The Spyderco Calendar "which photo should I use" thread.

[Surfingringo]

This happens to me every year and I imagine I'm probably not the only one. I always try to take a couple of pics for the calendar contest...not because I have big aspirations to win but I just enjoy participating. Inevitably though I end up with two or three shots and can't decide which one to submit. This year, I thought I would start a thread where folks could submit their top two or three shots and get feedback/opinions from fellow forumites. Probably this will only end up making us even more confused about which to pick but it might be fun to see what people are choosing between. So if you've got a couple that you can't decide between, post em in this thread and see what advice you get.

For me, I've got three that I can't decide between. Honestly, I don't think any of them are quite up to snuff but they are the best I have been able to get so far.

[ZrowsN1s]

I like the one you have posted already personally (the tusk and rope). I told someone the other day I thought that shot would win 1st place.
But ya, I'm already planning on submitting a different picture for my submission, I am clearly outclassed by more than 12 others, so I figured back to the drawing board.

I desperately need to get a better camera. My shots always turn out a little blurry because I'm using my cellphone

[dtoad]

For me, I've got three that I can't decide between. Honestly, I don't think any of them are quite up to snuff but they are the best I have been able to get so far.

I like the background of your 1st image with the boats, but like the angle and composition of the second image with the rope better. My vote, you already have the best posted. :)

[PayneTrain]

I really like the first one on the chain, but the second one has better lighting, i.e. the knife is better lit and stands out more. If you could redo the first shot or maybe touch it up, I'd be happy to stare at that for a month!

[abbazaba]

I like the 2nd one a lot. The rope is great, you nailed the lighting angle, and the dark blue background helps the knife pop IMO. I'd try cropping it to remove the tree-meets-sky line, which would further the focus on the knife. If you do retake the shot, consider separating the tip of the blade from the rope/foreground more to make it stand out. All of them are great shots!

[Sharp Guy]

Great idea Lance! I'm having trouble deciding too and I was considering asking the forum for their thoughts as well. In fact, I was just about to send a few pics to some friends to their opinions. I guess I'll post a few here instead.

As far as your pics, I think it's a toss up between the two Tusk pics. The one with the rusty chain is cool but I think the one with the rope showcases the knife a little better.

As far as my pics. I'm not sure that any of these are really calendar worthy but I'm always hopeful. Which one do you guys think I should submit?

I've already submitted the first pic. I like it but I'm not sure it's the best choice.





I kind of like this one too but I think the sun was on the wrong side. I'm also not sure if I like the fact that there are two knives in the pic. I might head over to the lake next weekend and try to recapture the shot in the morning.

[ZrowsN1s]

...
As far as my pics. I'm not sure that any of these are really calendar worthy but I'm always hopeful. Which one do you guys think I should submit?

I've already submitted the first pic. I like it but I'm not sure it's the best choice.
...

I like the cru-wear Hap40 combo.

[Mushroom]

Thanks for starting this thread Lance, definitely something I was hoping to get some help with as well! I have a few shots now that I've been considering, and still have an idea for a shot I'd like to try, this thread will help me decide I'm sure!

Lance - I really like the shot with the rope. It's a well composed shot of the knife in general and the context and setting are ideal for the knife. Especially, considering it's kind of a "specialty" model with the Marlin spike. Well done!
I also liked the shot with the knife on the chains. It has a really nautical vibe with the knife and large weathered chain links in the foreground and the marina in the background, but my vote goes to the shot with the rope!

Sharp Guy - I vote for the picture you've already submitted. It's a unique shot and really feels like a Spydie landed on some rolling hills on mars, and then the "pilot" is in background exploring the new planet :spyder:. Also, the orange scales give it a cool orange monochrome feel, that only adds to the Mars look.

[PayneTrain]

Sharp Guy, I agree with Mushroom. I'd stick with the first one. Very cool!

[bearfacedkiller]

Great Idea! I have two photos I cannot decide between either.

Lance, the first pic is good but the lighting on the knife in the second pic is much better. I really like the second pic. I think you should stick with that one.

Sharp guy, I think you have already picked your best one as well. The monochromatic orange thing looks cool and the spider in the background gives the pic that extra something.

Here is the pic I want to submit but I cannot decide between the full color and the black, white and orange. Whatcha think?

[i am travvy]

Lance I love the one you have already submitted. The tusk looks right at home on top of that rope.

Dang Darby that's a tough one, I really like both of them!

[Surfingringo]

Hey Sharp Guy, I agree with others that the "Mars" pic is the call.

Darby, man, that's a touch call. I like them both for different reasons but I think I like the one with the green grass better. Maybe one where you only convert the wood to B&W? I know it would be a subtle change but it might bring out those beautifully contrasting colors even more.

[abbazaba]

Sharp Guy - The first shot is unique and awesome... I vote stick with that

Darby - as great as the BW shot is, I like the full color slightly more. There's the added contrast of the orange/green, and a more honest feel. Plus I kinda like the subtle colors in the decking.

[wrdwrght]

Lance, I'd use the rusty chain and never-rusty Tusk. Ironic composition.

SG, I'd use the "Mars" UKPK.

Darby, I'd use the decolorized one. Really brings out the Delica's burnt orange.

[mb1]

Lance - I like the 1st one. That rusty chain is too cool not to use!

Sharp Guy - I like your first one.

Darby - that is tough, but I'd have to say just for calendar media, more colors are more pleasant to look at for a MONTH! Nice shot.

[mb1]

Here's my short list. I'm leaning toward my "more colors, mo' better" logic, but still undecided...

[wrdwrght]

Mark, I'd use the second Delica wharnie. Upside-down clouds!

[Doc Dan]

Great idea Lance! I'm having trouble deciding too and I was considering asking the forum for their thoughts as well. In fact, I was just about to send a few pics to some friends to their opinions. I guess I'll post a few here instead.

As far as your pics, I think it's a toss up between the two Tusk pics. The one with the rusty chain is cool but I think the one with the rope showcases the knife a little better.

As far as my pics. I'm not sure that any of these are really calendar worthy but I'm always hopeful. Which one do you guys think I should submit?

I've already submitted the first pic. I like it but I'm not sure it's the best choice.





I kind of like this one too but I think the sun was on the wrong side. I'm also not sure if I like the fact that there are two knives in the pic. I might head over to the lake next weekend and try to recapture the shot in the morning.

The blue Delica for sure. It has a lot of interesting things and textures going on in the picture.

[Doc Dan]

This happens to me every year and I imagine I'm probably not the only one. I always try to take a couple of pics for the calendar contest...not because I have big aspirations to win but I just enjoy participating. Inevitably though I end up with two or three shots and can't decide which one to submit. This year, I thought I would start a thread where folks could submit their top two or three shots and get feedback/opinions from fellow forumites. Probably this will only end up making us even more confused about which to pick but it might be fun to see what people are choosing between. So if you've got a couple that you can't decide between, post em in this thread and see what advice you get.

For me, I've got three that I can't decide between. Honestly, I don't think any of them are quite up to snuff but they are the best I have been able to get so far.

Of the 3 I like #2.

[Surfingringo]

I think I like your first one best mb1.