Throwdowns and such

[bmudd14474]

Hey everyone.

I love doing these throwdowns/giveaways and am thankful for the folks that enter. My question for everyone who hasn't participated is what can we do to entice you to participate? Is it the format? The Prizes? Themes? Do you think you do not have a chance against the folks that cook and take great pictures?

Just trying to think of ways to do more and get more people involved. Id like to get everyones feedback weather good, bad, of indifferent.

Thanks everyone.

 

[Astralogics]

Personally for me, it's because I kept forgetting to snap pics whenever I would do the cook, and then only remember after we ate it lol.

Could runner-up prizes be a thing? Not necessarily an item, but maybe something like a premier membership for a limited time, if they aren't already (6-months for second place, 3-months for third).

 

[Up_In_Smoke]

I just don't think I have a chance, and I don't have the money to spend on some of these throwdowns.

 

[BandCollector]

Food is meant to be eaten, not photographed.

If there was a way to actually taste the contestants' submissions, then, you have a contest. Unfortunately that cannot be done over the web.

 

[SmokinEdge]

I’m kind of creative and can cook just fine. I used to really enjoy the throwdowns until it became obvious that my pictures were very sub par. I’m not rushing out for a camera or to upgrade my phone for better pixels.

That said, some of these guys can build a cucumber salad, then photograph it in such a way that it steals the show. I get that too. We eat first with our eyes, especially if we can’t smell or taste it.

 

[Gonna Smoke]

In the past, I've entered a couple of them and very quickly realized I was way out of my league compared to those who win consistently, finishing close to dead last in the voting. So I just sit back and glean some great ideas for myself and my zoo. Like Eric SmokinEdge said, I can cook just fine, but I can't put together a plate that "looks" like a winner and grabs people's attention compared to almost everyone else and as he said, we eat with our eyes first.

So to answer your question, I'm not sure. By the way, I really appreciate all the effort that goes into making the throwdowns happen, I know it's a lot of work...

 

[Smokin Okie]

I don't have a chance against the great cooks in this forum. And to a lesser extent, I'm not a great photographer.

I'm in awe of those who have great cooking talents in this forum.

 

[DougE]

Like Eric SmokinEdge said, I can cook just fine, but I can't put together a plate that "looks" like a winner and grabs people's attention

Same here. I can cook just fine, but can't do a plated shot that screams, "VOTE FOR ME".

Throwing the tastiest food on a plate, doesn't get it. It takes some artistic ability to get that plated shot to say, "WOW".

 

[Timber II]

I’ve been meaning to but haven’t dove in yet - I’ll try to soon - seems like good fun and I’ve enjoyed looking at others creations

 

[JIMSMOKES]

I struggle with finishing pictures. I'll start taking pics at the beginning but get busy at the finish and forget.

 

[JckDanls 07]

That's my big downfall at Competitions ... Presentation ....

 

[bigfurmn]

I'm going to try again with a better camera on my phone. My last and first attempt with steak got exactly 0 votes due to poor picture and well it wasn't that good looking. I think I misunderstood the rules. Either way, I tried. We all show what we cook. We all enjoy what we cook. If I might win something cool for something I'm doing anyways, I'll give it a shot. I might have gotten a sympathy vote at least with this picture.

 

[Brokenhandle]

I've entered several throwdowns, and if memory serves me correctly, won, well at least placed and got a prize in one.

Brian, you and everyone else that has put in the time and effort to put these on...Thank You! We really appreciate it!

I feel like quite a few, that I'm not at the same level as some others... but I don't care. For me to enter, I first need to have the time, planting season in the spring, and fall harvest are not so good for me, so any during those time periods I usually don't enter. Secondly, is having a great idea, and a game plan. Not always there. This last one was alot of fun! I didn't win or place high in the voting... but I did a meal I've never had until recently, and wanted to give a try to see if I could recreate it. It was a success... and very tasty. I had fun... and that to me is why I'll continue to enter.

My advice to everyone... don't worry about winning or losing, or how your pictures look. If you can come up with a game plan, then do it! Make it fun!

Ryan

 

[DougE]

I'm going to try again with a better camera on my phone. My last and first attempt with steak got exactly 0 votes due to poor picture and well it wasn't that good looking.

Artistry in plating really trumps camera quality. Presentation is everything with photo entries, or that's how I see it.

 

[bigfurmn]

DougE , true but crappy camera doesn't help. That phone was bought before the kid was born.

 

[DougE]

DougE , true but crappy camera doesn't help. That phone was bought before the kid was born.

Just keep in mind that it's not only the camera. What you are photographing is really where the artistry comes in. I can cook but am no artist by any stretch lol. A million dollar camera wouldn't really help me any.

 

[JIMSMOKES]

Artistry in plating really trumps camera quality. Presentation is everything with photo entries, or that's how I see it.

This kicks me. If I don't forget I can catch some decent grill pics.

 

[Redicans]

I like the TD's. Think I have entered two of them. I missed the recent Steak one to being busy with other stuff. For me it's timing. If I can jump in I will. I don't care if I don't place its just fun to put a dish out there amongst all the great entries.

 

[jcam222]

I enjoy the throwdowns and have won several. I bowed out for some and to spread the love. I've not been cooking much in terms of beautiful food lately as I'm keeping it simple for a diet. There is no way around the fact that plating and photo skill are key factors in online throwdowns. That said and to the point of your question I suggest that you add a,door prize or two to them. It would simply be a drawing of those who didn't win in the judging and voting. This would encourage more folks to enter. The more times people enter the more confident they get. I learned a ton when I originally jumped in the deep end on the early throwdowns. My dishes paled compared to some and I learned from them. Just my two cents

 

[Brokenhandle]

I enjoy the throwdowns and have won several. I bowed out for some and to spread the love. I've not been cooking much in terms of beautiful food lately as I'm keeping it simple for a diet. There is no way around the fact that plating and photo skill are key factors in online throwdowns. That said and to the point of your question I suggest that you add a,door prize or two to them. It would simply be a drawing of those who didn't win in the judging and voting. This would encourage more folks to enter. The more times people enter the more confident they get. I learned a ton when I originally jumped in the deep end on the early throwdowns. My dishes paled compared to some and I learned from them. Just my two cents

Jeff, you and I have discussed this in the past... your great plating pics. But what you do now compared to what you shared with me when you started out. Maybe you could share with the group... not to put you on the spot but we had the conversation and from where you showed me your beginning pics to where you are now... WOW! I'm still impressed! Even if it's been awhile.

Ryan