Edinburgh Zoo Photography Competition

Seems like a great idea for the zoo to gets lots of pics to use in their publicity without payment. For ams only.
 
awp said:
Seems like a great idea for the zoo to gets lots of pics to use in their publicity without payment. For ams only.
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I was thinking much the same, I was searching to see what the prize was, then realised it's having your pic exhibited at the zoo, what a neck!
 
Yeah, no prize, brass neck etc.

But ...
For a beginner like myself that frequents the zoo often, the pride of seeing my image on display would be payment in itself and at the end of the day the zoo is a charity, therefore if I can donate an image that helps them raise funds then I am happy.
 
Where have I heard all that before! A charity maybe but they have funds for publicity - which this is - and they are ripping off amateurs for the ego boost. Still, they'll get hundreds of entries. Why are people so vain?
 
awp said:
Where have I heard all that before! A charity maybe but they have funds for publicity - which this is - and they are ripping off amateurs for the ego boost. Still, they'll get hundreds of entries. Why are people so vain?
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Vain ?
"In conventional parlance, vanity is the excessive belief in one's own abilities or attractiveness to others."

With your reasoning, as I am an noob and amateur and enter this just for the pride and to help a charity that gives me pleasure I am vain, but if there was a prize of sorts then that is okay ? (resists the smilies).

I would prefer the RZSS spent all available funds on imroving the conditions for the animals and continuing some of the good conservation and education programmes they have running than spend it on publicity.

Each to there own, if you are pro and it's not for you, thats fine. For me it is interesting and a first step to entering competitions, the fact that pros will not enter gives me more chance of getting my image used, which then gives confidence to move on and enter other compos etc.

We cant all be national geographic standard overnight !
 
Pros are not allowed to enter - you have read the rules haven't you?
They are relying on amateurs like you to supply them with pics for the next year rather than buying the services of a pro - they are not even giving an award! You may prefer them to spend all available funds on improving the conditions for the animals - but that isn't going to happen regardless of this 'competition'. Staff get paid and they have budgets for everything they need to do - except it seems photography. Please enter competitions but try to choose the ones where you benefit and are not just taken for a mug. My last word.
 
good luck...hope you got rid of the cages wires etc
some cloning can do that
enjoy!!
 
MrCrow, thank you. Images I entered were all posted here and on my flickr.

AWP, I can see your argument that certain areas seem to be neglected but having seen the accounts and budgets, the majority of labour used to run the zoo is unpaid volunteer.

I entered it for my own reasons, I posted it here for any like minded people who may also be interested, I meant no offence.

I have no problem with the mods removing this post if this is the general feeling.

"Please enter competitions but try to choose the ones where you benefit and are not just taken for a mug. My last word. "

I bow down gracefully to your twenty years experience and will try and not be a mug in the future .... word :cool:
 
2009-1971 is a few more than twenty years! Good luck anyway! ;)
 
testbloke said:
MrCrow, thank you. Images I entered were all posted here and on my flickr.

AWP, I can see your argument that certain areas seem to be neglected but having seen the accounts and budgets, the majority of labour used to run the zoo is unpaid volunteer.

I entered it for my own reasons, I posted it here for any like minded people who may also be interested, I meant no offence.

I have no problem with the mods removing this post if this is the general feeling.

"Please enter competitions but try to choose the ones where you benefit and are not just taken for a mug. My last word. "

I bow down gracefully to your twenty years experience and will try and not be a mug in the future .... word :cool:
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3811028920_0656241027.jpg


WINNER!!

excellent composition and use of space to introduce tension
:thumbs:
 
awp said:
2009-1971 is a few more than twenty years! Good luck anyway! ;)
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Sorry, I was looking through your website earlier, I did misquote you, over thirty years experience - respect. I do take your comments on board, in this case I think they get away with it for the reasons mentioned but I will definately be more carefull in the future, just hard to imagine anyone using any of my images at the moment unless they were free !

MrCrow, thanks for comments, how did you know I went with that one ?
 
testbloke said:
MrCrow, thanks for comments, how did you know I went with that one ?
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because its a good shot
firstly it has impact
then tech comes later and its faultless imhumbleo

hope you win:clap:
 
testbloke said:
Yeah, no prize, brass neck etc.

But ...
For a beginner like myself that frequents the zoo often, the pride of seeing my image on display would be payment in itself and at the end of the day the zoo is a charity, therefore if I can donate an image that helps them raise funds then I am happy.
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Think this is a rip-off.
The zoo could easily throw in a free year's membership for first three winners and a behind the scenes VIP day for winner.
This charity is a con. Prices are sky high and many of the animals are kept for one purpose only - to make money.
Sure, there maybe a tiny bit of research to keep their charity status, but only a fool would believe that this zoo's main / primary aim is animal welfare / research.
It is there to make money and if that means sticking an animal in an undersized enclosure / cage / tank under all sorts of stress then ce la vie.
Yes, I've been a few times, but I not under any delusion that I'm contributing to a charity / research organisation.
This zoo is an entertainment centre which has a lot of work to do to improve the well being of its resources (captive animals).
There are lots of far worse animal entertainment centres in UK, but still plenty of need for improvement in Edinburgh.
I'd rather see the zoo cut down on number of animals and use their available resources to make a better quality of life for those left.

So, to get back on track, don't think I'd enter a pic.
... well that's my 2p worth and I don't want to get into a debate about it, so if you don't agree that's fine by me.
"Im OUT !"
 
Ringer said:
Winner indeed, an excellent capture. Well done and good luck
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Thank you for kind comments, glad you like image.

Rockshifter, I did just type another long winded justification and slightly more informed view of the financials of the zoo etc but just deleted it.
I do agree about membership type prizes but did wonder if this was a legality issue due to the competition being open to all ages.
 
Hmm, you guys have read that you can choose not to have your image used for publicity purposes right?

Having your picture in the zoo isn't really publicity *** you're allready at the zoo, dunno what all the fuss is about.
 
edumad said:
Hmm, you guys have read that you can choose not to have your image used for publicity purposes right?

Having your picture in the zoo isn't really publicity *** you're allready at the zoo, dunno what all the fuss is about.
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Exactly, I chose not to tick the box as I don't mind them using my image, surely thats my personal choice not me being a mug or vain. If you think otherwise, you can 1) not enter, 2) still enter but tick the box.
I posted it just so it was brought to the attention of anyone else who fancied it, I did not foresee such a strong and (IMHO) arrogant reaction.
 
At £14 entry including voluntary donation and kids £9 it can be a very expensive day out. A family day pass as a prize would have been nice :)
 
awp said:
Pros are not allowed to enter - you have read the rules haven't you?
They are relying on amateurs like you to supply them with pics for the next year rather than buying the services of a pro - they are not even giving an award! You may prefer them to spend all available funds on improving the conditions for the animals - but that isn't going to happen regardless of this 'competition'. Staff get paid and they have budgets for everything they need to do - except it seems photography. Please enter competitions but try to choose the ones where you benefit and are not just taken for a mug. My last word.
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Just as a side note, there are a few pro togs who work on a regular basis for the RZSS. Pro's who are very highly thought of in the field. Pro images are given to the RZSS for use at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park generally for free. Personally as well as donating images I also donate an amount per annum to the RZSS.

Just because this competition doesn't float your boat please note that not all pro togs are the same.

Just my 2p worth.

Arron
 
Rockshifter said:
Think this is a rip-off.
The zoo could easily throw in a free year's membership for first three winners and a behind the scenes VIP day for winner.
This charity is a con. Prices are sky high and many of the animals are kept for one purpose only - to make money.
Sure, there maybe a tiny bit of research to keep their charity status, but only a fool would believe that this zoo's main / primary aim is animal welfare / research.
It is there to make money and if that means sticking an animal in an undersized enclosure / cage / tank under all sorts of stress then ce la vie.
Yes, I've been a few times, but I not under any delusion that I'm contributing to a charity / research organisation.
This zoo is an entertainment centre which has a lot of work to do to improve the well being of its resources (captive animals).
There are lots of far worse animal entertainment centres in UK, but still plenty of need for improvement in Edinburgh.
I'd rather see the zoo cut down on number of animals and use their available resources to make a better quality of life for those left.

So, to get back on track, don't think I'd enter a pic.
... well that's my 2p worth and I don't want to get into a debate about it, so if you don't agree that's fine by me.
"Im OUT !"
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You are so far off the mark. Apologies for being blunt but it appears that you do not know the first thing about the RZSS.
 
WillieL said:
At £14 entry including voluntary donation and kids £9 it can be a very expensive day out. A family day pass as a prize would have been nice :)
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I think entry for days out generally is high, but this is good value compared to other local activities, deap sea world for one. Also, if you plan to visit more than a couple of times a year, an RZSS membership is superb value, and you can claim back your original visit gate receipt, you also get free parking and 10% discount in the cafes etc.
You get a full day out for your £14, some other attractions last only a couple of hours for similar money. How much is a ticket for a football game these days ?
Arronbarnes, thank you. I thought I had crossed some invisible line.

I dont want this thread to turn into the next "wedding" fiasco, I dont see why people cannot air their opinion without getting personal or rude.
 
testbloke said:
Arronbarnes, thank you. I thought I had crossed some invisible line.

I dont want this thread to turn into the next "wedding" fiasco, I dont see why people cannot air their opinion without getting personal or rude.
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No problem, just have an issue with people be-littling a charity that they know nothing about, nor the hard work put in by staff and volunteers without having the first clue about what they are commenting on like the cost of food per year per animal, the vet bills, the maintenance etc etc etc. The list is endless.

Too much today is about money, money, money. It's nice to be nice sometime.

Hope you do well in the competition.
 
arronbarnes said:
Just as a side note, there are a few pro togs who work on a regular basis for the RZSS. Pro's who are very highly thought of in the field. Pro images are given to the RZSS for use at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park generally for free. Personally as well as donating images I also donate an amount per annum to the RZSS.

Just because this competition doesn't float your boat please note that not all pro togs are the same.

Just my 2p worth.

Arron
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good post from a true scot...bannockburn?
 
arronbarnes said:
You are so far off the mark. Apologies for being blunt but it appears that you do not know the first thing about the RZSS.
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I'm no expert and I didn't do a research project on the zoo, but I base my post on the evidence of my eyes and the depth I have to dig in my pocket when on a family visit.
 
Rockshifter said:
I'm no expert and I didn't do a research project on the zoo, but I base my post on the evidence of my eyes and the depth I have to dig in my pocket when on a family visit.
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As you said, you have based your evidence on your eyes and the depth you have to dig in your pocket. Heres something radical then, if you don't like it don't go!! I am sure that the RZSS won't miss you, unfortunately the animals that rely on paying visitors for food and upkeep may though.

As I stated you have no idea what goes on within the RZSS tha amount it costs to keep each animal, the upkeep of the enclosures, the design of new enclosures, the licensing, the vet costs, the general daily running costs and all this without the help of the government or any funding body.

It has also been stated that this charity is a con, how so?? I would love to see the evidence pertaining to the facts.

Again, not my intention to cause an argument but I feel that I have to correct the erroneous statements with regards to the RZSS.
 
I think the salient point here is that it is a competition without prizes, so what's to compete for?

You send photographs, they keep them and may use them for promotional purposes (unless you expressly ask them not to) and then they pin them up somewhere 'to be decided' in the zoo.

What's in it for the photographer?
 
Glenn Surtees said:
I think the salient point here is that it is a competition without prizes, so what's to compete for?

You send photographs, they keep them and may use them for promotional purposes (unless you expressly ask them not to) and then they pin them up somewhere 'to be decided' in the zoo.

What's in it for the photographer?
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I suggest you read this quote from testbloke!!!


testbloke said:
Yeah, no prize, brass neck etc.

But ...
For a beginner like myself that frequents the zoo often, the pride of seeing my image on display would be payment in itself and at the end of the day the zoo is a charity, therefore if I can donate an image that helps them raise funds then I am happy.
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Yeah you might not win, you might not even get your image shown but what the heck, if someone wants to send an image to the RZSS for inclusion then good for them. For some people it is not all about the money, the prizes etc. Some people actually get enjoyment out of taking photographs and seeing them displayed.

Are some of you so fickle that all you see is money and gifts. Somewhat superficial is it not?
 
Glenn Surtees said:
Well, if you think so then it must be the case ;)
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Thought so :lol:

Apologies if that sounded really harsh but the attack on both the RZSS and the op has been a wee bit ott. Personally I would, if I could enter. A lot of people see the images on display and you never know who is looking! Unfortunately I do not meet the entry criteria :'(

Good luck to the op.
 
arronbarnes
Being a paying member of the public, I have a right to expect certain standard as far as the zoo is concerned. In my view there are significant numbers of unhappy animals there in unsuitable enclosures. I'd like to be able to go along to the zoo and see happy animals.
If someone buys / obtains a pet dog, then I would expect them to have the resources to look after it.

The little research going on there is nothing whatsoever to do with keeping animals for public display. The place is 99% an entertainment business. If I choose to buy into that I have a right to express what I think of it. I only stated my view on that issue and if you don't like it tough. I have looked at your business site and see you have an interest there with your tog courses, so I can understand why you wouldn't want me biting the hand that feeds you.
As far as the OP is concerned it's up to him or anyone else what competitions they enter, prizes or what.
I still stand by my view that any zoo touting for pix, charging their prices, is in my view a con.
 
Rockshifter said:
arronbarnes
Being a paying member of the public, I have a right to expect certain standard as far as the zoo is concerned. In my view there are significant numbers of unhappy animals there in unsuitable enclosures. I'd like to be able to go along to the zoo and see happy animals.
If someone buys / obtains a pet dog, then I would expect them to have the resources to look after it.

The little research going on there is nothing whatsoever to do with keeping animals for public display. The place is 99% an entertainment business. If I choose to buy into that I have a right to express what I think of it. I only stated my view on that issue and if you don't like it tough. I have looked at your business site and see you have an interest there with your tog courses, so I can understand why you wouldn't want me biting the hand that feeds you.
As far as the OP is concerned it's up to him or anyone else what competitions they enter, prizes or what.
I still stand by my view that any zoo touting for pix, charging their prices, is in my view a con.
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So you had a look at my site, thanks. I can assure you that the RZSS is not the hand that feeds me, I can actually say that it is quite the other way round. I am also amazed at your indepth knowledge of what research is carried out behind the scenes. So I assume you know what animal registers are held there? What research is currently ongoing and with which animals?

Also, if you have all the inside information you will know that the RZSS know that some of the enclosures are not quite perfect. Hence the reason that the tigers moved to Highland, settled in and had cubs in their wonderful enclosure. You will also know that mercedes the polar bear is about to move to a purpose built enclosure at highland. This is to allow her a happy retirement and also to give edinburgh some much needed development space. Again you will also know that the chimp house is the most expensive house in edinburgh and took over 5 years of research to ensure that it was just right.

You don't like the place yet you go?? Personally I dislike zoo's, preferring to see the animals in a natural environment. But to go as far as to saying a charity is a con when you clearly have no idea of what goes on behind the scenes is a blatant show of ignorance. And all because you have to pay a not overly extortionate amount to go in. Unbelievable!!

Anyway, like I said, good luck to the op in the comp.
 
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