“Christmas Tree Lane” By Daylight Basis For Holiday Decoration Photo Shoot
Every year during the December Holiday Season, thousands throng to Alameda’s famed Thompson Ave. to gaze and gape at the festive houses decked in blazing illumination that treats the eye to a kaleidoscope of colors, seasonal icons, and, on some nights the venerable and enduring Old St. Nick.
The street abounds with lines of cars ‘cruising the main,’ the chatter of children and admonishing adults, a variety of live and recorded musical tunes, maybe a whiff of hot chocolate from enterprising treat sellers and the busy buzz of ‘this time of year’s’ energy and spirit.
But most folks, other than those who truck the masses of stored decorations from garages, basements, and attics and go to work to create the legendary holiday ‘pop up stret art museum,’ don’t see Thompson Ave. during daylight hours.
Who wants to see it when it’s not in its artificial night-time “Midway” glow?
But take another look when it’s still day.
The winter’s golden sunrises and sunsets, interspersed with light from the Sun’s daily trek across the blue, can, from the right perspective and, with an attuned eye, create the illusion of the decorations being powered on, even though no electricity courses through the copper wires that feed them.
Sparkles, glistens, backlit translucence, reflected light from windows, a mix of shadows and the gentle light of a passing day amuse the eye and the imagination as the few sample photos embedded in this article show.
Thus was born the idea of this first of its kind photography challenge and contest. “Christmas Tree Lane By Daylight, ” a community chronicle of illusion powered by human imagination, the lens-person’s skill, and good old mother nature.
ANN hopes you will enter, tell your friends and maybe get to see your entry posted in our publication after contest’s end!
CHRISTMAS TREE LANE /THOMPSON AVE. HOLIDAY PHOTO CONTEST ENTRY & RULES :
1. ALL photographers, regardless of age, may enter and participate at no cost.
2. HOW TO ENTER:
a) Search alamedanews.org on your web browser.
b) Click on the “Communicate Button” in the navigation bar.
c) Select the “Contact ANN” drop-down option
d) Provide your info on the form. In the “Message Section” enter “HOLIDAY PHOTO CONTEST ADULT”
If you are under 18, enter “HOLIDAY PHOTO CONTEST YOUTH.” In this case, your parent or legal guardian must provide the contact information and formally grant permission in writing for you to enter in the message space. ANN reserves the right to verify permission by contacting the parent by phone or text.
You may enter as an individual or team of up to four persons in either division. See submission restrictions below.
3. Each photographer is allowed up to SIX entries.
4. No photographer may qualify for more than one photo in 1st through 3rd place within the Adult or Youth division. Honorable Mention (HM) winners may have up to two photos published in that category, unless they come in 1st through 3rd place, in which case the person may have one in HM.
CONTENT RULES:
No more than six photos may be submitted by any single entrant or photography team. (you and up to 3 more friends)
All photos must be taken in natural light only and with no electricity illuminating the subject matter.
No flash allowed.
No subject matter photographed may be lit up or enhanced by any artificial (ie. electric) lighting.
No flash allowed, but lens filters, various lens types, tripods and all internal camera adjustments are permitted.
Entrants may use post-production editing and enhancement tools, but images should strive to be as ‘authentic’ as possible and seek to represent what is seen by the ‘naked eye.’ at the time of the shoot.
Holiday subject matter (decorations) is core to the desired product. Any people, birds, animals etc. that are circumstantially or coincidentally part of the photo are acceptable.
No posing/no selfies.
All photos must be digital still shots. (no videos, gifs etc. )
No drones.
Stay on approved walkways, respect people’s privacy and property rights, and no tampering with decorations, yard barriers etc.
Beware of vehicles, other people, animals, uneven walking surfaces or other possible hazards or factors related to injury. Alameda Neighborhoods News assumes no direct or indirect liability with respect to your participation in this contest.
All photos must be taken on Thompson Ave’s “Christmas Tree Lane,” UNLESS you have mobility limitations, in which case, please provide that information in the COMMENT section and indicate where you will be taking your photos instead.
Submit your entries as attachments in the standard JPEG format to allow for web compatibility. JPEG is pretty much the photo default on all laptop, desktop and cell phone devices.
ADULT DIVISION ENTRIES: Your first and last name (but no other personal information) will be associated with the photo if published. If you want no name or only a first or other name, please make the request at time of submission.
YOUTH DIVISION ENTRIES:
If you enter in the Youth Division you may supply your age along with your name, but you must have parental permission noted in the email message section.
SUBMIT ENTRIES BEFORE MIDNIGHT, THURSDAY DEC 21ST TO
alamedaneighborhoodsnews@gmail.com
You retain all rights to the photo, but by submitting your work you grant permission to Alameda Neighborhoods News (aka ANN) to publish it and preserve it for public display purposes on its website.
CONTEST OPENS WED DECEMBER 13th AND CLOSES AT MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY DECEMBER 21st
TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND CLASSMATES!
All winning photos and up to 15 more Honorable Mention shots in each division will be published in ANN after judging ends.
WE HOPE TO SEE YOUR LENSMANSHIP SOON & Good Shooting!
