A tongue-in-cheek list of things NOT to use in your photography on this site if you want to see a score over 5....
Negative space -- doesn't matter if it's filled in with any kind of texture or pattern. If your subject isn't filling the screen and centered, forget it.
Grain/noise -- doesn't matter that it's a legitimate photographic technique used for a variety of different reasons, if you aren't using well blended tones, you'll hate your life.
"Alternative" focus -- you MIGHT be able to get away with motion blur, but I wouldn't hold my breath. If you're shooting a portrait, don't soften it for mood. Be very wary of a limited depth of field. In general, you need to have a photo where every aspect is perfectly, crisply focused.
B&W -- this one's a little iffy -- you might be able to get away with it. Be prepared, however, to have lots of people telling you they think it would have looked better in color.
Didn't say you couldn't use them -- just that you shouldn't if you wanted a score over 5. *grin*
My entry this week, for example, (and don't care if I give it away) includes all of the things I mentioned, something Magnetic mentioned, and (technically) overexposure. I totally dig the photo, but it is also scoring under 5.
well - a nude husky man would get a high vote from me in a 'Fear' contest : )
disclaimer: i love and accept the human body in all it's multiple forms.
Originally posted by Patella: Didn't say you couldn't use them -- just that you shouldn't if you wanted a score over 5. *grin*
My entry this week, for example, (and don't care if I give it away) includes all of the things I mentioned, something Magnetic mentioned, and (technically) overexposure. I totally dig the photo, but it is also scoring under 5.
Looked at positively, if you want to score above 6, shoot a 'postcard', oversaturate the colors, have a large depth of field and sharpen it until it screams for mercy (whether it helps or not). The one cardinal sin here is asking voters to think. Do that and you'll find your home in the 3s.
