Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2012 - Greenwich Observatory

[Adelastro1]

Well I am very chuffed to have just received an email saying that two of my photos have been shortlisted in the Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2012 competition held by the Royal Observatory Greenwich! I'm so happy because there were thousands of entries from all over the world. Even if I don't win anything I'm more than happy with that - but it would be rather nice!
Who else has got a nod?

[colinmlegg]

Well done Wayne. I'd hate to be the judges on this one...so many incredible shots to choose from!

I got a nod for one of my bungle bungle images.

[iceman]

Well done guys! So many great images, even getting shortlisted is a fantastic achievement.

[SkyViking]

I got two shortlisted so am very happy with that, especially since this is the first big competition I have entered into.

[strongmanmike]

This is an International Competition too, so yep, I agree, very well done indeed! ;) The selection of images is literally World Class, so good luck to everyone who finds themselves shortlisted, your hat is at least in the ring now :thumbsup:

Mike

[Adelastro1]

Thanks guys and well done to the others who got shortlisted as well. Hopefully there's a large Aussie contingent in the mix!

[jjjnettie]

:) Congratulations to all who were short listed. :)
It's an incredibly surreal feeling isn't it.
Good luck in the final round.

[Paul Haese]

Three short listed this year for me. Now the wait is on.

[Forgey]

I just checked my email out of interest, and one of my images has been short listed too!!! Pretty happy with that as I've never entered a competition before.

[strongmanmike]

Nice work Paula, congrats :thumbsup:

Mike

[jjjnettie]

:D Woo Hoo !!! Congratulations Paula.

[Paul Haese]

That's Great Paula. It is always a treat when you enter for the first time and get selected.

[Forgey]

Thanks Guys, I think with the thousands of images entered into the competition it a honor to be short listed, so congrats to everyone that got short listed!

[Adelastro1]

Yes well done Paula!

Does anybody know how many or approximately how many images are short listed in this comp or does it depend on the judges and the quality of entries?

[Matt Wastell]

Go get em!

[spacezebra]

Congrats all! Its been a week of really great news - and its only Tuesday!

Cheers Petra d.

[big_dav_2001]

Wow.. congrats to all who've been short-listed, and good luck

Davin

[Paul Haese]

I think Peter Lawerence told me last year that 15 entries in each category are shortlisted. That might be wrong though, but it did seem quite low.

[Adelastro1]

Wow that is low if it's correct. And I'll be even more astounded that I was shortlisted!

[Peter Ward]

Yep, I scored the shortlist as well. :)

[Paul Haese]

Damian has won the solar system section again I reckon. I saw two of his images the other day and just about choked. Let me guess you had the one or two solar images. ;) I saw your Venus shot, reckon you are in there I think.

[Peter Ward]

If the decision came down to straight out resolution, that would make a dull comp.......I think a great image makes you cross a room to take a closer look...resolution is just one factor.

That said, to be shortlisted by the RGO is cool...it's also nice to see a number of Aussies in the hunt. Good luck to all !

[Adelastro1]

Yes agreed. No doubt there's a much larger number of entries from the Northern Hemisphere so it's great we have several shortlisted. There's six of us identified in this thread and that's without any indication from Alex Cherney and Phil Hart!! ;)

[Adelastro1]

I just received an email from ROG stating that there are approximately 100 images shortlisted, so I assume that means there are about 25 in each category. That's a small number considering there were 1000's of entries, and I have two shortlisted in one category! I'm amazed. That's about a 1 in 4 chance of getting in the top three! Wow.

[Forgey]

Hi Guys i received an email last night from the ROG stating they want to use my image in the official annual book!.
They want me to fill in my bank details, sign and please also send an invoice.
My question is what do i need to put in an invoice?

Thanks

Heres the email:

[Phil Hart]

Paula.. just put down your contact details, list the item(s) that is/are being paid for, total cost, and you might as well state that you are not registered for (Australian) GST.

if you're really crazy, you could read the ATO definitions of a valid tax invoice.. but this is really for those registered for GST:
http://www.ato.gov.au/businesses/content.aspx?doc=/content/50913.htm

and yes, i have an image shortlisted too ;).

Phil

[Forgey]

Thanks for that Phil, just did real basic one.

[Adelastro1]

Well done Paula! I bet you're pleased that it will be in print! I didn't get one of those emails (I have two shortlisted), well not yet (fingers crossed!) so I assume that they don't publish all 100 shortlisted images. Maybe Phil or others know more about that?? Did you get one of these emails Phil?

When Cosmos magazine wanted to pay me for a photo they needed an invoice because they were paying to buy something from me basically. As far as I know all commercial entities use invoices for records keeping and GST, VAT, tax reasons etc.

[Adelastro1]

Oh I just found this!
http://www.amazon.ca/Astronomy-Photograper-Royal-Observatory-Greenwich/dp/0007482809

It's the book they are going to publish in Nov and it states in the blurb: "All winning and shortlisted images for 2012 will be included."
Wow, that's great! Will certainly be getting a copy of that! Should be some amazing photos in it.

[Phil Hart]

You read that you will be getting a free copy right? :lol:

Phil

[apaulo]

Hi Paula

What a fantastic achievement Paula
I wish you well, i would love to see the book if you get a copy.
Cya at the club soon and we will catch up.. Thanks for the congrats re my image on the news today too.
Regards Paul

Ps Good luck everyone. nice to have an Aussie winning this competition

[Nico13]

Top stuff everyone, congrats to all. :thumbsup:

OK everyone to the edge of their seat and hold your breath :P

[Paul Haese]

Three of my images were selected to be printed too (the three that were shortlisted), but to be honest I am still waiting on last years book too, that was promised to me in January this year. So don't hold your breath on getting a copy. I will do the paper work tomorrow and send that off again. :)

BTW anyone ever received their royalty cheques? I heard that they ran out of the first batch of cups with my image on it and then got a new batch. The terms of the contract provide that I was supposed to be given a cheque at the end of February for royalties if it was determined that royalties were in order. I would have thought royalties were in order. I would like to know what others experiences are with this particular competition and provision of royalties.:question:

[Peter Ward]

If I'm not mistaken, the book cover image was taken by Ted Doboz (starcatcher) who did well in the APOTY competition a few years back.

Way to go Ted :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Adelastro1]

Oh yes, after re-reading the publications contract! Haha. They sent me a contract with an error in it and I only just sent it back the other day so maybe the email Paula posted below is still coming...

[Adelastro1]

The book has all 4 year's worth of images so maybe they decided not to produce one for just last year's to instead include them all. Or have you seen one produced?

[Paul Haese]

Perhaps they have changed their mind to reproduce a book every year. Time will tell.

[Adelastro1]

I received the email today after I inquired just to make sure they hadn't made a mistake. They said they have been working through the list of shortlisted entrants for 2012 as well as previous winners to email which would be in the order of 100 so they've just had a lot to sort through. So I'm relieved now! Will be great to see them published!

Paul - it looks quite positive about actually producing a book this year, especially if they are going to the trouble of getting all of us to sign documents and it's advertised on book sellers sites as a pre-release. Or did they do that last time?

[Paul Haese]

Earlier this year Wayne they got me to sign all the same documents and send off a tax invoice for use of my Dragon storm image in the book. It could well be correct that they are finally going to do this. Like I said time will tell.

[Adelastro1]

Overall winner. Martin Pugh! Congrats!

Won deep sky category. Stunning image.

Paul Haese won a highly commended for solar. Well done.

Great to be here. More to come soon.

[Forgey]

Well done Martin & Paul !!!

[Adelastro1]

The winners are all featured in the Oct Sky at Night mag too, of which we were given the first copies on the night! The book has also been produced and looks fantastic with all the shortlisted images and the winners from previous years. They are on sale now! So are merchandise items so they have done well to produce all those prior to the awards night!

The image gallery looks great too and the backlit way of displaying images is certainly better than hanging pictures.

The champagne and food were yummy too! A good night and I'm sure you will all see images of the night on the web and from Paula too!

[Martin Pugh]

Thanks Wayne for posting your report and of course, I am completely over the Moon:D

Paul - congratulations on your placement.

cheers
Martin

[Peter Ward]

Well done Martin.... wow that's two ROG's :thumbsup: Also to Paul...both well deserving.:thumbsup:

(though to add controversy.. the winning solar-system image was definitely not my cup of tea )

[iceman]

Where are the winners/winning images?

[Martin Pugh]

Thanks Peter/Mike

here is the link

http://www.rmg.co.uk/visit/exhibitions/astronomy-photographer-of-the-year/2012-winners/

Martin

[Adelastro1]

Yes same with me. I thought Paul's and of course Damien Peach's were better, certainly technically wise. The comment at the awards by the judges was alonf the lines that the winning image reflected The immense difficulty of seeing such a rare event for people in the UK. It was only visible for a few minutes towards the end of the transit where that image was taken. I should have sent in my similar image from Aselaide with the sun partially obscured by cloud!

I'll oat the judges comment about Paul's separately.

[Adelastro1]

The presenter's comments about Paul's transit image was that they thought it was technically excellent and showed great detail. Damien's montage of Mars images was stunning. It shows so much detail on the surface of the planet and deserved its second place in my view, and first place really I think.

[strongmanmike]

Hearty congratulations Martin and Paul - fine work indeed :)

All the awarded images are excellent - no real eyebrow raisers this year for me IMO

Mike

[Star Catcher]

Congratulations Martin and Paul! Well done and well deserved recognition for your efforts.

Ted

[Forgey]

OK here are the photos :)

[Forgey]

More pics :)

Me, Wayne and Chris Lintott

[SkyViking]

A big contratulations to Martin and Paul, both very worthy images indeed. Well done guys! :thumbsup:

And I'll have to agree with Peter's comments re the winning Solar System image... :shrug:

[Forgey]

It was a fantastic night. A big congrats to Martin and Paul!.
Champagne was served as soon as you walked through the door.
The images were spectacular.
It was a wonderful experience.

[Paul Haese]

Hey thanks gjuys, what a shock. I sort of thought the other solar image would place as an honourable mention. Knowing what I saw in the flicker group I expected Pete or Damian to place first. Pete's venus shot was better than mine by a long margin in my opinion and gives a much nicer 3D feel to the image. If that was my image I would be really proud of it. I did have to work hard on my image to get it looking the way it was but there was never enough data to be awesome. Cloud prevented my idea of a 15 panel mosaic and as it was I only just got this 6 panel.

Martin's image is simply superb and I heartly congratulate you upon the win. It must have been really hard to get a win with all the awesome images in the DSO section.

Anyone notice on my image it says it was taken on the 9th June 2012. Does that trigger any thoughts? I thought I took the shot on the 6th of June 2012.:lol::lol:

Thanks Wayne for the photos. Glad you had a good time.

[h0ughy]

congratulations Paul and Martin, and the others for making it

[gregbradley]

Congrats to Martin and Paul and shortlisted.

Martin's win comes as no suprise really. I mean who is posting images
better than his? (answer: noone!).

Greg.

[strongmanmike]

And I get that, it's a simple but very effective image really and a nice change from the (necessarily) standard, all be they sharp, close up views of one of the same 5 or so objects, that fill the ranks of the Solar Sytem category every year :)

The other solar system awarded images are excellent too of course!...I just like the subtlty of the winning SS image - nice.

Mike

[Martin Pugh]

Thanks very much folks.

There is no doubt over the take up, quality and perseverance of amateurs given the array of photos on Flickr for this competition.

So its a great feeling, for sure. Thanks for the comments

Martin

[Octane]

Congrats, guys. :)

H

[Peter Ward]

Maate..:thanx: but it doesn't matter.. you did deservedly well. :thumbsup:

But what do you say about Martin?

I suspect we need to tie the bugger up and put in a dungeon...with no internet access....for at least a few years. :D

[Paul Haese]

Yes he is making it very hard to win anything, and rightly so. He spends a lot of time collecting data and no doubt processing it. Maybe if we ask him to go back to a 3" on a crap mount we will have a chance. :P

[iceman]

Congrats Martin and Paul! Very well deserved.

[brian nordstrom]

:) Cool pictures Paula , I did not realise Chris Lintott was so tall , I have met Sir Patrick Moore a few times ove the years , he has a soft spot for my old club in NZ , Whakatane astro Society , and when he was more mobile would visit every time he was in NZ .
He is a huge man in stature and entheusium , Chris must be nearly as tall , or should I say this :shrug: or you must be short ? . Sorry .
Great photos, bet you had a ball .
Thanks .
Brian.

[Martin Pugh]

You will have to be quick on yer feet!

cheers
Martin

[Phil Hart]

Top work Martin and Paul and many other IIS-ers who submitted fine work.

They are all superb images. The earth and sky section has some very nice artistic works with great composition. Something to aspire to.

cheers
Phil

[Forgey]

Yes Chris is quiet tall but i'm a little short too lol

[Forgey]

I finally got my free copy of the Astronomy Photography of the Year book in the mail yesterday.
Has anyone else received theirs yet?

[Phil Hart]

Got my book when I arrived home from Cairns yesterday. That's a nice high quality production and will provide plenty of inspiration!

[Adelastro1]

Nope not yet! But I got my invite to the awards very late too.

[SkyViking]

Yes got mine about a week ago. I didn't realise it was so big! It looks absolutely awesome, they have done very well.
Now I can put an astronomy book on the shelf with my images in it, that'll be a first :D

I wonder if there will be a book again next year, since they've already put the images from the last 4 years into this one?

[Paul Haese]

Not yet but we are still two days from home and are not expecting our mail delivery until Tuesday, so maybe then.

[strongmanmike]

Yes, got my copies today, very impressed, excellent high quality hard back publication beautifully put together and all the photos look fantastic.

Mike

[Paul Haese]

Looks like I missed out. Nothing waiting in the vast volume of mail. Went to the post office and nothing there either. Still waiting on royalties from the year before last too, which I was promised 3 months ago would be sorted out. Pretty much given up on seeing this book, much less the cheque. :(

I have sent an email to ROG contact but doubt I will ever see anything done in the near future. Hope you guys enjoy the book, apparently I have three images in it.

[Adelastro1]

I got mine late last week. They must be just making the winners wait longer. :-P