What score at DPC equates to just an "average" photo that anyone with a new dslr could take with no training or education at all in photography. I'm talking the type of photos shot from the side of the road at the big ol' mountain in the distance or the family photo of the kid with cheerios stuck to his face? What would THAT type of photo score HERE at DPC? I'm guessing the 4.5 range. I am also curious what the statistical average score at DPC is (I would guess it is 5.4-5.5).
From time to time I take a shot that I am somewhat proud of. I show it to my friends who of course "ooo and ahhh" over how great it is and I tell them I'm going to enter it into a competition (I typically do NOT tell my friends where since I don't want them to effect the vote). My friends then excitedly ask me, "how is your photo doing???" When I tell them 5.8 to 6.0 on a score of 1-10 they immediately drop their jaw, frown, and say, "Oh, I thought that was a great photo." No matter how hard I try to explain to them that 6.0 is a really good photo, they see it as just "slightly above average."
I have come to accept that 5.75 - 6.0 is a good photo and that 6.5-7.0 is a GREAT photo. I'm just curious if 5.0 at DPC is seen as the score to give an "average" photo that anyone and their dog can take or if it really means to DPC voters, "a photo that is good but not great." To me there is a big difference between "average" and "good but not great." What do you think DPC scores really mean? My interpretation is this:
4.0 to 4.75 - This is one of the worst photos ever taken by mankind.
4.75 to 4.99 - This clearly is NOT a good photo. It may be "average" but doesn't belong in a competition.
5.0 to 5.5 - This is a decent photo but probably a poor choice for a competition. Not quite wow enough.
5.5 to 5.75 - This is a good photo and a worthy entry into the competition. Keep trying.
5.75 to 6.0 - This is definitely better than average and a worthy competitior
6.0 to 6.5 - This is a really good photo and a real contender. You'll probably be in the top 25
6.5 to 6.75 - This is a great photo but just falls short of being fantastic.
6.75 to 7.25 - This is an outstanding shot, should be a top 10 finisher, but may fall short of a ribbon.
7.25 to 8.0 - Here's your ribbon
Your scale? |
