Everytime I enter a contest I never win a ribbon. I try and spend a lot of time taking picture just to enter and always no ribbon...make me feel like I suck at photography and that make me don't want to enter anymore. Do any of you feel the same?
I started out feeling that way...now i realize that I really just need to push for more feedback from the members that have it "going on". This info is invaluable in improving your (my) photography skills....
Stick to it! My last entry was almost last in the challenge.....but onwards and upwards right??
Well, your average vote received is higher than your average vote cast...I guess that's something to build on huh?
Heh! Not sure what that has to do with it - your average vote received is WAY higher than your average vote cast and you have a ton of ribbons. Sounds like using that criteria, he's doing the right thing. :-)
Look, this is a very tough competitive photography site. You don't enter challenges expecting to ribbon - if you do, expect it as a matter of course that you will ribbon, that you just have to wait your turn...uhmm...no.
Yes, some people have ribboned on their very first challenge. I never expected to ribbon, but after 4 1/2 years I finally did, and still find myself staring in mild disbelief at the tiny ribbon on the left side of my screen.
What you need to do, imho, is to approach this site as a place to learn and grow as a photographer. You can also take shots that will please the voters, or you can take shopts that please you and may not go over as well with the voters. I still consider myself incredibly lucky that I got the right shot, that I liked, entered it, and ended up with a blue.
On the other hand you can always go for the brown ribbon...it's all up to you. But I would suggest dropping any attitude like, 'Oh I deserve to ribbon.' Learn first. And learn from everyone, not just a select few. If say 50% of all the commenters in a challenge make the same basic remark about your shot, guess what? They're probably right.
I know of people who have entered over 150 challenges before they ever won a ribbon. You have to remember that in an average challenge there are over 100 entries, and some have many hundreds.
Your competing with some of the best photographers in the world, don't beat yourself up because you havent won anything yet. Your winning just by entering. (ok that was cheezy, but totally true!!)
Just concentrate on getting better. Ask for advice on your shots, and take it to heart. Don't be afraid to try new things, or different ways of shooting. Your ribbon will come.
But you have to enter the challenge to win it. (jeez, more cheeze)
Well, your average vote received is higher than your average vote cast...I guess that's something to build on huh?
Heh! Not sure what that has to do with it - your average vote received is WAY higher than your average vote cast and you have a ton of ribbons. Sounds like using that criteria, he's doing the right thing. :-)
Well, then it's something to build on, isn't it? ;) Actually it was a circuitous way of asking, "what's up with an average vote of 3.7?"
You so have to enter more challenges, and maybe comment more, that way you can be critical on other peoples shots and see what is wrong with yours. Your Green chameleon was a great shot and it looked like it was scoring high.
Don't despair it will come to you and you will learn from everyone here
I think I am a great photographer until I enter a challenge and see the talent that is here. Like Mr Miyagi said in the Karate Kid
Daniel: Yeah, but you knew karate.
Miyagi: Someone always know more.
Good thing is we can always learn from our photography and improve. Of course sometimes I forget everything and suck again but it is like a roller coaster.
MegaColor, you've only entered 6 challenges, some of our best photographers regularly go 10 / 20 / 30 challenges without winning a ribbon so I hardly think that alone is any indication on your photography skills.
Having said that, if you enter challenges with the direct aim if trying to win a ribbon, chances are you won't. I know that sounds strange but when you take photographs specifially with the purpose of ribboning you generally don't do your best work as you're too focused on trying to please the voters.
Take photos that you like, of subjects you are intersted in. Submit them and read the feedback, if you don't get any useful feedback post them after the challenge and ask for it.
Practise, patience and practise will make you a better photographer. Comment on other peoples work, it will make you understand what you like and dislike better.
Most importantly though, have fun, enjoy your photogray, don't forget it's a hobby that you do because you like it.
Some, in fact, most of the very best shots I've seen on this site, the ones that just make me sit and stare in awe, didn't even come close to winning a ribbon.
You have ribboned once with a beautiful image but got DQ'ed. I've never ribboned at all. You've got me beat and I've entered almost 50 challenges to date.
the way I cast my votes is on creativity, lights usage, nice colors and angles...If images is like WOW to me I give them a high mark if not a low mark. I'm very picky and hard to please. I will try to not to be so picky and give people higher marks.
