Single in January - First resolution for 2012?

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stillshunter

Super Moderator Emeritus
Location
Down Under
Name
Mark
I noted some talk about reviving the "Single in..." challenge; that I introduced here in July 2010 and originally started in another forum in September 2009. Great idea :2thumbs: but then I'm a little biased. :blush: Having said that, the idea might just have some merit - as folks in that other forum continue with the challenge to this day - so be great to see where we can take it in our little community.

I best spend a little time explaining the concept first and we'll see how it fits with the Serious Compacts philosophy.

"Single in..." short version:
A photo a day taken by a single camera/lens and posted for each day of the month.

"Single in..." L O N G version:
Originally started as a cure for GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) - or LBA (lens buying addiction) as was the case in another forum - the challenge involves really getting to know your nominated camera and lens. So rather than flit between gear in the false hope that the next thing will cure all your ills, you stick with the one combo and really get to know it. Use your creativity to shoot with it in different ways - make it a true walk-around companion...not just your go-to lens to shoot cottages, cats or cabbages...but discover what else it can do. Trust me, as the month progresses, you'll find innovative ways to shoot with it...and begin seeing the world framed by its Field of View.

The challenge has four other offshoots:
1. folks did get to know their gear much better,
2. folks witnessed what lens could do in another hands, so had the benefit of an extended 'review"....OK this didn't help GAS much once the month ended :blush:
3. as folks really needed to support each other through this challenge - and have no mistake it is hard! (well if it wasn't it wouldn't be called a "challenge") the group of participants became very tight and our community grew stronger
4. we all got a photo book out of it. Well we had to pay Blurb for our copies but it was quite a memento. ;) This is not obligatory with this challenge...but I like having a list of four...three looked flimsy and light :blush:

More rules? Well the challenge evolved over time, but no new rules emerged, just clarifications. I know I could go and steal the FAQ for the challenge I started over yonder (surely I maintain some IP ;)), but I'd not like to put too many boundaries around it, and prefer to see how the simple rules translate into our culture. Irrespective here are some basic and inevitable FAQs to start from:
- yes, you can shoot with anything else you like over the month, but you must take and post a photo each day from the nominated combo
- no, you do not have to post everyday. As it's holiday time, and hard to be at your computer daily, you can upload your images whenever you can. But please make clear the date of the photo.....oh yeah and no messing with the EXIF if you lapsed for the day. Be honest and talk us through the 'why' you failed us ;)

So are folks still keen?

It means a month-long commitment:
1. committing yourself to a PAD (photo-a-day),
2. committing yourself to a camera/lens combination, and
3. committing yourselves to each other.

If you're in, then myself and the Mod team will make it happen.

So where to from here?
Log your interest on this thread. But don't just throw you hand in the air....you'll need to also share what camera/lens combo you are using for January.
The Mods have taken pre-emptive action and had our Supreme Leader "Amin" create the "Single in January" gallery. I'd encourage folks to get acquainted with the SC Gallery FAQ in anticipation.

How to post your images
Whenever you get the opportunity - as it is not a requirement to upload daily, just make a photo a day...
  • Navigate to the Single in January Gallery.
  • Click "Upload Photos" on the top right.
  • On the next page, ensure your Category remains as "Single in January", if not select it from the drop-down menu.
  • Click "Choose File" and browse to your image file
  • IMPORTANT - Please use the common nomenclature when entering your photo title "SIJ - Day XX"
  • EVEN MORE IMPORTANT - Please enter text about this image, and/or its making, in the "Description" field.
Most the rest is up to you and explained in the FAQ, such as whether you want to be notified via email of any comments on your photo. But I would strongly encourage you to say Yes to "Allow members to post comments?" field in the Extra Options.

As I noted earlier this challenge doesn't work so well with the W/NW option. It best runs with commentary so a dialogue is encouraged; so please use the Comments field on daily photos to encourage and/or offer constructive criticism for each person on their images, or even just share your experiences with the challenge so far...you'll find others hitting similar blocks and moments of inspiration through the process, and so it's great to know where you are all at during each phase.

Finally if you have any questions about how the Challenge runs then please post them here. I'll answer them and use the info to compile a Sticky FAQ for the challenge.

OK now I've got to say I'm pretty excited about the challenge - the prospect of our developing our eye and our community. But, again, the one thing we'll need if this is to succeed is commitment - to your photography, the discipline, and each other. If we don't help each other along; with feedback, encouragement, and talking open and honestly on your struggles; then we'll just be a bunch of photogs posting a bunch of photos, to a world already burgeoning under the weight or snapshots.

...now I hope there are still some replies :blush:
 
At first, I thought this was going to be a dating service related thread! :)

For a 30 days commitment, I'm in! Sounds more doable than any 365 project.
 
At first, I thought this was going to be a dating service related thread! :)

For a 30 days commitment, I'm in! Sounds more doable than any 365 project.

It is a dating service thread as in all month long with one lens and body!!!

I would like to accept the challenge if I could!
 
I think I'd be interested in joining, it happens too often that I see something I'd like to take a photo of but I end up passing the opportunity by because it's cold or whatever silly little reason...

I only have a Samsung EX1, which has a zoom lens... does the spirit of the Single In challenge require a single focal length as well? Thinking about it, I'll just challenge myself using the 24mm wide angle... haven't practised it nearly enough yet, even though it was my main reason for buying the EX1.
 
I think I'd be interested in joining, it happens too often that I see something I'd like to take a photo of but I end up passing the opportunity by because it's cold or whatever silly little reason...

I only have a Samsung EX1, which has a zoom lens... does the spirit of the Single In challenge require a single focal length as well? Thinking about it, I'll just challenge myself using the 24mm wide angle... haven't practised it nearly enough yet, even though it was my main reason for buying the EX1.
Great question mate...which I should have covered off in the original thread. :blush: Zooms are fine - and feel free to use anything in the range. You just need to commit to the EX1 for January.

Oh yeah, folks, you can do what you want with your chosen lens. Reverse it, put filters in front of it, smear it in Vaseline (the filter that is!), put all manner of tubes behind it. Let the creative juices go wild.
 
I should be able to do this Jan. does not loo too busy yet, as to the camera of choice not sure yet
Bob, mate it would be great to have you on-board with whatever you choose to shoot with. Just having glanced down at that signature block of yours I can better understand your conundrum :confused: Hey and don't discount the film bodies. I've witnessed some prize entries, previously, from 'nothing' but an old Pentax LX with 50/1.2...if I recall correctly.
 
I'm in. I'll shoot an E-PL3 with an Oly 9-18mm. I will limit myself to 12mm.

Thanks!

Seaain
(pronounced "Shane")
 
Will be on vacation half of Jan.. would like to participate though it would probably be before or maybe just after I return as I won't travel halfway across the globe to sit on the internet :D. Exif of course will prove my diligence but is this a bad idea?
 
Bob, mate it would be great to have you on-board with whatever you choose to shoot with. Just having glanced down at that signature block of yours I can better understand your conundrum :confused: Hey and don't discount the film bodies. I've witnessed some prize entries, previously, from 'nothing' but an old Pentax LX with 50/1.2...if I recall correctly.

Thanks, but the list of film cameras that I still own is even longer than the digital one, I think they will stay in their cases for now:rolleyes:
 
I'll actually be extremely busy in January. But I want to participate anyway. My weapon of choice will not be a GXR with 28mm lensor. Don't have that ... for now. Hehe. My camera and lens will be the X100. I guess I'll use the 23mm lens on it.
 
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