Open Contest 2026 BYC Calendar Photo Contest - We Need Your Pictures!

[redinator]

So, with my son's help, we figured out why my phone's camera kept changing picture/video resolutions.

When I take pictures/video directly with my phone the resolution would be correct, but if I switched to taking a picture within a text message it would lower the default resolution so the file size would be compressed to send the file quickly.

What I didn't realize was when I went back to taking pictures/videos directly with my phone it had a setting to 'default to last picture/video quality setting' or some similar wording.

These are the steps we took to stop that from happening:

Tap the Settings icon within your phones camera mode


Tap on "settings to keep"


Toggle "High picture resolutions" on


Check for these settings in both photo and video mode.

I tend to move my pictures/video from my phone to my computer on a regular basis, so saving them in a higher resolution doesn't eat up storage space on my phone.

I use a charging/data cable (not all charging cables transfer data) to move my pictures to my computer. If you don't want to run to your computer every time you take a few pictures/videos consider getting a USB flash/thumb drive with both Type-c and type-A connections.

I hope this helps someone else having similar issues and your phone makes you want to

 

[Paz]

 

[StinkyAcres]

@casportpony You have so much patience in this chaos!

 

[ChickQueen77]

my grand champion rooster

 

[ChickQueen77]

bantam cochin rooster named Pineapple

 

[CCsGarden]

bantam cochin rooster named PineappleView attachment 4137894

remember landscape only ! This one will very hard to crop.
Read the following post

Important - Please Read

All entries are entered into a spreadsheet as they are submitted, and you can check this spreadsheet to see if your entry qualifies.

Entries will be disqualified if:

• The photo cannot be cropped to 3000 x 2000. For more information about this, please see the Cropping Examples below.
• The photo is too small to judge. The photo you upload must be at LEAST 3,000 pixels wide by 2,000 pixels tall. If you aren't sure of your photo's size, use this: Imageonline.co.
• The photo is a screenshot. No screenshots allowed.
• The photo has text, watermarks, datestamps, etc., on it.
• The photo has people in it.
• The photo has been heavily edited. We want to see the world through your eyes, not through the excessive use of editing tools. However, basic cropping and poop removal is allowed.

In the comments section of the sheet, the reason for disqualification is listed.

If your entry has been disqualified, you may enter a replacement, just make a new post, and we will make a note in the spreadsheet.

If you submit four entries, and then find or take a better photo, you can replace one of the existing entries by posting the new photo and informing us of the replacement.

---

Cropping Examples.​

New for this year! Photos in the portrait format will be accepted if they can be cropped. Below are examples of photos that can and cannot be cropped to fit the template.


This photo was used in the 2021 Calendar.


This can be cropped because all of the rooster is in the template.

Original	Cropped
View attachment 4110375	View attachment 4110376

This photo was used in the 2022 Calendar.


This can be cropped because all of the chick is in the template.

Original	Cropped
View attachment 4110373	View attachment 4110374

This cannot be cropped because the comb & wattles extend past the edge of the template:

Original	Cropped
View attachment 4110377	View attachment 4110378

This cannot be cropped because the comb & toes extend past the edge of the template:

Original	Cropped
View attachment 4110379	View attachment 4110380

This is an image we might consider if it's well-focused, well-composed, and aesthetically pleasing.

Original	Cropped
View attachment 4110381	View attachment 4110382

​

Hope this helps!

 

[casportpony]

This is Elvis

Pretty girl!

 

[casportpony]

4th Entry, if my count is correct:

I'm not sure what happened, but the file size on my phone keeps changing from the higher resolution I set it to. Did the picture

of the two RIR chicks qualify? Wait . . . . does it matter if I "insert thumbnail" / "insert Full Image" in the post . . .?

That's so weird the picture of my dog with the flock qualified and these didn't. I took them the same day, with the same phone. My phone is trying to drive me crazy.

Edit: I'll save these for later contests that don't require such high quality.

Well, darn, I guess I 'have to' go hang out with chickens all weekend to get good shots, ugh . (note: the sarcasm)

So, with my son's help, we figured out why my phone's camera kept changing picture/video resolutions.

When I take pictures/video directly with my phone the resolution would be correct, but if I switched to taking a picture within a text message it would lower the default resolution so the file size would be compressed to send the file quickly.

What I didn't realize was when I went back to taking pictures/videos directly with my phone it had a setting to 'default to last picture/video quality setting' or some similar wording.

These are the steps we took to stop that from happening:

Tap the Settings icon within your phones camera mode


Tap on "settings to keep"


Toggle "High picture resolutions" on


Check for these settings in both photo and video mode.

I tend to move my pictures/video from my phone to my computer on a regular basis, so saving them in a higher resolution doesn't eat up storage space on my phone.

I use a charging/data cable (not all charging cables transfer data) to move my pictures to my computer. If you don't want to run to your computer every time you take a few pictures/videos consider getting a USB flash/thumb drive with both Type-c and type-A connections.

I hope this helps someone else having similar issues and your phone makes you want to

Glad you figured it out!

What sizing template are you using on Canva so I can check them before submission?

Try not to overthink it. Take your picture in landscape mode, and you should be okay. What phone do you have?

 

[casportpony]

They look happy! Do you have the original, full-sized version? This one is too small to judge. If you can find the original, full-sized version, post it in a new post.

Thanks!

 

[casportpony]

@casportpony You have so much patience in this chaos!

Thanks, lol. The calendar contest is my favorite! I love everything about it, including the chaos. When are we going to see some entries from you?