Here's what Paul had to say:
!Zoot wrote:
Right, I think that I won last months – just (and I like PFVA’s shot!). I am glad, however, as I know what I want to do for the next month’s, and would be grateful if you could somehow transcribe the following into a post (word for word would be preferable)...........
Theme: Churches
Having looked thoroughly through the debate started by OnlyIntruder, I think that there is real merit in what he suggests. I wouldn’t like to see restrictions on the photo competition every month, but it is reasonable to have an occasional “level playing field”.
I have thought long and hard about how this can be achieved, because it is not as simple as it would appear on the surface. OnlyIntruder suggests “That Mobile Moment” but that in itself is potentially exclusive – RiK’s iPhone 5 has a much better camera than my iPhone 4, some of us may not have smart phones, others may not have a camera phone at all. However, I believe that the thing that OnlyIntruder was getting at was that it should be a snapshot.
So, for this month only, here are three additional rules:
1. The photo must be taken with a camera with a non-detachable lens. This includes all phones, and compacts, but excludes Compact Systems Cameras, SLRs and the like.
2. NO processing is allowed. The shot must be exactly as taken i.e. a snapshot, and anything that shows the slightest hint of Instagram or anything else will be disqualified!
3. The entry MUST be taken within the month of the competition.
I hope that this is a reasonable attempt to address what is a valid point. Now, onto the theme.........
I shied away from the suggestion that it should be open to a snapshot of anything. I think that a theme is important, as it gets you to go out and take photographs which is a specific part of the competition ethos. My theme for this month, then, is churches. It doesn’t matter what – typical, artistic, historic. Churches are a wealth of photographic opportunities, and you should think outside the box. Go inside and see what you might find in there – photographs are usually allowed, but you might be encouraged to drop a couple of quid into the box for roof repairs
There we go then. Not the usual rules, but obviously the usual deadline of the 25th please.
Happy snapping...
Zoot wrote:OK, here's my shortlist:
PFVA (although I also liked the Church entry shot)
TUFTY - love the bleakness of this shot
DVORAK - Just as I requested, out of the box, and a great example of auto contrast.
Stuart B - very similar to a shot that I took of Beveley Minster. It's a shame that the very top of the spire is missing, but that's what happens with a compact/phone.
Meow - one word - "Fantastic". I absolutely love this shot, ticks every box for me.
Some other photos were great but didn't quite make it. (o)(o) would have made it with the crocus shot which is really good, but the leaning church does my head in. "The Caffeine Kid"'s shot is lovely, but marred by the people in it. "Supermario" would have made it in with the first mist shot, but the clear shot in daylight ruins it by showing too much of the scaffolding (maybe a Triptych would have worked?).
Heres one to start off with, view between the towers of Yorkminister cathedral from a couple of years back: 
It was not intended to be an entry, perhaps I should have made that clearer.
)