To celebrate a number of things, amongst them reaching 10 000 pageviews yesterday, I am holding a competition.

THEME:
Self-portrait, with a massive twist

WHAT DO YOU MEAN, "TWIST"?
What I want is a self-portrait that is non-figurative. I don't want a photo of you, and I don't want you or anyone in the image to be recognisable. What I want is an image that tells me about you without you, or any part of you, appearing in it.

WHAT SORT OF IMAGE DO YOU WANT?
A photograph. Anything that can be done either in camera or in the darkroom (yes, HDR1 is permitted, but not multiple image HDR). Multiple exposures, masks, some effects (those that simulate in camera or darkroom processing, such as film grain) etc are permitted. Of course, scans of old fashioned prints are acceptable, too!

HOW DO I ENTER?
Send me a note with a thumbnail of the image (:thumb<image number>: ) and your icon if you have it (:icon<name>: ).

In the Artist's Comments put "This is an entry in the Self-portrait with a massive twist competition", and a link to my dA page.

YOU MUST HAVE PRIZES, RIGHT?

Winner: 3 month subscription and feature in my journal as the winner. If you wish you can nominate a fellow deviant to receive the subscription.

Second and Third: Featured in my journal

Best entry by someone 17 or younger: Feature in my journal

I reserve the right to feature or gift with subscriptions as many entries as I feel warrant it.

DEADLINES:
Entries must be sent to me before 11.01am Australian Eastern Summer Time (12.01am GMT) 28th October, 2008. Winners will be announced by Melbourne Cup Day (the public holiday held the first Tuesday in November to celebrate a horse race).


ANYTHING ELSE?
I don't want text desriptions that explain the image. The image should speak for itself.
I want to see people push their boundaries, and have to really think about how an image is a catalyst and a conduit for communication by using visual language instead of words.

I look forward to seeing the entries!