In answer to Bob's comments on the source for our pin photos:

Each year I basically write this same explanation, and the reasoning behind it stays the same. First, we have always been a group who are closely tied to Harbour Lights through our collecting activities. We show interest in their products, and commend them for their generosity in donating to many lighthouse groups for preservation efforts. They also are most generous in giving hundreds of their sculptures to clubs, organizations, and individuals who run auctions and raffles for their own lighthouse fundraising projects. Many of you here on the forums belong to such groups who have been the recipients of their company generosity. So what nicer way for us to honor their lighthouse-saving activity than by using their product image of a lighthouse on our pin.

From a photographic standpoint, having been a professional photographer and photo stock agency owner for many years: consistency in the looks of a product, especially a nice collectible, is very desirable. Our pin is a type of product, and is a sought-after collectible. How best to make its lighthouse image look consistently good each year? By using a photo of the same quality, with the same good lighting conditions which will show off the best details of the lighthouse, the best texture and quality of its materials. This is easiest to do under a controlled situation. In other words, Paul knows exactly the kind of photo our designer needs; he knows how to do the best lighting to show off the lighthouse; he can control the background that best shows off our lettering -- all done with his table-top photo set-up.

If a "regular" photo or even a digital photo, of the REAL lighthouse were to be used, there would be more problems to achieve this consistency of image. Different seasons give different lighting conditions; weather affects sky colors and the presence or absence of clouds, from beautiful blue to dark and cloudy days; time of day creates shadows that may not enhance the view. There is no way to get a controlled picture, which would be consistent from year to year for a product line.

Different cameras have what is called cool or warm lenses. Pictures taken by different photographers from year to year, would create a different hue to the image. Different photographers all see different compositions, and what they take may not end up being necessarily the best view or composition of any particular lighthouse. This would be fine in a photo contest, where individuality of interpretation is a plus; but not here for creating a product which should look consistent.

And besides, our pin is distinctive because of the HL image on it. We wanted it to be different from other pins and products out there which do use photos of the real lighthouse.

Just as that elusive seahorse is a symbol of an HL sculpture; so too is the HL sculpture's image a symbol of our distinctive pin. Enjoy Paul's great photo images and wear your pin proudly please.

Bob, even if your dearest choices can't be nominated this year due to the rule about HL having to make a sculpture first, I hope you will think of other lighthouses in other areas which need help and consider nominating some of them instead. This project depends on member participation in this and other phases. Thank you for helping to keep the flame.

Barb Hupp, chairman