Right, I need some honest opinions...

[dod]

What was the brief for the calendar?

 

[..MD..]

OK can you see the shot of the woman with the gun and the naked man on the ground under her foot . On every kitchen wall in the town/ village . Can you see it used in the school / shop/ bank/ so on and so on.


Personally i feel they will only sell to people who are in them and a few others, Sorry but thats only my opinion:shrug:


md

 

[Betty]

What was the brief for the calendar?

Fun, sexy, raunchy, comical.

I think we managed that, and then some. This wasnt my brief, it came straight from the Mayors wife!

 

[Cobra]

The way I see it,
Whilst I can see the people's point of view that are playing Devils advocate
This is "aimed" at the parents of said children it is they
who will be buying ( and hopefully others too) not the children,
with this terrible disease / condition what ever you want to call it.
I would assume just because they are the parents or friend of parents etc
that have these ailing children, that they would still have a sense of humour

 

[JamesPhotoDyson]

Well they made me laugh and all the pics were well done so take no notice and worry about better things like the weather

 

[dod]

Fun, sexy, raunchy, comical.

I think we managed that, and then some. This wasnt my brief, it came straight from the Mayors wife!

In that case you've fulfilled the brief and should be please on a professional level. Whether or not the mayor's wife has the brief right is a different question and frankly not your problem

 

[Dark Star]

Fun, sexy, raunchy, comical.

I think we managed that, and then some. This wasnt my brief, it came straight from the Mayors wife!

You met the brief 100% - its a great, fun, clever set of shots!

Nowt to worry about Dee - its a great piece of work

 

[Betty]

Thanks all, I know 95% of people like what we've produced, so why am I still so wound up?

 

[..MD..]

Thanks all, I know 95% of people like what we've produced, so why am I still so wound up?

cos you want 100%



md

 

[dod]

Thanks all, I know 95% of people like what we've produced, so why am I still so wound up?

Because you want everyone to like it as much as you do and obviously some don't, c'est la vie.

 

[Flash In The Pan]

Thanks all, I know 95% of people like what we've produced, so why am I still so wound up?

It's duck human nature.....

 

[BillyM]

Thanks all, I know 95% of people like what we've produced, so why am I still so wound up?

Maybe because it's the first time you've had a group of people give a negative reaction to something you've created?
Like I said before, try not to let anyone get you down. It's like the old saying; you can't please all of the people all of the time. And when you're involved in any creative progress there's bound to be more than the usual number of naysayers, regardless of what you produce.

Just another thought regarding the concept and it perhaps not being suitable for that particular charity - I've twice been sponsored in aid of cancer charities, one of those for a children's charity. If someone was looking to be offended or deem it inappropriate I'm sure they'd find fault in both those instances that I had my head shaved.

 

[NorthernNikon]

For me there's two parts to this, the purpose of the calendar and the images themselves.

Firstly, unless I had read this thread I would have had no idea that the photos were for a calendar to raise funds for a Children's Hospice. To me a 'Rainbow Calendar' should have Geoffrey, Zippy, George and Bungle so without any further explanation it could mean anything else to other people.

Secondly the images. I have to say I wouldn't want them on my wall and it does remind me of the episode of the Apprentice when Sir Alan went ape because the calendar had no connection with the charity. With no connection I think that the images would have to be first rate to drive sales and I'm afraid they're not. I think this would work in an internal environment, say within a company where everyone knew the particpants personally or at least by reputation, but for public consumption it doesn't cut the mustard.

Having said all that, there's no excuse for people to slate others going out there and making the effort to raise funds. I've not read the offending thread so I won't comment on it other than in general terms, but unless there's ulterior motives behind it it does seem a bit off.

In conclusion, would I buy the calendar? no. Does it deserve to be slagged off? No.

 

[Splog]

In what way?

Sorry, I found the buttons >> & << to navigate to the other shots after looking again Just me being dim

 

[nikontos]

Fun, sexy, raunchy, comical.

I think we managed that, and then some. This wasnt my brief, it came straight from the Mayors wife!

Well, in that case you have achieved the aim splendidly and it should be the mayor`s wife that gets the critique lol

 

[Diverkeith]

I think its a well presented calendar that is witty ... with a great variety of models, personally i see no issues with it, anyone that complains is being small minded and petty

 

[Crazyhorse]

Fun, sexy, raunchy, comical.

I think we managed that, and then some. This wasnt my brief, it came straight from the Mayors wife!

Well, you've fullfilled that brief.

I once bought a copy of a calendar (for an old male ex racehorse owner) which was produced by Riding for the Disabled and it was marketed as 'raunchy' and it was nothing of the sort.

The old guy was gutted.

What's the mayor's wife got to say on the comments you've seen?

Lisa

 

[Kev R]

I think you have done well Dee...

You have hit the brief, it is for a good cause so what is there to be worried about?

You don't want to do a pull on the heart strings calendar, whilst a sad situation for the little ones who should benifit I think it would have a different effect on the outcome and not generate the same level of income for the charity. I know it is for the children but it needs to apeal to adults.

Regarding the work it's self, I love the images, scenes well thought out and well executed.

So well done you.

 

[Yv]

OK, taking a step back, you have fullfilled the brief Dee and thats what is important in your professional objectives. Yes, I can understand some people not 'getting it' but I say this - what exactly did the original calendar girls concept have to do with Leukemia research? Afterall, thats where all these calendar ideas stem from.

Now ok, you could have done something much cuter and fluffier, more fitting to a childrens charity, but would it have the pulling power [NO pun intended] to adults looking to support the scheme? Possibly not. I seriously doubt this is the first calendar of its genre to be done to support a childrens charity and also doubt it will be the last. I wouldnt get involved in any critism on another forum regarding the issue either, it just isn't worth the agro, they will find the next thing to gripe about soon enough - just consider this, every single mention anywhere on the internet is another possible sale from someone and another few pounds in the Rainbows pot - in PR, all news is 'good' news

 

[NorthernNikon]

what exactly did the original calendar girls concept have to do with Leukemia research? Afterall, thats where all these calendar ideas stem from.

Three things. Firstly because the Calendar Girls were the first to do it, the novelty of the concept was enough. Secondly, there was a link to the charity in the fact that each subject was part of the same WI group as the widow of the chap who died of Leukaemia plus each photo had a sunflower in it as a reminder of him, there his favourite flower. Finally, the photos were good.

Now ok, you could have done something much cuter and fluffier, more fitting to a childrens charity, but would it have the pulling power [NO pun intended] to adults looking to support the scheme? Possibly not. I seriously doubt this is the first calendar of its genre to be done to support a childrens charity and also doubt it will be the last.

It's been over ten years since the Calendar girls and the concept is old and tired (not Dee's fault, she was working to a brief) and how many people will be buying the calendar for the subject rather than just as a donation to the charity? The real test would be whether it sells up against other calendars.

I wouldnt get involved in any critism on another forum regarding the issue either, it just isn't worth the agro, they will find the next thing to gripe about soon enough - just consider this, every single mention anywhere on the internet is another possible sale from someone and another few pounds in the Rainbows pot - in PR, all news is 'good' news

Indeed, I'm sure that more than a few memebrs here have bought it as a result of this thread alone.

 

[theMusicMan]

Hey Dee - if I were you I'd stop worrying... you did a great job, fulfilled the brief, and undertook your obligations to do what you were required to do. There will always be some sad people who, for whatever reason, will decide they don't like something or other and I'd really not let them get to you.

Of course, we don't know what has been said or where it was said, but if you do reply to the OP on the forum in question just remember to maintain your professional ettiquette!! Then poke 'em in the eye... hehehe

Incidentally - we're not talking about the same forum you & I discussed a few weeks ago are we...?

 

[EmZee]

There's always someone somewhere looking to be offended or put someone down. This time next week they'll have a different target. And some folk are like sheep because all it takes is for one to say something then the others all join in.
Don't worry about your subject or even 'professional snobbery', because that type of calendar speaks for itself and you either get it/like it or not. I think it's a great thing you've done.

 

[Yv]

Three things. Firstly because the Calendar Girls were the first to do it, the novelty of the concept was enough. Secondly, there was a link to the charity in the fact that each subject was part of the same WI group as the widow of the chap who died of Leukaemia plus each photo had a sunflower in it as a reminder of him, there his favourite flower. Finally, the photos were good.

I am not disagreeing and I am fully aware of the reasons behind the original concept, just pointing out that those pictures had only the most tenuous link to the charity they set out to support and I do mean the pictures, not the people involved in them.

It's been over ten years since the Calendar girls and the concept is old and tired (not Dee's fault, she was working to a brief) and how many people will be buying the calendar for the subject rather than just as a donation to the charity? The real test would be whether it sells up against other calendars.

Again, you wont hear me disagree with this, Dee just followed a brief decided on by someone else, and did so with some trepidation if I recall her original thread, but has managed to pull it off quite admirably all things considered. I regularly get mailshots from several stock photography sites wanting calendar images and have even submitted a few myself, but tbh, would I buy the calendars? NO! Simply because they sounded very dull and had no good reason other then to stick them in WHSmiths in december and make a few quid. My question is this, when it comes to calendars, what is an innovative new idea? What hasn't already been done [to death] before? If any [be it 1 or 100 or 1000] number of people buy it because its a donation to charity they might not have otherwise made, is that a bad thing?

Indeed, I'm sure that more than a few memebrs here have bought it as a result of this thread alone.

Precisely ..and if a worthy cause benefits, then who are we to complain. I have a suspicion that the same thing will happen on the forum Dee is concerned about, there will be readers that might not say anything because of the general hullabaloo, but will just quietly buy a calendar, liking its quirkiness or just because its for a good cause without saying anything but knowing it will ultimately benefit those it was meant to. Either way = win

 

[Betty]

Thanks everyone, but Ive said my bit now. Thats not to say I dont appreciate your support, but its probably not a good idea this thread carries on, Ive had enough negative publicity for now.

Thanks again x

 

[Byker28i]

OK can you see the shot of the woman with the gun and the naked man on the ground under her foot . On every kitchen wall in the town/ village . Can you see it used in the school / shop/ bank/ so on and so on.


Personally i feel they will only sell to people who are in them and a few others, Sorry but thats only my opinion:shrug:


md

I know - you'd never see a raunchy calendar selling lots, making the people famous, being made into a major film....

 

[Byker28i]

Betty, I thought the abacus shot was clever and well executed and I really liked the hunting shot.

 

[Paddysnapper]

For me there's two parts to this, the purpose of the calendar and the images themselves.

Firstly, unless I had read this thread I would have had no idea that the photos were for a calendar to raise funds for a Children's Hospice. To me a 'Rainbow Calendar' should have Geoffrey, Zippy, George and Bungle so without any further explanation it could mean anything else to other people.

Secondly the images. I have to say I wouldn't want them on my wall and it does remind me of the episode of the Apprentice when Sir Alan went ape because the calendar had no connection with the charity. With no connection I think that the images would have to be first rate to drive sales and I'm afraid they're not. I think this would work in an internal environment, say within a company where everyone knew the particpants personally or at least by reputation, but for public consumption it doesn't cut the mustard.

Having said all that, there's no excuse for people to slate others going out there and making the effort to raise funds. I've not read the offending thread so I won't comment on it other than in general terms, but unless there's ulterior motives behind it it does seem a bit off.

In conclusion, would I buy the calendar? no. Does it deserve to be slagged off? No.

 

[Paddysnapper]

My own views entirely!

Would I buy it? in a local context yes.
Would I have it on my wall No. It would be left in draw.

Don't be too down Dee, public affermation is not a right.

 

[Red9R]

I like it and I like the reason for it so I bought one
The photos I think are great and fun.

I don't get the "does not have a connection with the charity" bit, as has been said I don't think the famous WI calender had much to do with the WI other than the people in it and the odd pot of jam, that sold well and raised money for a good cause, isn't that what this one is attempting to do?

Well done Dee for tring to help a worth cause

 

[Chaz Photos]

You ask for honest replys
Great Idea
Well the one thing that stand out to me is the poor cut outs where you have put a new background in you have not got it right and its too oveous 8, 12, 14 no 2 is better but how anyone can sit on such a small pole lol
How do you get 14 mths?
Who are the ladys like to know one or two myself

 

[HoppyUK]

Photos are fabulous. Great fun. Credit to all concerned.

Bad comments? What comments? I couldn't find any. Who cares - you shouldn't, and have confidence in your own work and judgement.

The charity. I make donations for personal reasons, and that doesn't include buying a calendar.

I wish you luck, a thicker skin, and I bet you'll be talking about this project (with a smile) when you're far too old to appear in it

 

[NorthernNikon]

I don't get the "does not have a connection with the charity" bit, as has been said I don't think the famous WI calender had much to do with the WI other than the people in it and the odd pot of jam, that sold well and raised money for a good cause, isn't that what this one is attempting to do?

As I said in my first post, if there's no obvious connection to the charity, the photogrpahy has to be first rate. The Calendar Girls' success has nothing to do with it, as I also said above. How many Calendar Girls wannabes have achieved a fraction of the success they did?

 

[HoppyUK]

As I said in my first post, if there's no obvious connection to the charity, the photogrpahy has to be first rate. The Calendar Girls' success has nothing to do with it, as I also said above. How many Calendar Girls wannabes have achieved a fraction of the success they did?

Does there have to be any connection with charity? I see it as just a fun promotional idea.

Was the original Calendar Girls thing really about raising money for charity? I remember it as a daring risque promotion for the WI, taking the really boring stuff like jam and knitting and making it rather more interesting.

I don't think you need the charity tag to make it legitimate or acceptable.

 

[NorthernNikon]

Does there have to be any connection with charity? I see it as just a fun promotional idea.

Was the original Calendar Girls thing really about raising money for charity? I remember it as a daring risque promotion for the WI, taking the really boring stuff like jam and knitting and making it rather more interesting.

I don't think you need the charity tag to make it legitimate or acceptable.

I'm confused, are you talking generally, or specifically about the calendar in this thread as I am? If the latter, I never said that there had to be a connection to the charity, I said that if there wasn't an obvious one the photography has to be first rate. If you're talking generally, then I'd say that the quality of the photogrpahy was even more important.

The Calendar Girls one was only about raising money for charity and nothing to do with promoting the WI.

 

[HoppyUK]

I'm confused, are you talking generally, or specifically about the calendar in this thread as I am? If the latter, I never said that there had to be a connection to the charity, I said that if there wasn't an obvious one the photography has to be first rate. If you're talking generally, then I'd say that the quality of the photogrpahy was even more important.

The Calendar Girls one was only about raising money for charity and nothing to do with promoting the WI.

I'm talking both generally and specifically. I think the photography is fine, damn good attempt personally. Certainly good enough. The whole thing is a spoof, that's obvious, it's not pretending to be anything else, and I like the humourous touches like stretching the arms to make the pic. It's serious fun, not serious serious.

Whatever the Calendar Girls thing was also about, I only remember it as a promotion for the WI, to say we're not boring, just a bunch of regular girls having fun. Any charitable message has completely missed me, and I suspect millions of others.

 

[Paddysnapper]

I'm talking both generally and specifically. I think the photography is fine, damn good attempt personally. Certainly good enough. The whole thing is a spoof, that's obvious, it's not pretending to be anything else, and I like the humourous touches like stretching the arms to make the pic. It's serious fun, not serious serious.

Whatever the Calendar Girls thing was also about, I only remember it as a promotion for the WI, to say we're not boring, just a bunch of regular girls having fun. Any charitable message has completely missed me, and I suspect millions of others.

The Calendar Girls. calendar was for leukemia charity, it had NO promotional agenda for the W.I.

 

[NorthernNikon]

I'm talking both generally and specifically. I think the photography is fine, damn good attempt personally. Certainly good enough. The whole thing is a spoof, that's obvious, it's not pretending to be anything else, and I like the humourous touches like stretching the arms to make the pic. It's serious fun, not serious serious.

Well each to their own, the world would be a dull place if we all agreed.

Whatever the Calendar Girls thing was also about, I only remember it as a promotion for the WI, to say we're not boring, just a bunch of regular girls having fun. Any charitable message has completely missed me, and I suspect millions of others.

I suspect that you're in the minority, it's widely know that the whole calendar was a charitable effort, as is the fact that the girls struggled to get WI approval for it in the first place.

 

[HoppyUK]

The Calendar Girls. calendar was for leukemia charity, it had NO promotional agenda for the W.I.

Well, I knew it had some charitable connection but until you mentioned leukemia I honestly didn't recall. Sorry, but the promotional angle for the WI is the only message that's stuck with me (mainly ).

I don't want to take this thread off topic, so I'll sign off with:

Well done Betty. Top job to be proud of

 

[inaneredstripe]

ive had a good look round your images.
you should be proud.
the calender images were bloody hilarious.
i think all you need is to develop a thicker skin.
keep up the good work.
just one thought. you banner says burton and surrounding areas. why limit yourself.?
how about "based in burton on trent"?
just charge traveling expenses.

sorry, just noticed another one.
youve got a lot of links on there to other togs.
why advertise the "competition"?

 

[48thEagle]

Like the pics, and the spirit intended.

And some of the women featured definitely got my attention!