***Welcome to the OFFICIAL Throwdown Lounge! Kick Back and Enjoy General Throwdown Banter, Ask Questions, Share Ideas & Suggestions!***

[Moose]

I’ve been meaning to launch this for a while now, as it creates a space for us to interact and discuss off topic content away from Throwdown entry threads.

Anything Throwdown-related that is constructive is welcome. In particular, this is the perfect place to throw your suggestions in the hat for upcoming monthly special Throwdowns.


So let’s get the party started! What would you like to talk about?

[ronbrad62]

Can I kick it off? Do I need any special camera equipment to take outstanding photos like most of you guys do or are there any tricks you'd care to share?

[LYU370]

How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? And could that wood be used to cook a chuck for a throwdown?

[LYU370]

Originally Posted by ronbrad62

Can I kick it off? Do I need any special camera equipment to take outstanding photos like most of you guys do or are there any tricks you'd care to share?

I just use my cellphone camera. Google Pixel 3aXL. Then I crop the picture so the main item has filled the frame, straighten out if needed, etc. To get the blurred backgrounds I use the Portrait mode on the camera, have to make sure the main image is far enough away from the background so the Goggle image processing can work its magic.

[Moose]

Originally Posted by ronbrad62

Can I kick it off? Do I need any special camera equipment to take outstanding photos like most of you guys do or are there any tricks you'd care to share?

That's three questions!

For #3, behold the The *OFFICIAL* Throwdown Photography Tips Thread in all its glory! All your answers and more will be found here:


https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=96575

[PnkPanther]

I'm still waiting for a show as your wurst throw down

[PnkPanther]

Originally Posted by LYU370

I just use my cellphone camera. Google Pixel 3aXL. Then I crop the picture so the main item has filled the frame, straighten out if needed, etc. To get the blurred backgrounds I use the Portrait mode on the camera, have to make sure the main image is far enough away from the background so the Goggle image processing can work its magic.

good tip, I have same phone and should start looking to use portrait mode. When I first started doing throwdowns my camera phone was really ****ty and showed, but I still entered


On top of having better Camera, I've learned few tricks from others and pay more attention to plating, angles, etc. I still put my photo skills well behind some of the people here, but I can generally be in the ball park of acceptable photos

[Moose]

You mean "Show us Your Wurst? Is this a suggestion, or are you planning to keep waiting around for it?

[PnkPanther]

Originally Posted by Moose

You mean "Show us Your Wurst? Is this a suggestion, or are you planning to keep waiting around for it?

It's a suggestion to use pun name next we have hot dog/sausage throw down

[Moose]

So let's get a little focused here and see what we can come up with for contenders for the May Special Throwdown. I'd like to have it narrowed down to 3-4 categories for us to vote on, so put some thought to it. If we get more than 4 formal suggestions, Matt and I will pick the ones we think are the best fit for the vote. Then we'll put it to to a vote on Monday, April 19th.

As least that's the idea.

Here's how we typically decide these:


Because the SPECIAL Throwdowns lasts an entire month, the category should be fairly broad, and repeatable since we allow multiple entries on these.
Don't repeat a category we've already done in the last 12 months.
Look to past monthly special Throwdowns for ideas or variations on popular favorites.
Come up with something completely different!

[ronbrad62]

As for ideas for TD's, I have two:
1) MSU- don't follow a recipe, make it up as you go along and see what you come up with.
2) Cook something that you have never cooked before or were intimidated by. We all like to learn new things, right?
3) Bonus category- Since May is Mother's Day month, cook your mom's favorite dish, or your wife's, in their honor.

[Bill-Chicago]

May is for May-O


Anything Mayo, could be an option

[SmokinAussie]

Great idea Richard! I hope to learn a lot. Y'know I love photography. I have a nice mirrorless camera. I have a good phone camera and a gimble even. Can't take a good TD shot to save myself. Could be that wine is involved. I need to work on that, but anyway a great place to ask here and shoot the chit for TD ideas.

Well done.

Bill

[Moose]

Originally Posted by Bill-Chicago

May is for May-O


Anything Mayo, could be an option

Hmmm. We've definitely not done that before! I see a potential rash of mayo slathers...

[Moose]

Originally Posted by ronbrad62

As for ideas for TD's, I have two:
1) MSU- don't follow a recipe, make it up as you go along and see what you come up with.
2) Cook something that you have never cooked before or were intimidated by. We all like to learn new things, right?
3) Bonus category- Since May is Mother's Day month, cook your mom's favorite dish, or your wife's, in their honor.

All good ones, Ron!

We've sort of done an MSU type Throwdown like this in the past with the "Four Ingredient Challenge" Throwdown, but that was before MSU became widely known:

https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/s...d.php?t=219049

We haven't done it since 2015, so perhaps a new and improved version:

"The MSU Four Ingredient Challenge" is in order! This one is definitely going on the list.