The idea is to take a photo of an object that is difficult to identify. It can be an extreme close-up, part of an object, or just something odd.
Be as tricky as you’d like, but make sure it’s still a good photo. Since the judge won’t know what the object is, your photos will be judged on technical merits. So use lighting, shadows, composition, lines, and angles to create a visually interesting image.
BONUS: After the judge has chosen her or his Top 10, we’ll post each photo in a separate entry so everybody can post comments guessing what the object is. The first person to guess correctly for each of the 10 photos will win a nice RAW tsotchke.
SO … make sure you don’t do anything to give away what your subject is — be careful of your tags, your title, your caption … even comments that may be posted on your photo on Flickr.
This month’s 4 separate Flickr tags are boston.com, contest, January2010, and mystery. (Capitalization doesn’t matter.)
Your photo must be taken this month.
Here are the rest of the contest rules. As always, if you have any questions or run into any trouble, just email me at raw@boston.com.
EARLY NOTICE: The theme for February is going to be Loving Portraits, and the shoot-this-month rule will NOT be in effect. You can start taking those photos now, or choose something special from your existing portfolio. Just make sure the portraits convey a sense of love.
Prize Details: First Place: $100, Second Place: $50, Third Place: $25
Eligibility: Amateur photographers only
Entry Fee: Free
Copyright: By submitting your photo(s) to Boston.com, you grant Boston.com and The Boston Globe permission to publicly display, reproduce, and use the photographs in any form or media for any and all editorial and related promotional purposes in perpetuity. However, you will retain the copyright to your photo(s) and Boston.com and The Boston Globe will not sell your photo(s). You also warrant that the photo is your original work, does not violate the copyright or any other personal or property right of any third party, and you have obtained any and all releases and permissions necessary for our intended use.
Deadline: 31st January 2010
