Competition prints at WHCC

[Roger_Williams]

OK, I going to enter 2 prints in the Illinois state convention print competition. This is expected to be a learning experience for me, nothing more since I have never competed before. I watched last year for a while but was really more interested in the seminars.

I know the print needs to be 16x20, mounted but is there anything else I need to know to order a competition quality print. WHCC has this to say,
"All competition prints are printed on Kodak Professional Glossy or Metallic paper, which negates the need to add a high gloss spray or laminate to your images. We will mount your prints on black or white competition thickness foamboard. No further handling, simply submit prints for competition."

Soooo, do I just send them the print file, tell them I want a competition 16x20 on Metallic paper on black foamboard, NO spray or laminate? Is it really that easy?

Thanks for any advice you care to offer.

Roger

[Dan_Leary]

Roger,
Yes, pretty much, it is that easy. They do NOT density correct for comp prints, so you will need to do that knowing that these images are going to appear brighter under the judging lamps. I think Keith Howe posted a thread on here awhile back about how he darkened comp prints sent to WHCC. I think. Anyways, I reccomend using their ROES software to order the prints... it's fast, easy and self explanatory. Hope this helps. Good Luck!

[D._Craig_Flory]

Hi Roger;

Do NOT enter prints that are not sprayed !!! Fingerprints & scratches really show under judging mini-spots.

I get all of my competition prints mounted on black core gator-foam. (NOT foam-core)

You will need a print case. Invest in a good one that will hold up and survive any time you ship your images.

If you have time, what I do is send 8x10 files first.(unmounted) When back, I review to see if I need to make any changes. Then I send the full 16X20 files.

Sit in on the judging as well as a print critique. You can't talk in the competition but you can listen and make mental notes. At a critique, you can give the print handler one or two of your images for a Master to point what took off points and what could have made it better.

Once more .... have your prints sprayed with hi-gloss spray !!!

[Jackie_Haggerty]

Hi Roger!

I'll see you there at APPI! Call me if you would like, I had a fun experience with WHCC......

[Jeff_Dachowski]

I have had many prints done at WHCC and never had them sprayed. You can if yo uwant, but it is not required, and in many cases not necessary. Not to disagree with Craig, I think this is how things used to be, and they are really pretty glossy to begin with. Judges are not supposed to "take away" for a slight fingerprint, or a normal handling scratch.
Jeff

[Jackie_Haggerty]

Be sure to request the edges be blacked out... I forgot to to do that on a few of mine.... had to go out in a blizzard for a new black sharpie....

[D._Craig_Flory]

Be sure to request the edges be blacked out... I forgot to to do that on a few of mine.... had to go out in a blizzard for a new black sharpie....

Hi Jackie;

I never need to use an El Marko or Sharpie since I have my images mounted on Black Core Gator-Foam. The edges are already black.

Not to disagree back Jeff but ... a photographer, on here, had a thread recently asking about scratches. I believe she ended up having them re-printed. With several coats of lacquer (I usually put on about three coats of hi-gloss in my spray booth) any small scratches are likely in the lacquer so a new coat can cover it.

[Roger_Williams]

Be sure to request the edges be blacked out... I forgot to to do that on a few of mine.... had to go out in a blizzard for a new black sharpie....

Are you going to wear the sunglasses at the convention so I'll be able to find you? Same for David Lottes?

[Jackie_Haggerty]

Well, Roger how about we just meet up and we get a new avatar for YOU?!

I am sure Dave and I will hook up at the convention....since we are planning the revolution and all. Are you doing any of the lunch programs? Maybe we can do lunch?

[David_A._Lottes]

....since we are planning the revolution and all.

Viva!
See you there!