difficult to perform for Team BP and if it gets the nod of majority of other members, i/we will appreciate if it is implemented for future months.

UB.


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January 20, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Usman, I would also like to see two days between Staff Favs and Finalists, for the same reasons you cite. That way, everything is a more orderly pace and I think most folks like to pause in-between these award-winning rounds.

OK...it's time for other folks to show us your "fav" photo for December. :-)


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January 20, 2014

 
- Nikki McDonald

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BetterPhoto.com Editor's Pick  
Listen to the Music
Listen to the Music
Resubmitted October 11, 2014
Category: People

Nikki McDonald

 
 
Here's the street shot I was talking about yesterday - I forgot I had gotten up super early and entered way before I usually do when I began my post and it submitted even though I didn't have the photo ID to give it. Here it is now - and I'm lucky enough to have an EP on it, but it's my pick, anyway.


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January 20, 2014

 

Kalena Randall
  Wow! I haven't checked in in a while. Great photos have been upload since I was here last! Good luck everyone with going to the next levels!


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January 20, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Chris, I don't know how I missed your Nickel shot…just spotted it as I was scrolling to the bottom. I like the perspective you did on the shot…and the simplicity. Hopefully Jefferson turns into some silver and gold for you! :-)


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January 20, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Hey Nikki, thanks for uploading your photo. Old Market? I like how he's looking outside of the comp…kinda a faraway gaze and we can only imagine what he's looking at. I like the urban edge to the photo!


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January 20, 2014

 
- Nikki McDonald

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  Nope, East Village in Des Moines. It does have a kind of Old Market feel, doesn't it? Thanks for the comment, Ken.


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January 20, 2014

 

Ken Beatty
 
 
 
Sooooooo difficult to select an image. I was in Little Rock before Christmas and I was blown away by the sunrises and sunsets. I guess that's a benefit of a big sky state.


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January 20, 2014

 

Ken Beatty
 
 
 
Try again...


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January 20, 2014

 

Ken Beatty
  I guess that's not working... The Photo is called Arkansas River Sunrise 24.


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January 20, 2014

 

Ken Beatty
  I guess that's not working... The Photo is called Arkansas River Sunrise 24.


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January 20, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Ken, if u like, just upload it fresh, versus using photo ID method.


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January 20, 2014

 

Ken Beatty
 
 
 
I'll give that a try...


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January 20, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Success! :-) My kinda scenery, for sure. Beautiful work, Ken. You must have been in Heaven when you photographed this…a little slice of Heaven in Arkansas. I lived in Arkansas for 7 years, many years ago.


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January 20, 2014

 
- Linda D. Lester

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One of my favs for December


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January 20, 2014

 
- Linda D. Lester

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  Up Up They Go
Up Up They Go

Linda D. Lester

 
 
Let me try this again!

Good job Mr. Smith!


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January 20, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Way to go, Ms Lester…success! Thanks for joining our group. And I must admit, you posted a beauty….a palate of colors and a life-time experience, I bet. Good luck in the upcoming rounds!


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January 20, 2014

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thanks Ken, for the catch up… Kudos on keeping up with everyone's submissions!


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January 20, 2014

 
- Peggy Pfister

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  Taking the liberty of posting a second fave ... hope no one minds ... :)

I didn't post this as a fave before because it didn't have an EP, but shame on me, I should have anyway! I am enjoying exploring more a bit more abstract and impressionistic styles.

This was entered in Monthly Theme.

Holiday Abstract

Good luck and happy shooting, everyone!


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January 20, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Hey Peggy, thanks for sharing. Your love for the photo should transcend whether it gets an EP, and we should never let an EP define the value we place on a photo. And it's fun to try different things…so good for you!


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January 20, 2014

 
- Peggy Pfister

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  You are so right, Ken, and thanks for your kind comments!


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January 20, 2014

 

Michelle L. Frick
 
 
 
Finally remembering to post my favorite from the December contest. It's a reworked image of my daughter.

Incredible that January is almost gone. I'm about to be my hubby's plus one on a business trip to Milan and am so excited.

And, thank you Ken for taking over this thread. I'm happy to see lots of participation on it and wishing everyone lots of luck!


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January 21, 2014

 

Jackie M. Sajewski
 
 

BetterPhoto.com Editor's Pick  
Saint Theodosius Russian Orthodox Cathedral
Saint Theodosius Russian Orthodox Cathedral
Cleveland Ohio

Jackie M. Sajewski

 
 
Not much hope for December. My fault. Losing interest and didn't enter many. But did well with EP on those I entered. My hopeful this month is :


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January 22, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Hey Jackie, thanks for sharing your fav. And it's a beauty; I'm envious. It should be on a brochure that spotlights this Cathedral!

Hopefully you are not losing interest in photography, in general. And based on Jim Miotke's comments in the December EP thread, I'm optimistic that we'll see positive changes in the contest. So, keep the fire burning!!


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January 22, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Michelle, thanks for sharing your fav photo. I believe this is your daughter? I remember seeing other photos of her, awhile back. She's a beautiful girl and I'm sure you're a proud mom. And enjoy Milan!!


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January 22, 2014

 

Jackie M. Sajewski
  Thank you Ken. Not losing interest in photography at all. It's a hobby for me and throughly enjoy it. Just losing interest in the site and not taking time to enter.


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January 22, 2014

 
- Usman M. Bajwa

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  Jackie, I like your images very much and think the one above is a wonderful example of your good eye and expertise. I am hoping your perseverance gets the better of your temporary frustration here at BP. Would hate to see you go!!!

UB.


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January 22, 2014

 

Jackie M. Sajewski
  Thank you very much Usman. It means so much that you and other BP contributors think I'm doing ok with my photography. Especially with the changes we have seen here. :) It does appear that BP may be listening to our angst in the changes. I think they have also lost some bucks with people not renewing. So lets hope the feel will be a little brighter in the next couple months.


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January 23, 2014

 

Kerby Pfrangle
 
 
BetterPhoto.com Photo Contest Finalist   Keshia
Keshia
Keshia Rain...

Kerby Pfrangle

 
 
I did not put very many in this month but this image of Keshia is my favorite.

Keshia just signed with Sony RCA for her singing so pretty proud of her. Hope to get to listen to some music one of these days.


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January 24, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Hi Kerby, thanks for joining our group! Hopefully we'll see Staff Favs shortly.

I remember your photos of Keshia from many years ago. And we've all seen her grow up via BetterPhoto. Congrats on her singing career, Kerby!


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January 24, 2014

 

Kerby Pfrangle
  Thank you Ken.

I been photographing Keshia since she been eight year old. I used her as my people model on Better Photo.

You can see her modeling port if you put (One Model Place Keshia Rain) into the search engine.

She an excellent model but just as gifted with her singing voice.

I am happy and excited for her.


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January 24, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Well, I thought we might see Staff Favs by now, but hopefully they are right around the corner.

If anyone else has a fav photo to add to this thread, please join the fun. Good luck to everyone!!


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January 27, 2014

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Looks like another "crunch" month, with SF, Finalists & Wins all packed into the last few days/hours of the month... I hope that with the recent changes Jim has alluded to, they can return to their older schedules -- where Finalists were ready mid-month, and there was a pleasant pause of a few days before Winners -- so you could have time to enjoy the Finalists for awhile, and mentally "pick" your own candidates for winners... ;)


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January 27, 2014

 
- Peggy Pfister

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  I'm busting out the chocolate ...


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January 28, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Yeah, the chocolate brings back the memories…when folks used to go crazy if the results weren't announced by the 25th. :-) It shouldn't be much longer til Staff Favs.


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January 28, 2014

 
- Peggy Pfister

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  Let's hope! :)


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January 28, 2014

 
- Jane E. Miller

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  Yep! It's chocolate for me too!!


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January 28, 2014

 
- Peggy Pfister

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  If we have no staff faves or finalists by tomorrow evening, I may have to resort to a chocolate martini. :)


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January 28, 2014

 
- Jane E. Miller

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  Peggy,

Sounds good!

Jane


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January 28, 2014

 
- Peggy Pfister

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  Jane, we need a virtual BP lounge. :)


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January 28, 2014

 
- Jane E. Miller

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  Amen!!!


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January 28, 2014

 
- Usman M. Bajwa

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  The cat is on the verge of being killed.....!

UB.


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January 28, 2014

 
- Nikki McDonald

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  Well, it's the next morning and still no sign of SF's. I think I'll have a late omelette.


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January 29, 2014

 
- Mary Beth Aiello

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BetterPhoto.com Photo Contest Finalist   My Beautiful Horse
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Mary Beth Aiello

 
 
Okay, Mr. Ken, I thought I'd join this thread. Just saw it today. Here's my favorite from December. I'm seeing a lot of beautiful photos -- a visual wonderland.


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January 30, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Hi Mary Beth, welcome to the thread. And you're not late; no Staff Faves yet :-) What a beautiful portrait you have. You are one of the most gifted photographers on the site; thanks for sharing your fav!


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January 30, 2014

 
- Jane E. Miller

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  Mary Beth,

WOW! This portrait is truly amazing. I agree with Ken. How Fun! Congrats!

Jane

P.S. Patiently awaiting for SF, Finalists, etc.


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January 30, 2014

 
- Peggy Pfister

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  Beautiful photo, Mary Beth.

Geez, I was hoping to enjoy the SFs/Finalists while eating my lunch.

Maybe dinner ...


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January 30, 2014

 
- Nikki McDonald

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  Maybe breakfast . . .


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January 30, 2014

 
- Peggy Pfister

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  We can only hope ...


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January 30, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Well we here we are, on the last day of the month. And for December, BP announced Staff Favs, Finalists, and Winners within a 7 hour span. So, there's still plenty of time! :-)

The BP "Monthly Theme" for February is Wild Color.

And don't forget to copy/paste your January contest entries, if you are in the habit of doing this..

Good luck!!


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January 31, 2014

 

Marilyn Cornwell
  Thanks for your encouragement Ken! You are making this a wonderful ride.


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January 31, 2014

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Let the mayhem ensue... Staff Favs are coming out as I type this.


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January 31, 2014

 
- Carolyn M. Fletcher

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  I got 9 SFs but the one with the most faves, (the one above in this thread) got skipped. I'm happy with the 9 I got.


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January 31, 2014

 

Ken Beatty
  Blessed to get 4 SF! But not on my favorite for the contest. Great shooting Carolyn! Wow 9...


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January 31, 2014

 

Kara L. Hendricks
  I got 9 too... Blown away! I am happy to say my fav. from above is among them!!

Good luck guys!!


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January 31, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Congrats to everyone that got Staff Favs. And I think we'll see finalists later tonight (United States time). So, enjoy the chocolate, beverages, etc.

Based on the BP e-mail, there were 697 SFs out of ~ 5,600 contest images, for success rate of 12.4%. Last month (Nov), BP had a 10% selection rate for finalists. I'm guessing for December, it will be around 8%. And if so, that means we'll see around 450 finalists. While that might not sound like a lot of finalists, the percentage would still be pretty high. And if you got your fair share of SFs, you'll probably get your fair share of finalists too.

Good luck!!


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January 31, 2014

 
- Peggy Pfister

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  I'm very happy to have received two SFs.
Hopefully we will see finalists tonight. I'll be noshing on chocolate while we wait.
Good luck, everyone!


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January 31, 2014

 
- Jane E. Miller

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  Peggy,
I got 2 SFs also. You crack me up with the chocolate. I had some a few minutes ago, we get to wait and see. I am always so impressed with the talent of the photographers in this bunch. Good luck everyone!!!!!

Jane


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January 31, 2014

 

Garret Ray
  Congrats to everyone who got SF's and Finalist!!
Maybe someone could answer a question, how come some photo's display EP's and Finalist under photo?? Mine either show's EP or Finalaist's? Never both??


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January 31, 2014

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Seeing finalists appear now… With five hours to go, until midnight at BP… Perhaps golds are just a couple hours away! Good luck to everyone!


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January 31, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Congrats to all the finalists! And I agree with Chris…tick tock til we see gold medals within the next few hours.

Garret, if you're using the old style gallery, the finalist emblem will replace the EP. You won't see both. But with the new style gallery, you can configure the display to show both the EPs and the medals. Likewise, you can chose NOT to display them.


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January 31, 2014

 
- Nikki McDonald

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  Interesting about the medals, Ken - long as I've been here, I don't think I've ever noticed or known that. I've kept the old style so it's always out with the EP if I'm lucky enough to get a Finalist (or SF, now).
Two SF's for me, one of which went silver.


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January 31, 2014

 
- Peggy Pfister

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  I've just been savoring the finalists, and once again, I am blown away by the talent here.
Congrats to all the awesome finalists!
Best of luck in the next round!


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January 31, 2014

 
- Usman M. Bajwa

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  Winners are finally out. CONGRATZ to all the Winners and to everyone else for playing along. As always, an inspiring and wonderful set of images to cherish.....a page full of eye-candy!!!

UB.


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February 01, 2014

 

Ken Beatty
  Just thought I need to say this.... I got my first Gold on the Pane of Photography. If you can't tell, I'm pretty excited!


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February 01, 2014

 
- Carolyn M. Fletcher

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  And it was a beauty, Ken. I ended up with 5 finalists and one second place.


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February 01, 2014

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Congratulations to all the finalists and winners… It's been a long time since one of my Countdown selections went to gold!


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February 01, 2014

 
- Peggy Pfister

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  Huge congrats to all the awesome winners
!
And extra special humungo congrats to Ken for first-time gold!!!

I am honored to have a second place in monthly theme.

Best of luck to all for next month, and happy shooting!

Best regards
Peggy


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February 01, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Hello everyone. Thanks for participating in this month's Contest Countdown. And congrats to those who got SFs, Finalists, and Golds. Lots of talent associated with the mini-pics on this forum thread.

And congrats to Ken B for first-time gold. I think you need to treat all of us to a virtual round of beverages. :-)

For the stats lovers, December's SF rate was 12.4% and Finalist rate was 7.6%.

There were ~5600 contest photos for December, and I noticed nearly 7,000 for January, before I turned in last night. That's a 25% increase in contest entries for Jan. Hopefully this upward trend will continue in Feb, even with just 28 days in the month.


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February 01, 2014

 
- Peggy Pfister

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  Thanks for hosting, and for your encouragement to all of us, Ken!
See ya next month!


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February 01, 2014

 

Kara L. Hendricks
  Thank you Ken for doing this for the month of January... It was a fun thread to follow and congrats to you all, and Ken for his first GOLD... The first is the sweetest!!


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February 01, 2014

 

Kalena Randall
  WTG, everyone for December!

Ken, are we doing another thread for January?


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February 02, 2014

 

Jackie M. Sajewski
  Congratulations photographers.... wonderful winning images. :)


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February 02, 2014

 
- Ken Smith

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  Hello everyone…if you tagged this thread, I've started the January thread at this URL:

http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.php?threadID=36093


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February 16, 2014

 
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