I also agree that doing it all digitally submitted is the way to go...
But I would like to see a higher resolution image say max of 3000px and if possible calibration software available to all entrees which is the same or similar to what is used on the judging PC..
One thing I did miss but is standing infront of all those fine images and drooling over them!
Maybe a LCD tv set up in a continuous slideshow to view?
Its not compelling enough to go back IMO Mike. Imagers should already be calibrating their monitor to get a consistent print output anyway. So in essence the activity is already being done, whether you print or submit online. I believe there will be basic reference material forthcoming before next years event to assist. However imagers should be taking it upon themselves to become familiar with colour profiles, gamut, calibration and other facets on the topic such as knowing the difference between converting to a colour space as opposed to assigning a colour space in photoshop. Its to their own benefit in the long run.
Ultimately, electronic submission is saving you money too. Back in 2008 when I last submitted any work, it cost me approximately $110 for a mounted A3 pro print on fine art paper. This was of course accurately calibrated throughout so no guess work if the colours on the screen would translate to that on paper - guaranteed to a 98% accuracy. Now if I was to spend at least $500 on getting five images printed, then postage - all to find out that I didn't even get a mention. I'd simply be throwing money away. The new competition submission system make 100% sense to me.
Of course you make some valid points and I largely already agree with the electronic entry system, even if just for its simplicity. I was just throwing the thought back out there.
Never calibrated my moniter, I must say...maybe I should ...or else I'll just send my screen with my entry next year
Mike, I reckon it's a good argument for everyone taking the 5 minutes with a greyscale test pattern to calibrate their monitors :-)
I keep finding the same thing when I post images that end up looking burned out on other peoples monitors cause they haven't got them calibrated...
cheers, Bird
Quote:
Originally Posted by strongmanmike
Perhpas a good argument for going back to entering prints then ie what you see your end is always exactly what the judge will see. Obviously the logistics are easier using electronic entry but entering actual prints was something that made DM's real I recon and removed the issue of only being able to send low res (2000 X 2000) jpeg files that could be judged on any number of moniters and using any number of viewing programs..?
Mike, I reckon it's a good argument for everyone taking the 5 minutes with a greyscale test pattern to calibrate their monitors :-)
I keep finding the same thing when I post images that end up looking burned out on other peoples monitors cause they haven't got them calibrated...
cheers, Bird
Well Birdie, I cannot imagine your planetary images looking any better than they do on my moniter, the colours are spot on, so I recon it must be pretty well calibrated
Many congrats on your Malin Win too mate, your category win was the easiest to pick
And, all others who won, got mentions and commendations.
Jase, converting/assigning profiles, having calibrated monitors, etc., is bread and butter in this game. At least I would have thought so, anyway!
And, Mike, printing images and submitting them may be OK for those who know they'll definitely win a category. I spent about $300 submitting a few images a couple of years back (when I didn't have my professional large format Epson). It felt like such a waste when no email was forthcoming. The images probably didn't deserve a mention, anyway, but, it still sucked knowing you spent all that money on what amounted to, for all intents and purposes, a futile endeavour. I wholeheartedly agree with the new submission process. How can you go wrong for $5 a pop?
Thanks Mike, ps I hope it didn't come across that I was referring to you, absolutely not. But I know there are some poorly calibrated screens out there in IIS-land...
cheers, Bird
Quote:
Originally Posted by strongmanmike
Well Birdie, I cannot imagine your planetary images looking any better than they do on my moniter, the colours are spot on, so I recon it must be pretty well calibrated
Many congrats on your Malin Win too mate, your category win was the easiest to pick
I agree with Jase. The new electronic submissions has saved me a bundle of cash; just like Jase it was costing a lot of money.
All I can say I am sick of impacts on Jupiter. How the hell does one win with special events taking place in our solar system.
One thing is for certain though. We are gonna have to get creative in the solar system narrow field section next year. With Jupiter moving north our images are going to look pretty much like the northern images from last year and this year. No where near as much definition and as a result not as impressive as we have had for the last 4 years. Saturn images don't seem to make the grade so it looks like either ultra high res of Mars (not for at least 4 years yet) or hi res of the moon. My Clavius shot (seen on my website) got a commendation so that might be worth taking a look at I reckon. Hi res solar shots need to be half disk at least I think. At least in the DSO section there are 45,000 or so objects to image really well.
CWAS Astrofest 2010 Images of D. Malin .and J.Sarkissian
Hello as a member of IIS and the CWAS. I spent most of my time Saturday Taking pictures of the Astrofest and vistors- speakes -etc. I set my canon 40d to the right side of David Malin when he gave his talk .I banged off a lot of shots of David. these are some . one is of J Sarkissian with his Apollo tapes talk.David Malin is an excellant Speaker his images displayed on the screen add more to it. Reguard's Tony.
Finally, the sponsors really make the event what it is today. A big thank you to Central West Astronomical Society, CSIRO's Astronomy and Space Sciences, Powerhouse Museum and Canon Australia for those delightful prizes. Those jokes at the Civic Reception where coming thick and fast. Hilarious.
Well said Jase. I second this wholeheartedly, and thank you to them all.
I'll make sure I attend the Astrofest next time too... I'm spewing I missed out on those talks and John's new high quality video of the moon landing especially!
just a few more shots from the dma, anyone who wants shots of themselves pm me i took around three hundred shots so have images of most recipients
regards brad
It has been interesting to see how the CWAS/Malin awards have evolved over the years. The standard of entries has certainly risen. I suspect a key to success (apart from monitor calibration!) is to try and image something that is not run of the mill...
An M42/ Eta/ Lagoon etc. I'd suggest needs to rival Hubble to have success....and even then some
I was surprised and honoured to to get a HM slip in on my first attempt at a Malin...!!
I was delighted to be at Parkes and to meet so many great astrophotographers. Congratulations to all.
Thanks so much to DM and all the organisers, especially John S. for the amazing work in getting it all to happen. The talk were all amazing. I thoroughly recommend the weekend to anyone interested in astronomy, even if you are not a prize winner.
in that last group that was peter getting the innovation award, forgot me, also david in the discussion, they also gave him an award( i think for allround awsomeness)
...or else I'll just send my screen with my entry next year 
