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DPChallenge Forums >> Individual Photograph Discussion >> Another - why didn't this do better question
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Showing posts 1 - 10 of 10, (reverse)
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05/12/2010 10:05:43 AM · #1
Here's another one that I hope you all will analyze.

I guess I am the dreaded "soccer mom with a camera" :D I've been taking pics of my boys for many years and I know that because of this site, the photos I have taken of them have really improved.

So I'd like to know what didn't click with this one. I thought it was better than a low 5 but maybe I just have too much invested in it emotionally :)

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

05/12/2010 10:15:08 AM · #2
Very little action, cluttered background, lots of awkward stacking of nearly-hidden layers behind more visible ones; all work against you. Colors are great, suspended ball is great. I gave it a 6 myself.

R.
05/12/2010 10:18:13 AM · #3
Too many legs contribute to making the image slightly confusing. The static child dead centre takes away from the sense of action. I didn't vote on this challenge, but would have probably voted a 5, as the technicals are fine, but I wasn't keen on the composition, and ther wasn't a strong sense of action - more like a pre-match kick about. So yes, a decent photo that means a lot more to you than it does to an unconnected viewer. Nonetheless, a family photo to be pleased with.
05/12/2010 10:21:39 AM · #4
I'm surprised that came in where it did. My own entry was a soccer shot of a similar scene, but from a different perspective. Some of the comments suggested I needed to get in closer for a stronger view of the action, which is what you did. I did not have time to vote 100% and your entry did not come up for me. Biggest issue I can see with it is that blue car in the background. Perhaps the kid in the middle looking at the camera is a problem as well. The fact that he is looking at the camera removes him from the action and also acts as a magnet for the viewers eye.
05/12/2010 10:31:07 AM · #5
Thank you all for sharing your perspective. The insight will help me as I shoot more photos. The one thing tho about these kids being stacked - you need to go watch kids this age play. It's like watching an amoeba morph across the field - they do not want to separate from each other lol.
05/12/2010 10:35:08 AM · #6
I gave it a 7....surprised that it didn't finish way higher honestly.
05/12/2010 11:14:50 AM · #7
I think your emotional invested does cloud the mind a bit (it has happened to me too).

Its a nice photo, and one that will get comments from fellow soccer parents as well as look great hanging on the wall of your den. However, in relation to the challenge, it probably stacked up against tougher competition (I didn't vote).

As a stand alone photo (i.e. to a viewer who isn't related to the kids) its just ok. I've seen it before, it isn't super sharp, and the kids together are cluttered.

Good luck--keep shooting for that winner!
05/12/2010 11:24:44 AM · #8
Originally posted by colorcarnival:

Thank you all for sharing your perspective. The insight will help me as I shoot more photos. The one thing tho about these kids being stacked - you need to go watch kids this age play. It's like watching an amoeba morph across the field - they do not want to separate from each other lol.


Back when I played soccer, we always called the younger leagues posse soccer. Heck, even the goalie gets in on the action ;)
But...just because they partake in this sort of behavior doesn't mean that depicting it naturally in a photo makes for an interesting experience. DPC isn't so much about accurately depicting something as making something interesting to look at. So, the criticisms that are being put forth have less interest in your portraying the subject as it really is... that we know and frankly it isn't all that interesting to look at. What the criticisms try to get at is ways to depict something many are familiar with and make it captivating. Movies aren't the exact same as our everyday lives because they would be vapid and tiresome. Photography here experiences the same expectations. I like that you made sure to get down to their level- a lot of people seem to miss out on that and it removes you from their world and experience, separating the viewer.
05/12/2010 02:22:47 PM · #9
I love the comments from Yo_Spiff and KarenNfld of course, hehe. BUT the last two comments in particular are also quite helpful. It brings me back to DPC reality. What does DPC want to see? And I don't think like that when taking pictures. Not that I really WANT to think like that all the time. But it does force me to try and break out of my comfort zone and try and look for different things when shooting. All the comments I've received in this thread make me very glad that I asked for feedback.

Now I just have to figure out how to apply it all to my photos :)
05/12/2010 02:45:30 PM · #10
Originally posted by colorcarnival:

It brings me back to DPC reality. What does DPC want to see?

I think to some extent we get numbed to outstanding photography, here on DPC and some other sites we frequent, so that a very good shot is often just perceived by DPC as "ok". If one pays attention to some of the forum activity and look at some user profiles, you will see it takes some effort and talent just to routinely average in the 5's here.
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