After the success of the “Name The Tune” contest, where I gave away two incredible photography-related books, I am doing it all over again. This time, though, I am giving something away that is much bigger.
Some months back, I randomly won a Twitter-based contest that Arizona-based photographer and teacher Mark Wallace and PocketWizard hosted.
I won the MiniTT1 (Transmitter) for Canon and the FlexTT5 (Transceiver) for Canon. They are both part of the PocketWizard ControlTL system. Here are some videos by Mark Wallace showing you how the system works.
If you are looking for an off-camera TTL flash solution, the ControlTL is one option.
Here is a video of Mark Wallace and friends pulling my name out of the hat:
Ok, so, I won. But my excitement lasted only so long until I found out that this system is currently only available for the Canon Speedlite system. PocketWizard swears that the Nikon version is coming and is in the midst of beta testing. Fingers crossed that they do deliver soon. As a Nikon shooter, I am salivating, but I also do want them to work out all the bugs before those units ship out.
Mark and I talked about this conundrum and the solution was simple – I would give it away. I finally received the NEW units and now want to spread the love. You in?
This is what I need you to do. It's not as simple as naming a tune this time.
STEP 1
I want you to sing the first three sections of the song, “Don't Stop Believing” by Journey into a video camera and share it with me/us. Are you still with me? I did say I was going to make this fun, right?
Here are the words to the first three sections of that epic tune:
Just a small town girl
Livin' in a lonely world
She took the midnight train
Goin' anywhere
Just a city boy
Born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train
Goin' anywhere
A singer in a smokey room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on
Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching
In the night
Streetlights, people
Livin' just to find emotion
Hidin', somewhere in the night
(song continues)
STEP 2
After you record your video – it can be on your camera phone or a Flip video camera, or even something more elaborate – share it with me/us through Twiddeo. You will require a Twitter account to get started there.
STEP 3
Twiddeo will create a link after you upload your short video. Remember all I need to see and hear is the first three sections of the song – what you see above.
Use the link you are provided in a Tweet and follow this format:
I just sang “Don't Stop Believing” for @PicSeshu's Tiffinbox.org contest – “YOUR UNIQUE LINK” – #PocketWizard #Tiffinbox Please RT!
STEP 4
Drop a comment below saying you are in or you think this is the craziest thing you are going to do to win these PocketWizard units. Your thoughts count!
STEP 5
There is no Step 5. You are done. Go drink a beer or wash your hair out if you used way too much hair spray in the video [grin]
I'll look at every single entry and judge them for creativity, humor, quality (no, you can't totally suck and think you can win this) and enthusiasm. Cool?
Not that I am counting, but the total value of this giveaway is $425.00. Winner announced on June 3 – happens to be my parent's 43rd wedding anniversary! – so, bonus points if you create the video that wins AND sends them your wishes in the comments section below
Here are some other important things to keep in mind:
1) Only one winner will be announced (be a Canon shooter or else these units will not work for you)
2) These units are brand, spanking new and are as such the responsibility of PocketWizard if they fail to operate
3) Shipping and handling will be covered by me, so rest easy this isn't some scam to fork over $39.99. No, Ginsu knives will not be part of your package.
4) You are free to blog, Tweet or otherwise announce to the world any number of times about this contest but see #1
5) This contest is good only for those living in the US & Canada. Sorry, the frequencies may make it impossible for them to work anywhere else (I really don't know for sure) and I don't want you to be disappointed. Yes, I do care about ya!
6) The winner is obligated to share images shot with this unit for a future guest blog post (hey, you will get a link back so, it's a good thing) where she/he can also review it freely (giving it a yay or nay vote – totally up to you)
So, what do you think? Are you still in? Let's get rolling folks. I want to see what you come up with and so do a lot of other people.
If you sense there are holes in the way I have presented this contest, some kind soul please tap me and let me know so that I can correct it right away. And if I am breaking any unknown laws by conducting this contest, I ask for forgiveness now and plead complete and total innocence.
Who knows there might be more goodies to give away in the future. So bookmark the site, subscribe to the newsletter, Tweet about Tiffinbox and spread some good vibes in whatever way you would like. This site is for photographers around the world.
Thank you for playing. Don't stop believing in Tiffinbox!
Kristopher Saim says
I am totally in! I want these for sure!! I have to get home and warm up my vocal cords!!
picseshu says
Kristopher – may the best singer win! [grin]
Rashawn Woodgett says
this def sounds fun . I think I will give it a shot
William Eng says
Being Asian, I might have an advantage with this…ala William Hung..lol just kidding.
I will try recording one tonight. I can't wait & best of luck everyone!
picseshu says
Do it! Looking forward to all your submissions. I want to see a whole bunch. Not just three or four. Ok?
Dustin Waller says
Ha this sounds awesome! my soon to be wife (on June 4th – a day after your parents!) and I sang this song out loud as we listened to it on one of the display ipods in an apple store. Maybe a recreation is in order!
picseshu says
Dustin – from the looks of it, you may just win it. That's unless other people get their groove on and crank out the tune. I need to see it online, however. So, do what you gotta do … [grin] Good luck and thanks for your comment!
Donald Yeager says
Totally gunna rock this!
John Milleker says
I'm in and waiting for Twiddeo to parse and release my video to the world. Is there a prize for the worst singer? ;)
Happy Anniversary to your folks no matter who wins!
John Milleker says
Twiddeo doesn't seem to be working so I uploaded the video to Vimeo and tweeted the selected phrase with my Vimeo link. Thankfully I was able to get it in before Midnight. This was a lot of fun but really got me into the mood for video (something I've been wanting to do on my own blog for a long time). It was also a breath of fresh air coordinating models for something as open-ended as the verses (as I used in my own video). I may get made fun of for my lack of harmony and tempo, but what the heck.