Monthly Megapixel: July Edition

1:00 PM on 07.01.2010   |   Jason Millward

July first. The first day of the month of July is important for many reasons. And it's not just because it happens to be my birthday. No, no, no. There are other (slightly less) important things that make this day very special.

For starters, it kicks off the second half of the year. Did you know that in some cultures today is celebrated as a day of reflection? It's seen as a day to take stock of your accomplishments during the first half of the year and prepare to make the second half even better. If you weren't aware of that, it might be because I just made it up. Sounds like a good idea though, doesn't it?

What I do know is that 7/1 is celebrated throughout Canada as a national holiday. While I love my northern neighbors (home of Labatt Breweries and the first county that I saw the Pixies play live in [third fracking row!]), I'm not sure what they're celebrating. We'll just call it Canadian Celebrate Jason's Birthday Day.

To honor the most important day of the year, this month's theme is Birthda-... Oh, wait. We already did that. Um, this month's theme is Summer Vacation. Hit the jump for an explanation of the Megapixel concept (since it's been a while) as well as some ideas to get you started. Also, there's a prize but we'll announce that later.

The Monthly Megapixel. This is your chance to get yourself some front-page recognition as a guest editor. Each month (if you don't count the last four) we give you a theme and ask you to photograph your toys in a way that expresses it. Put those pics into a Community Blog and we'll promote the exceptional ones to the front page. At the end of the month we'll give a prize to our very favorite.

In the past we have seen some amazing single pics that pack a whallop. We've seen so many remarkable photo stories and comics that it's nearly impossible to count. We've had one or two excellent story blogs. So much great work from our incredibly talented community, and I can't wait to see more. And I keep holding out hope that a talented vinyl customizer will someday create  an original work based on a theme.

At any rate, you can do whatever you want. Just make sure it includes your photos and in some way incorporates the theme which again, this month is Summer Vacations. Now, here's the part where I give you ideas and possibilities that you could explore.

What would your toys do on vacation? Would they hit up the beach? Battle sharks like Quint in Jaws (or like a zombie in a Fulci movie)? Would one accidentally get left behind while the others were off enjoying themselves (maybe they have to defend the house from burglars)? How about you tell us a story from your childhood about a particular summer spent with your favorite toy. Make sure to include your photos.

I kind of like this idea that came out of my brainstorming: a series of picture postcards of your toys corresponding with each on their respective trips. Or a letter from Hatsune Miku in Tahiti with vacation snapshots?

Go crazy with this. From your work on the Birthday theme in February, I am confident that you can let your imaginations run with this one. I can't wait to see what you come up with. Exercise those creative muscles. I'm so excited to put your work on the front page!

Special thanks to my pal Jon Haigh for supplying the pic of his dinosaur, Oliver Malone, while they were sightseeing in Dublin, Ireland.

MOAR Monthly Megapixel:

Monthly Megapixel: Trying new things

[REMINDER]Twelve Days of Swag: Winner's Circle

[REMINDER] Monthly Megapixel: Holiday Party

Monthly Megapixel: 'Tis the Season

September Megapixel contest winners!

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