Sometimes when I shoot for a challenge I dismiss the first idea that pops in my head. I do this because more than likely it was also the first idea that someone else thought of too. In challenges like these on DPC, there are soooo many entries you really need something unique to do well. After so long voters get tired of the same image over and over. I think that is the main reason for your score.
Your comments: "I simply walked up to a maple tree, lined up the sun behind it, and snapped this shot. pretty simple" Maybe that says it all right there. woutji has some great suggestions. Take time to think about what you want to photograph. How do I want it to look?
When taking a picture of a common item, make your picture so different it is like seeing it for the first time.
Mark, I think you have a good start for this challenge. It would have also fit in the recent perspective challenge. A couple of things to try that may make the photo a little more dynamic:
- The main trunk branches out right in the centre of the photo. While the branches do help to take the eye out from the centre point, an off-centred orientation of the point might make a more pleasing composition. Maybe even combine that with a portrait layout instead of a landscape layout and see what you get.
- Try different lighting. For example, try early morning or near sunset for a warmer feeling photo. The other bonus to that might be a nicer contrasting colour for the sky. The lightin the way it is gives a bit of a washed out sky instead of an eye popping background.
As for the score, don't worry about the score. Ranking high is a great thing, but not the only thing. There are many factors to the score, including peoples perception of how a photo meets the challenge, photo quality and voter mood. Keep clickin'.
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