Updates:
OK, it looks like there is enough interest for this thing so I'm going ahead with plans. Price will be about $16 shipped ...might even end up being a bit less but, as usual, I want to quote on the high side at this point since we don't know how many people we be ordering at this point. I will have a more accurate idea on price once I get an idea of how many calendars will be ordered (poll inbound). The calendar will be two semi-gloss 8.5"x11" pages printed on 100# paper with a saddle stitched binding on the long edge and a small hole that can be used for hanging. One page will have the pictures, the other will have the calendar. Total size when hanging will be 17"hx11"w. Like the past years, I will collect payment from everyone up front, print the calendars, then ship the calendars to you. The payment deadline will likely be sometime in September and the calendars will be shipped out in late November or early December. This is the same method that we have used for the last four years and it has worked out well for us.

2009 Sportster Calendar Project Instructions and Terms

Details for Submissions:

For those that know about image printing/processing, I have twelve 8.5"x11" @ 300dpi areas to fill...this may be easy or it may be hard depending on the quality of the images that I get. I can accept Canon dSLR RAW files, TIFF, JPG (at least level 10, or straight out of camera). No final processing or sharpening is necessary though if you would like to color correct, set white/black points, etc. your files then please feel free to do so.
For those that don't know about image printing/processing please submit your best pictures as they came out of your camera and if you could let me know some information about your camera in the email that would save me some time as well.
Rules for submissions:

The picture must contain a Harley Davidson Sportster
I would ask that you include a little bit about the bike (model, year, any other short blurb) in the email if you would like that information to be displayed in the calendar.
No people are allowed in the photos in this version (may change next year if there is demand)
You must have taken the picture yourself
You must agree to a copyright release
You may submit as many pictures as you would like, but only 1 photo per email (yes you need the copyright release in each email)

Please cut and past the body of the example email below when sending pictures:
To: SportsterCalendarProject[-at-]gmail[-dot-]com
From: You!
Subject: 2009 Sportster Calendar
Body:
Here is my submission to the 2009 Sportster Calendar! It is a 2001 883 Standard converted to a 1200 with NHRS Stage III thunderstorm heads etc etc...
Camera: Canon 20D
Resolution: 8 Megapixel
Screen Name: raysheen
I, [your real name], hereby certify that:
I own the copyright in the attached photo or digital image or am authorized by the owner of the copyright in the photo or digital image to make and use any reproduction of the photo or digital image. I hereby authorize any editing of the photo or digital image as necessary (or as seen fit by Calendar creator) to conform the dimensions of the image to the calendar size. I agree to indemnify and hold The XL Forum and its Administrators harmless from all liability, damages and expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) they may incur as a result of my submission, including any claims brought by any other person claiming an interest in the photo or digital image or its subject matter. I have read and understand the instructions and terms for the 2006 Sportster Calendar Project.
[Your Name], [Date]
[Please note that by typing your name and date above you are electronically signing a legal and binding document which has been recognized by the courts as such. For more information please see The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (eSign)]

* You may copy and paste the above copyright release into your email. Please see section 7 of the XL Forum Terms of Use for further information on the submission of pictures.

Section 7 of the XL Forum Terms of Use

7. Submission of Content on this Web Site
By providing any Content to our web site:
(a) you agree to grant to us a worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual, non-exclusive right and license (including any moral rights or other necessary rights) to use, display, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, distribute, perform, promote, archive, translate, and to create derivative works and compilations, in whole or in part. Such license will apply with respect to any form, media, technology known or later developed;
(b) you warrant and represent that you have all legal, moral, and other rights that may be necessary to grant us with the license set forth in this Section 7;
(c) you acknowledge and agree that we shall have the right (but not obligation), in our sole discretion, to refuse to publish or to remove or block access to any Content you provide at any time and for any reason, with or without notice.

can it be obviously photoshopped?
Like to get an effect?
:)

What's the final date for submission of photos?

I'm gonna steal my roomies' camera...

Are Location Related Landmarks allowed in the backdrop? To what percentage the bike bike must fill the picture? Is daytime, dusk, dawn or nightime a specific requirement?

Great questions guys! Keep them coming!can it be obviously photoshopped?
Like to get an effect?
:)
Depends on if you want to make it into the calendar or not. :D Seriously though, I generally shy away from overly processed photos because it doesn't give me as much freedom in creating the calendar...however there is a first time for everything so if you have a shot that you think would look great and it's been photoshopped then send it! All entries are welcome. I would suggest, however, that you also send the original as well. A good photograph of a sportster will stand on its own and won't require much PSing in my opinion.
What's the final date for submission of photos?
This has not yet been announced. I'm thinking mid-August depending on how many submissions I get. So everyone should have a bit over a month to get me their best pictures.
Are Location Related Landmarks allowed in the backdrop? To what percentage the bike bike must fill the picture? Is daytime, dusk, dawn or nightime a specific requirement?
Location related landmarks would be a great addition to a photograph as long as it is taken in public and there are no copyright issues (this would be rare though so you're probably good to go). % of the bike filling the picture is totally up to you. If you want to take a really cool macro shot of the cams in your bike then that will work. If you want to use a lot of "white space" / 9 zone grid rule then that will also work. Take a look at previous years photographs...anything and everything sportster related goes. Get creative and you will find a spot in the calendar. Notice, if you have one of last years calendars, the front and rear cover. If you are aiming high and going for a cover shot then you will need to add enough space at the top of the picture to allow for text to be placed there. Same goes for the back cover only I need even more space abvoe the bike. Daytime, dawn, dusk, nighttime...all up to you. Some good non-daytime pictures will certainly stand out since most submissions are photos taken in the daytime...nighttime pictures can be tricky and as such I don't get many of them but I'd love to see some. Thanks again for the questions!:)

Raysheen,

I have a funny feeling that this year's calendar will feature some great looking bikes. I've seen them lately.

Sadly, sometimes a photo does not show all the great qualities and details that the owner has put into it. I hope that I can offer some help to anyone who wants their photos to look good enough for any magazine spread.

The size of the image will be the first factor considered when you submit the photo. The larger the size of the file, the more detail it will show, specially since it will likely be printed larger than a 8X10. Usually a 4-5 megapixel image is a good start. Buy, beg or borrow a better camera from a trusted friend. (Don't steal one) ;)

The size of the lens matters - Nowadays many cameras have been made to be compact in size, giving you a small lens to work with. Although the camera's resolution may be high, the image quality will not. The bigger the lens, the more detail will be shown.

Make sure the lens is clean. Even a small dry droplet can severlely distort the image details.

Lighting plays an important role. Just becase it's sunny, it does not guarantee a good shot. Bright sun will create heavy and dark shadows. Use the flash to "fill" them in. Make sure that the sun is behind you, and in front of the subject. Even if your subject is slightly over-exposed, it can be corrected without altering the quality of the image. If the lighting is in front of you and behind the object, the backgroung will make the subject darker than it really is. This can be compensated when the image is developed, but the background will be overexposed.

Your backdrop is just as important as your bike. The background will help in showing what your theme is. For example, a Cafe Racer in front of an Old Fashioned Diner will look better than in front of McD's. A flat track racer will look the part at the track, not in a parking lot. A bagger or a cruiser will show it's place with a natural picturesque backdrop or winding roads, and not on the side of your house (no pun intended). A "Rat Bike" will feel at home in a junkyard, not in a country club. Get the drift?

Color plays another role. If you want a vintage look, black and white (desaturate your colors or select the SEPIA effect) works best. If you want your bike to look modern and technologically in the present, bright color exporures work best on this.

The bike's position in the photo will be another determining factor whether your image is selected or not. Keep the bike as upright as possible. The use of a clear plastic puck or even a black hockey puck is accepable in any magazine. Don't use a rock or plywood; it looks cheap.
Avoid turning the handlebars too much. It looks like you are hiding something. Keep the wheels straight, unless the wheels are the most detailed part of your bike. Take as many pictures as you want, then take more. You can always delete the ones you didn't like. Everytime you change the angle of the bike, remember the lighting and background.

Nighttime (including dusk and dawn) present a challenge. The less the natural light is available, the more the shutter will slow down, creating a blurring effect. Automatic Cameras will try to compensate by raising the Film Speed (ISO). Any number greater than 200 will begin to show grain in the image. Don't try to compensate with just the flash. It was not designed to fill every area of an image, just the center. Instead, use a tripod, adjust the exposure, ISO and shutter speed and set the automatic timer and walk away. Some newer cameras have a "slow flash" mode that will fire the flash, but will maintain the lens open a few more seconds, allowing extra 'natural ambient light' to enter the picture as well. Take advantage of surrounding lights to fill in the dark areas. Nightsters look great in dark back alleys, with the dim light from a light pole right over it. Leave the key on to turn on the lights, but don't start the engine as the vibrations will cause a blurr. Also, make sure the ground around it is wet at night, it gives contrast and a depth of field.

When photographing in color, be careful with contrast and primary colors clashing. A red bike will not look as good in a green grass field or next to a red barn. A back bike will not show details in the shade of a tree. White and silver bikes dissapear with a concrete background and so on...

Recognizeable Historical and Geographical Landmarks will definite show where you live and ride. The Devil's Tower, Miami's South Beach Neon Lights, Hong Kong Skyline, The Eiffel Tower and San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge are a few fine examples of such.

I hope this information helps you on your photographic images and opens a creative side of your mind.

Good luck to all!

Raysheen - If this post is inappropriate, please let me know and I'll remove it.

Raysheen,
Raysheen - If this post is inappropriate, please let me know and I'll remove it.
On the contrary, it is an absolutely welcome addition to the post! I had similar guidelines from the previous years all written out but I have since lost them :o ...besides yours spell things out in much greater detail than my guide. I would encourage everyone out there to follow these guidelines! The closer you follow them, the greater chance you will make it into the calendar in a prominent position. I do have a feeling that the quality of the pictures is going to be outstanding this year! I have received pictures from 4 people and they could all easilly be calendar material. Thanks again funnythebunny for the excellent photography guide.

early morning bump

I second that...

i've sent an entry!

I wish I could take decent pictures of mine, I am very Photography Challenged !

But I'll try !

I wish I could take decent pictures of mine, I am very Photography Challenged !

But I'll try !

Earlier in this tread I posted some helpful information on how to take better pictures. Follow it and you'll see how much better your shots will come out.

Good luck!

Why can't we change the rules for this year and include one person in the Pic along with the bike? Seems to me that with a limit of one person, we could still get the Sporty's as the main object along with giving each Pic more of a personal impact!

Why can't we change the rules for this year and include one person in the Pic along with the bike? Seems to me that with a limit of one person, we could still get the Sporty's as the main object along with giving each Pic more of a personal impact!
Well to be honest it just creates a lot more work and it is quite possible that it will create some strife in here. I don't want to be the one to decide what is "taseful" when I start getting pictures with half naked women on the bike...though if I could get enough pictures then we could have a "G" rated calendar and an "R" rated calendar if there was enough interest! :laugh The biggest problem though is that I will need model releases from everyone in the calendar. While that may not be a big deal for some folks, it would be a bit of a pain on my end. I would also need ink signatures for that which would further complicate things. Sorry that we have to be the victim of the over litigious society that we live in but I have to help protect myself and XLF in that manner. I won't completely shoot down the idea, and I would go with it if there was enough interest (so post here if you are interested guys!) but it may not be until next calendar season that I get that project underway...unless there are a lot of you willing to sign and mail releases with your pictures very soon.

one more bump...more pictures are starting to come in! :D

Any chance we could use this for the cover?

http://bweir.com/mrjimi/pix/mrj.jpg

Any chance we could use this for the cover?

http://bweir.com/mrjimi/pix/mrj.jpg

I second this.

Jimi should definitely be on the cover. I clicked on this post for this reason and it was already posted. Kudos.

Any chance we could use this for the cover?

http://bweir.com/mrjimi/pix/mrj.jpg

+1 to that!

Agreed on the Mr Jimi pic. Maybe send a copy of the calendar to his widow, too.

..Best idea I have seen & heard all day long!

Any chance we could use this for the cover?

http://bweir.com/mrjimi/pix/mrj.jpg
:frownone Love the Idea! I'll have to see if I can make it work...anyone know if there was a higher resolution version of this floating around? I seem to recall that there was but haven't seen it in a while.

maybe on his website? mrjimi.net I think

Raysheen,

If a large resolution photo cannot be found, maybe an additional page at the end of the calendar as a memorial to Mr.Jimi with a biography would be a nice addition as well.

Now I was a big fan and internet friend of Mr. Jimi too but before we go dedicating the year to him let us not forget we lost another of our beloved XLF members earlier this year....

Now I was a big fan and internet friend of Mr. Jimi too but before we go dedicating the year to him let us not forget we lost another of our beloved XLF members earlier this year....
very good point indeed...how about the memorial page idea where we could list all of our falen members. More pictures needed for the calendar too guys. Keep them coming...the ones that I've been sent so far have been great.

:bump
2 photo submissions sent. Hope they don't suck. :o

Hi Raysheen,
I'll be needing two....so how do we place orders and make payment ?
Thanks!

I have a couple good ideas for the background. I just have to find the time for a 5 hour ride. Maybe this weekend I will be able to get there. Hope it's not too late!

the memorial page idea where we could list all of our falen members

also raysheen I have no pic's but would like to order one now if i can

Hi Raysheen,
I'll be needing two....so how do we place orders and make payment ?
Thanks!Orders aren't being accepted yet but I'll be sure to make a big post about it. This will probably happen at the end of August. :D

I have a couple good ideas for the background. I just have to find the time for a 5 hour ride. Maybe this weekend I will be able to get there. Hope it's not too late!
Excellent! Not too late at all. I'll still be accepting photos for a few more weeks. They aren't coming in as fast as I had hoped, but we should still be able to put a good calendar together. :banana

Why can't we change the rules for this year and include one person in the Pic along with the bike? Seems to me that with a limit of one person, we could still get the Sporty's as the main object along with giving each Pic more of a personal impact!

sure would be a nice addition with all the hotties in the hots for an xl forum member thread.

could I post up some low res versions and see if they are what you are looking for?

could I post up some low res versions and see if they are what you are looking for?
sure, I don't see why not...though you could just send them in and I'll see if I can get them into the calendar just the same:D

Well I went for a 600 mile round trip ride today especially to get some pics. I really wanted to get a good one behind the waterfall, but it was so sunny that I got too much glare off my chrome. Oh well, I still got some pretty good ones. I still have a few more ideas, I'll try to get them in next week.

I'll be sending in some pics, soon enough. I'd like to retake my sig pic with the newer pipes, and a higher res.

I want to go out and get some new ones of my bike. I might be able to find a nice area tomorrow. If not, I guess I could resort to using mine from last year.

How long do we have on the submission of photos?

I went out and took a bunch of new photos. I did not get any really cool ones like I did last year, but a handful of them turned out pretty good.

I just emailed you some of them, let me know if you received them. It seem to take forever to send each email. Email never seems to love the large files!

keep those pictures coming guys! There are some good ones this year! I still need some more, but the ones that I have received are great! :D

one more bump for pictures...I'll be closing the picture submissions pretty soon. :D

one more bump for pictures...I'll be closing the picture submissions pretty soon. :D
When? I'm hoping to have some good shots next week.

When? I'm hoping to have some good shots next week.

Likewise. I've got Monday 08182008 booked off to go riding in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta. Should be some spectacular backdrops.

next week will work just fine! no worries. :) thanks guys

next week will work just fine! no worries. :) thanks guys


Won't be sending any pics wouldn't stand a prayer with some of the fine looking rides in here .. But definitely interested in 2 Calendars when they become available... :clap

Won't be sending any pics wouldn't stand a prayer with some of the fine looking rides in here .. But definitely interested in 2 Calendars when they become available... :clap

+2 on the calendars. 2 that is...

guess it's time for a "how many people are buying calendars" thread so that I can figure out the pricing for you guys :)

Pics sent :banana :D Happy choosing ;)

I no longer be accepting photographs after 11:59 EST this Sunday night 8/24/08. If you would like your bike to be included in the calendar then please get your pictures to be before this time. Ordering will open next week and I will post on the forum when that happens.

I no longer be accepting photographs after 11:59 EST this Sunday night 8/24/08. If you would like your bike to be included in the calendar then please get your pictures to be before this time. Ordering will open next week and I will post on the forum when that happens.

Well, sweet jebus mother mary!! sweet... I can't wait... :banana

I no longer be accepting photographs after 11:59 EST this Sunday night 8/24/08. If you would like your bike to be included in the calendar then please get your pictures to be before this time. Ordering will open next week and I will post on the forum when that happens.

Did the photos I sent in Sunday make it to you?

Hey Greg, they made itust fine! good looking pictures, where were they taken?

Hey Greg, they made itust fine! good looking pictures, where were they taken?

Thanks John. Wasn't sure if size would be a problem. I took the photos at a boat launch on the Snohomish River just SE of Everett, WA. They had all this driftwood piled up in the various medians of the lot and I thought it made nice, simple backdrop.

I emailed mine last week, but now I think they may be too small.:frownthre

I just emailed you some of them, let me know if you received them. It seem to take forever to send each email. Email never seems to love the large files!


John,

Can you verity that the photos I sent you a few weeks ago made it? My Yahoo email went super slow while sending those, I want to make sure it did not time out while uploading.

Thanks,