Eric Skrzypczak has asked me to post the following for him since he is not
able to post to MDOsprey:

Speaking as a better than average bird photographer I think the contest has
been ran well. I know that they've gotten exceptional photographs because I
sent in a bunch. I can't begin to imagine how difficult it is to run one of
these contests.

I enter a lot of photo contests and one photo per CD is "The Rule". Most of
these contests get thousands of photographs. Imagine trying to keep
applications, photos and CDs collated. I received first place in the 2006
wild bird photo contest. One picture per disk is Wild Bird's standard rule.
Now there are people who are on fixed budgets that might be discouraged from
entering. However multiple images per disk are now acceptable. It makes it
much tougher on the people running the contest. They've made an effort to
bend in the spirit of community. In reality they've increased their workload
substantially.

With regard to one photograph per species, that is another standard rule. As
a photographer it's often difficult to pick the one best image. Imagine
judges that get lots of in camera duplicates and have to decide.

The rules were opened up early to include VA and DC. Its not unreasonable to
attempt to restrict photographs taken in other places. In some cases my best
photograph was not taken in MD, VA or DC. I sent the photo in anyway. I was
very honest about where it was taken. I additionally stated that I knew it
would not be considered as a primary. I was providing it as a "backup . . .
just in case" photo.

Since this is a volunteer effort we need to come together in the spirit of a
community to make something worth while. Photographers tend to be an
irritable group by nature. I know . . . "I resemble that remark".

There's still time to participate. I would like to encourage all
photographers who have not yet participated to reconsider.

Thanks,

Eric Skrzypczak

www.wildlifehobbies.com