Okay, what was that again?

That was a lot of fun. Enjoyed the event and all but, I’m a little confused as to what’s next. Sound like you? The friend you brought to the event? Not to worry, here’s what’s up next and what to expect during the week following Urban Photo Safari. Some are old veterans but, some are brand new. Regardless, we could all use a little clarification on what to do and when. In the hopes of answering most questions, here’s the most exhaustive list I can come up with.

1. What’s the deal with picking the top ten?
   I won’t be putting up contestant images on the site until I have your top ten picks from your shoot. You have until Monday night (let’s say 11:00 p.m. Monday night 6/15) to email me (see “Email” link in the side bar on the right) with the file names of your images. Make sure you have your full name and/or all the names of your team in the email. Some of the email addresses are hard to decipher. This is the main reason we download your images the day of the contest. You don’t have to send them to me, just take a look at what you shot and send me those file names in the email. Make sure to send the file name for your “self portrait” in addition to the top ten. If there is any confusion to the file names (in rare cases, computers will change file names and I’ll end up picking the wrong ones) I can make changes to what is eventually posted to the site. Again, this has happened in rare cases. I’ll do my best to post what you want up there for the top ten. If I don’t get your top ten by Monday night, I’ll assume you don’t want to participate for whatever reason and I won’t publish your images.
2. Self portrait? What self portrait!
   It’s all over the site and on the “About Urban” page but, inevitably, someone forgets about this part. Not to worry. It’s not a self portrait in the truest sense of the word. Can be but, doesn’t have to be. If you didn’t shoot one, just pick an image from your shoot that best represents you and have that be your self portrait. Take a look at past years and you’ll see people picking some rather weird images. Bowl of petunias, lamp post, whatever. Just pick one along with your top ten.
3. So, I sent you my top ten picks. What now. Why is is taking so long to get them up there?
   I gather and sort all of the ten picks from each contestant and put them together in a gallery online. Takes me a while to put together so, be patient. I’ll announce on the site when it’s up and also email everyone who sent in their votes. I’m thinking I should have it together by Wednesday, Thursday at the latest.
4. My mom loves my pictures, so does my cousin in Idaho. Can they vote?
   Nope. Have to be a contestant to vote. You really want to vote? Come out next year and hang out with us. But, do encourage them to visit the gallery once it’s live to view your images No reason they can’t get a little inspired as well.
5. So, you put up my pics along with everyone elses. What’s next?
   You have two days (from the time I make them live on the site) to vote on the top ten pics of everyone else. You have only 10 votes, and you can’t vote on your own. Only one vote per photo. The names will be hidden during voting and revealed once it’s over. Send your votes to the same email address (see “Email” link in the side bar on the right). The email should look something like this:
   Contestant 01 - photo 02
   Contestant 16 - photo 07
   etc.
6. What do you win?
   As mentioned in a post earlier, this is the “recession version” of Urban Photo Safari. No t-shirts, no badges, no posters or banners. And, no prize other than the satisfaction of winning the coolest photo contest in the Kansas City metro area. If it’s any consolation, past prizes have been gift certificates to Amazon.com so, don’t think your missing out on a new iPhone.

Hopefully that should cover the bulk of your questions. If it doesn’t, hit the link on the right side of the sidebar titled “Email” and send me an email or, hit me up on twitter. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have. To go over it again, here’s a shortened version:

1. Email your top ten image (+1 self portrait) names by Monday 6/15 11 p.m.
2. Site ready for voting by Wednesday 6/17 (or, Thursday 6/18 at the latest)
3. You have two days to email your votes (specific deadline will be announced here depending on when the gallery is live)
4. Winner is announced and contestant names are revealed