Selecting the Monthly Cover...

[JimConley]

Re: Selecting the Monthly Cover...

Doug makes a good point in supporting the idea of original images. We strive to recreate those appearances, and why stop at another chance to study original photos and learn from them?

But, others make good points as well. This is a site for the more authentic-minded folks, so why not display some of the better impressions out there? And, as Eric mentioned, there is already a spot on the boards to post and discuss original photos. And, I like to think that there have been a few productive threads based on originals.

My biggest fear with the idea of posting original images as the cover would be the voting process. Say there were ten original images to choose from in the voting. What would be the basis for one original to win over the other nine? Would it be because the winner was found to be the most interesting based on clarity or unique uniform pieces? Or would folks just be picking originals because they look "cool"? Yes, the same argument can be made against the current process, but we're not studying reproduction images to learn from them. And, ultimately, choosing one original image over nine other options might take away from the study of and learning aspects of those not chosen. The idea as a whole losing validity because it is a contest and originals should be compared in a studious manner, not what the membership thinks would make a pretty cover.

My advice would be to leave the cover contest the way it is. And, as others have said, there are a lot of online sources for original images. Why not walk away from this thread and take this momentum to actually post originals on the boards in the proper folder and encourage more and better discussions?

[Drygoods]

Re: Selecting the Monthly Cover...

Using correctly made period style reenactor images is far more in keeping with the original purpose of these forums.

And that purpose would be?

Last word (from me anyway) - I guarantee you that everyone would immediately be able to pick out a real photo if included with 9 reenactor photos....every single month.

I don't want anyone in this hobby to aspire to look like a good reenactor - we ought to aspire to look like the real soldiers. But if that is not the point (some folks apparently think it is), then so be it.

How about we can the idea of using original cameras

Dear Mr. Cooper,
In response to your above comments, I'd have to agree with you that the purpose of this forum is to educate, however, it is a forum not only for public readers, but mostly intended for the living history interpreter. Yes, I could agree that 9 of 10 photos taken of reenactors are easily discovered, but not always. As for using original cameras, why would anyone want to use something modern? If you want to look like the period individual in a photograph, than you must get an image struck, and this is generally done by all living history folks at some point in their 'historic' life. (As for myself, I'm 22+hours from the nearest collodian artist so do this fairly seldom).


However, not to be argumentative with you, but doesn't it mean something that we show images of living historians here to show what can and is being done? How wonderful modern people do a fine job of their interpretation, and presenting themselves to the public as being period correct? One thing I notice most when I look at truly fine modern 'period' images is how far the hobby has come. Looking into those images also give us a rear view mirror of what we were, yet how we look at ourselves today. Yes, I like seeing original images, I collect them, but I also take pleasure at looking at modern folks who pride themselves in doing a super impression. Naturally, I'd never copy anything that I found in a modern image, that makes no sense, but it is a delight to see someone today 'does it right' and has picture proof.

Consequently, [/I] "and the purpose would be?"[/I] to show the new living historian what they can do once they have gleaned a wealth of knowledge from this extraordinary, fine, and instructive website.

I'm no soldier, but I do aspire to look 'real'

[roi rex]

Re: Selecting the Monthly Cover...

in my humble opinion, we should use both reenactor and original photos, obviously, identifying each as such after they are selected. we should retain voting on the monthly image.

go well.

[garyjd]

Re: Selecting the Monthly Cover...

I say please BOTH camps. Why can there not be the usual monthly cover accompanied by a "period image of the month"?~Gary

[paulcalloway]

Re: Selecting the Monthly Cover...

I think you've done a marvelous job over the last couple of years with this Eric. I understand where people are coming from on the objections but I know your intent was never to start a fashion contest.

I personally would appreciate alternating covers (authentic images one month and reenactor images the next) and I'd appreciate more involvement from the actual collodian artists who our cover contests no doubt benefit to some degree. I know they have their own forum but sometimes it'd be interesting to hear their perspectives on the image making process relative to the images we're featuring.

[Stef5735]

Re: Selecting the Monthly Cover...

The directions for the monthly image submissions ask for background, but it's not always provided, thus reducing the material available for discussion.

Perhaps the submitter could provide discussion material by highlighting an authentic feature, such as hair style or jacket fit, that he or she has sought to achieve, along with applicable research. The highlighted aspects then provide a ready list of topics on which others can comment in a positive, informative manner.

Also, it would be interesting to rotate reenactor with original images . This way, someone could begin a discussion or communicate information by pointing out how some interesting feature in his ancestor's image can be recreated.

[roi rex]

Re: Selecting the Monthly Cover...

after my original post, i thought it might be interesting to follow my suggestion, but make it a sort of contest. members could guess whether the photo is historical or contemporary.

just a thought.

go well.

[HOG.EYE.MAN]

Re: Selecting the Monthly Cover...

after my original post, i thought it might be interesting to follow my suggestion, but make it a sort of contest. members could guess whether the photo is historical or contemporary.

just a thought.

go well.

That would be way too easy and silly.........

[mightyreb]

Re: Selecting the Monthly Cover...

I also believe it would be to easy to "pick out" the original picture, not saying anything bad about either our present day period photographers or any re-enactors, but after close to 11 years in the hobby I have yet to see a photo done in our time that does'nt give itself away..But the idea of discussing the photo's finer points (Thank you Miss Shaffer) sounds actually very intresting if done with tact..
Meant respectfully, Steve Hutton