BY Rene Hill WANDA Brown has represented both>The Royal Gazette and the Mid-Ocean News <I>for the past 15 years,
BY Rene Hill WANDA Brown has represented both>The Royal Gazette and the Mid-Ocean News for the past 15 years, and in the last eight she has assisted as a Baby Contest coordinato$>
She enjoys this time of year when parents flood into the newspaper with pictures of their offspring, but she has seen some common mistakes and has offered helpful hints for future entrants.
“I have enjoyed assisting this event and coordinating the contest of beautiful children,” she said.
“I have also had the pleasure of meeting the proud parents of the winners.
“I am not a judge in the contest, but I know that it is a difficult, although fun task to do. I commend all the judges, as all the children are winners.”
The contest is very involved and it is important for parents to be aware of the rules, that are advertised in advertisements, which include the entry form, she explained:
[bul] The entry form is to be filled out completely and taped on the back of the picture, otherwise the form can sometimes be lost, thus the photo unidentified.
[bul] Make sure that pictures are in the required format: The minimum size is 5”X7” and maximum is 11”X14”.
She suggests: “Have a preferred small picture enlarged, as larger pictures are more noticeable in a group of many photos.”
[bul] Photographs should be clear, not blurred, dark or too light.
She says: “I suggest taking as many shots as possible at different angles that are appealing and then choose the clearest, especially if you are shooting pictures for a contest where it will be judged with other pictures.
“Pictures of children are precious memories, those moments cannot be recaptured.”
[bul] Incomplete entry forms are also consistent during this time. Often missing information such as the year a child is born, incomplete phone numbers, and illegible handwriting can cause a misspelled name and phone numbers.
Her suggestion: “Please complete all details in print.”
[bul] Another is a picture of a [bul] Another is a picture of a child’s back with a great background.She suggests: “Have the child turn around and look into the lens, then shoot the picture.”
[bul] When choosing the right photo of your child, look at the categories and enter the best photo that suits that category.
In conclusion she said that this is a precious and memorable occasion that will be remembered and reflected on by parents, family and friends, as the children get older.
“I hope that these tips assist parents who are planning to enter future contests,” she said, “And to realise how important it is to follow the rules that are advertised when we promote the contest.
“Thank you and God bless all 2007 Baby Contest participants, advertisers, organisers and prize donors for making this year’s contest a success.
“And parents, prepare for tMid-Ocean News Baby Contest in 2008!”
