Look! Photography discussion! No politics! (But some bitching and moaning - that's to be expected, yes?)
So for this year, more than 1 in 3 of my challenge entries are falling below the 50% finish mark, sometimes well below. In some cases it is entirely understandable. They were pictures I liked but others found to be snapshots, or worse. In most cases, though, they're even in focus and on topic!
So, even though it wasn't a "rippled in water with a crown" water drop shot, I thought my water drop shot was kinda DPC-ish. Simple, in focus, almost on the thirds composition, decent lighting and depth, etc. In other words, I kinda hoped it would resonate with the average DPC voter. So why did it finish below 50%?
Scores really aren't what they used to be. You don't need to improve (well, I guess everyone has room for improvement, but you know what I mean). And, I think I'm beating your 1 in 3 statistic. You're an awesome photographer Deb! Don't get sucked into worrying about scores again. I'm so much happier knowing that I'm going to tank no matter what I do right from the get go. I can do what makes me happy, and there will always be someone who likes it enough to give it a 9 or 10. Win/win.
So, the 'problem' here, to my eyes, is the fact that this image doesn't really have any highlights, and the midtones are pretty low-key, and I think the picture is a little soft overall.
Plus the image is 70KB total size, you left out a lot of potential detail by saving too compressed (although, it didn't seem to really hurt the IQ)
Here's an alternative edit, I adjusted exposure (using levels) and did a touch of sharpening.
At that point, I'd start dodging and burning to adjust local brightness (think vignette)
Actually, I prefer Deb's processing better. Normally I'd agree with you, Cory, but I thought the processing gave it such an old time, retro feel to it. I really liked the photo, and I thought it was beautifully done. I seriously think it wasn't what people were expecting for water drop. I happened to like my own shot quite a bit, and knew it would score quite low. But was very surprised to see a number of the photos that scored above it.
What I'm trying to say is, I think you got hit by a number of, not necessarily DNMC votes, but "isn't what I think a water drop should be" votes.
For what it's worth, that's the original. I went dark on it, because I kinda like dark. Nice job with the edit, though, Cory. And I've discovered that file size has more to do with how busy the photo is versus potential detail. Not much more detail to be had, really. But my photos that push the 300K mark are usually far to busy for DPC purposes. Simpler is better!
I swear, give me ten more years and I'll get the hang of this place. :-)
Deb, for me, the fact that the shot is in focus or not is of less importance. Your picture did not interest me as a photo and even it if it's perfect for the challenge I won't mark it higher for this reason.
It was a hard subject and most of the people wanted to shine mostly technically
I failed also with my shot
and it's not even singing technically but this surely was not my goal.
I seldom look for where I fall in percentage if I was not too happy with the winners.
I like your shot better then my own that I entered. I think in your edit you made the water drop the focus and I gave it a 7. I went with a more colorful approx. even though it wasn't technically hard to get the shot I did. I never had done water drops before and I took 800+ shots and wanted an actual water drop instead of a splash from a drop. I understand the winners but I also think other images like your got looked over.
I never got around to commenting on this challenge, Deb. I actually think your version of "water drop" is far more creative and charming. There is nothing "wrong" with it. But on DPC, I think the "classics" are popular because they at least appear to be technically much harder to do (and they are, I've tried), and that is something that comes across with the super fancy double splash images. I think your processing is fine, and don't think Cory's version would have affected the score, as your drop vision is simply not what voters were looking for.
You'll note that while my drop is just a water drop ON something (as opposed to a splash) so are about 6 or 7 of the top ten. They just did it better!
Mariuca, to me it's kinda cute because it's the cap from a Mexicoke that I bought while my nephew was visiting. So in my own way, it was a snapshot. :-) But I very much appreciate the criticism!!
Melethia, I gave your shot an 8. I liked the dark, greenish, acid tones that is your style. I thought it was original and well played. I do like Cory's edit with the increased highlights also. Still doesn't change my score for your shot.
I liked it so much I played with your original. Left the shadows slightly more open at the back of the cap to define it's shape a bit more.
Everyones' re-edits are fine, mostly because they started with something that was already good. I'd be thinking, if I were to bother at all, not where did I go wrong, but where did the voters go wrong. Always shoot for moi (unless they are paying you ;P )
