If it's a matter of meeting the editing rules, then the voters are supposed to assume the entry is legal. If it's a matter of meeting the challenge, then the onus is on the photographer to communicate that topic. Suitability is in the eye of the beholder, and voters are asked to keep the topic in mind. If voters don't think a photo meets the challenge, then they are entitled to vote accordingly. Your opportunity to influence voter opinions ends when you hit the submit button.
It seems as if people are hampering creativity by voting poorly on a (possibly good) photo because it doesn't meet their personal convictions of what and what shouldn't be in the challenge. If someone tries to do something out-of-the-box isn't this a good thing? Photography is art and, with any type of art, it is expressive. Shouldn't expression and creativity be seen as a good thing even in a structural challenge?
It seems as if people are hampering creativity by voting poorly on a (possibly good) photo because it doesn't meet their personal convictions of what and what shouldn't be in the challenge. If someone tries to do something out-of-the-box isn't this a good thing? Photography is art and, with any type of art, it is expressive. Shouldn't expression and creativity be seen as a good thing even in a structural challenge?
Welcome to DPC.
This sentiment has been expressed and argued for/against in the forums countless times. The challenges are fun, but if you are looking for an additional creative outlet, you should consider the side challanges that are run every month. They are much less formal and some memebers swear by them. I am in my first right now, The March De-Sat, and it is a refreshing change from normal DPC life.
Shouldn't expression and creativity be seen as a good thing even in a structural challenge?
Yes, but you have to be creative within the public's perception of the topic. That's why it's called a challenge, and more often than not outside the box is also outside the theme.
The challenges are fun, but if you are looking for an additional creative outlet, you should consider the side challanges that are run every month. They are much less formal and some memebers swear by them. I am in my first right now, The March De-Sat, and it is a refreshing change from normal DPC life.
How does one get involved in these side challenges? I just took a look and it seems that they all select their own participants.
Shouldn't expression and creativity be seen as a good thing even in a structural challenge?
There is a reason it is out of the box. Such different approaches are often rewarded with low votes because not everyone thinks that way. I have a few of my own that I thought fit the topic very well, but got a lot of low votes and comments from people that didn't understand the topic the way I did. When I have one of those, I take some delight when the rare someone leaves a comment indicating that they totally get what I was illustrating.
How does one get involved in these side challenges? I just took a look and it seems that they all select their own participants.
Thanks for the info by the way.
Just have a look through the side challenge forum. Ideas are usually posted for signup the month prior. In most cases people are also welcome to join a side challenge in the middle. It's not terribly formal. Just post in the thread asking to cut in if you can, or PM the member that is heading up the side challenge.
BTW, since you don't have a paid account, you won't be able to post the images here. You can, however, use BBcode to post thumbnail links to a shot on your Flickr page. (The easiest way is with the "all sizes plus" script for greasemonkey. PM me if you need more info) The limitation to that method is you will not be able to get comments from DPC members who are not also on Flickr.
By the way, just so you understand, side challenge participants choose themselves to participate - no other selection process. Just find something that may interest you and join in. Good way to get to know people here! Also, check out the Posthumous Ribbons of the Week thread, where often "out of the box" (but still within the realm of the challenge) entries are posted by anyone who feels an entry deserves extra recognition. Note also that it is not good form to post your own image there. :) And welcome to DPC!
Regarding the basic editing rules can I just clarify the degree of editing allowed. The rules indicate that modifcation to saturation etc is allowed so long as it is applied uniformally across the whole picture.
Is there an implied 'reasonable' ammount of such adjustment or can it be extreme? For instance I have taken landscape pictures in which by modifying input/output curves for luma/chroma etc I've turned the sky from a rather gentle fluffy white cloudscape into a raging dark hell (with no spot or area selection edit btw) - would an entry with such degree of editing be acceptable?
Regarding the basic editing rules can I just clarify the degree of editing allowed. The rules indicate that modifcation to saturation etc is allowed so long as it is applied uniformally across the whole picture.
Is there an implied 'reasonable' ammount of such adjustment or can it be extreme? For instance I have taken landscape pictures in which by modifying input/output curves for luma/chroma etc I've turned the sky from a rather gentle fluffy white cloudscape into a raging dark hell (with no spot or area selection edit btw) - would an entry with such degree of editing be acceptable?
- Don't forget to vote as though the photo is legal!
so:
- Don't forget to vote as though the photo is legal!
Yup, am guessing my current free study shot is not scoring as well as expected due to the above 'rule' not being followed, that or my submission really is a below average shot for me (and I love it).
