It seems like certain challenges are almost automatic blue ribbons for some of the amazing photographers in here. Jacko has the Macro challenges about sewed up, and Dr. Jones is the overwhelming favorite for any Nudes challenges. What other photographers do you associate with a particular challenge and see them as the odds-on favorite for it?
By the way, I'm in no way complaing, grumbling, or sour-graphing. These two, and others, are incredible photographers!
Dunno. I've actually found myself thinking on a few occasions over the past couple months, "wow, there are quite a few new faces on the front page..."
Yup, there have been some "predictable" wins, but I'm very impressed by some of the new talent. The competition just keeps getting tougher and tougher, and as Martha (used to) say, "that's a good thing."
DrJOnes certainly has an edge on Nude challenges, but I can see Grigrigirl pulling an upset. Macro is Jacko's playground. Librodo, Sonifo and Moodville are favorites for anything emotional, such as portraits. Heida and Jjbeguin dominate the moody shots. EddyG and Jmsetzler are kings of the studio setup. Dsidwell is my landscape favorite. Kiwiness, Gordon, Kirbic and Crabappl3 are wild cards that can win in any category. Then there are regulars on ribbon row like Konador, Dsa157, Arnit and Magnetic9999, and promising newcomers like Smokeditor, Graphicfunk, and Tyt2000.
I spent many months marveling at these photographers (and others), trying to figure out how they can be so consistently successful in the challenges, when equally competent photographers might get a more pedestrian score for technically excellent shots of the same subject. Then it finally dawned on me... the winners don't just have a photo, they have an idea.
With few exceptions, the best-scoring images have a strong concept behind them. The idea might be a particular technique, a visual game, an emotional message, a joke or some other story, but the image has meaning. Too many people enter "a picture of X," without any real central thought, then wonder why others find their shot boring. I get it now, and four of my last six entries have placed in the top 5. Guess which two didn't have a strong concept?
Wow, I think you're on to something here. Thanks for the mention of my name up with the other greats on the site.
I do think you're right though. A lot of the greatest shots I see on this site appeal to me on an emotional level. I think the real trick is to take a picture that not only speaks to yourself on some level, but also has an appeal to others, both visually and emotionally.
-danny
Originally posted by scalvert:
DrJOnes certainly has an edge on Nude challenges, but I can see Grigrigirl pulling an upset. Macro is Jacko's playground. Librodo, Sonifo and Moodville are favorites for anything emotional, such as portraits. Heida and Jjbeguin dominate the moody shots. EddyG and Jmsetzler are kings of the studio setup. Dsidwell is my landscape favorite. Kiwiness, Gordon, Kirbic and Crabappl3 are wild cards that can win in any category. Then there are regulars on ribbon row like Konador, Dsa157, Arnit and Magnetic9999, and promising newcomers like Smokeditor, Graphicfunk, and Tyt2000.
I spent many months marveling at these photographers (and others), trying to figure out how they can be so consistently successful in the challenges, when equally competent photographers might get a more pedestrian score for technically excellent shots of the same subject. Then it finally dawned on me... the winners don't just have a photo, they have an idea.
With few exceptions, the best-scoring images have a strong concept behind them. The idea might be a particular technique, a visual game, an emotional message, a joke or some other story, but the image has meaning. Too many people enter "a picture of X," without any real central thought, then wonder why others find their shot boring. I get it now, and four of my last six entries have placed in the top 5. Guess which two didn't have a strong concept?
I spent many months marveling at these photographers (and others), trying to figure out how they can be so consistently successful in the challenges, when equally competent photographers might get a more pedestrian score for technically excellent shots of the same subject. Then it finally dawned on me... the winners don't just have a photo, they have an idea.
With few exceptions, the best-scoring images have a strong concept behind them. The idea might be a particular technique, a visual game, an emotional message, a joke or some other story, but the image has meaning. Too many people enter "a picture of X," without any real central thought, then wonder why others find their shot boring. I get it now, and four of my last six entries have placed in the top 5. Guess which two didn't have a strong concept?
Shannon, I've read your post from yesterday several times now, and you've articulated something that I've been feeling very strongly since I became active in DPC about a month ago. There is a difference between taking pictures and creating photographs. I'm reminded of a chess analogy (used to be a tournament player). Someone once said of former world champion Alexander Alekhine, after reviewing some of his beautiful, game finishing combinations, "I can see Alekhine's combinations, I just can't get my own pieces into the positions he does during games."
Photography is the same. I can look at a masterpiece by aKiwi (drinking straws was genius), grigrigirl, or even your own "Daring Escape," and I can say "yeah, that's a great composition" or whatever. But to have the vision and imagaination to see such a shot with the mind's eye, and then make it happen, that's what separates a photographer from a picture taker. I aspire to the former.
Thanks, John. Somewhat ironic that the last company I worked for was called The Mind's Eye.
You reminded me of playing chess with a friend in high school. I beat him something like 28 games in a row, and he still wanted to play me as if it was all luck (and, no, I'm not that good). This is how I picture a lot of the eager members here who consistently enter average shots, then vow to ribbon "next time." They're forgetting the opening move. Your score will improve (though not necessarily your photography) if you start with a pencil and paper in an empty room rather than a camera on a set.
Thanks, John. Somewhat ironic that the last company I worked for was called The Mind's Eye.
You reminded me of playing chess with a friend in high school. I beat him something like 28 games in a row, and he still wanted to play me as if it was all luck (and, no, I'm not that good). This is how I picture a lot of the eager members here who consistently enter average shots, then vow to ribbon "next time." They're forgetting the opening move. Your score will improve (though not necessarily your photography) if you start with a pencil and paper in an empty room rather than a camera on a set.
Shannon your a pretty safe bet for a ribboning yourself, especialy if you produce more images like these.
Just when I started to get on a roll, I ran out of time. I had ideas for Vanishing Point, Botany and Neon that probably would have continued the streak, but I've been working really long hours, so no time to shoot. I miss my update button. :-(
After some reflection and given my proximity to Crawford, Tx. I'd just like to take this opportunity to point out that this wasn't a politically motivated comment, nor should it be construed as a statement of intent.
DrJOnes certainly has an edge on Nude challenges, but I can see Grigrigirl pulling an upset. Macro is Jacko's playground. Librodo, Sonifo and Moodville are favorites for anything emotional, such as portraits. Heida and Jjbeguin dominate the moody shots. EddyG and Jmsetzler are kings of the studio setup. Dsidwell is my landscape favorite. Kiwiness, Gordon, Kirbic and Crabappl3 are wild cards that can win in any category. Then there are regulars on ribbon row like Konador, Dsa157, Arnit and Magnetic9999, and promising newcomers like Smokeditor, Graphicfunk, and Tyt2000.
DrJOnes certainly has an edge on Nude challenges, but I can see Grigrigirl pulling an upset. Macro is Jacko's playground. Librodo, Sonifo and Moodville are favorites for anything emotional, such as portraits. Heida and Jjbeguin dominate the moody shots. EddyG and Jmsetzler are kings of the studio setup. Dsidwell is my landscape favorite. Kiwiness, Gordon, Kirbic and Crabappl3 are wild cards that can win in any category. Then there are regulars on ribbon row like Konador, Dsa157, Arnit and Magnetic9999, and promising newcomers like Smokeditor, Graphicfunk, and Tyt2000.
