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02/11/2024 03:58:01 PM · #1 |
Hi Guys,
I've been away from DPC for quite a while. Partly because I mainly take photos when I travel and that's only been a few times a year, so hard to fit in to the weekly and even the monthly contests here. I've been active in my local photo club because they always have competitions that allow older photos. Our contests are judged, and we've been honored to have a number of DPC members share their talents as judges. I am the judge coordinator there so I hope to have more.
I was watching for archival contests here, but have not seen many when I've had the time -- and I retired last year so I have more time now, but still not shooting much outside of when traveling. (Covid did also put a damper on that.)
I will try to get active again here, but meanwhile I have a favor to ask: we travel with an active travel company called Backroads and they have a contest for photos taken on the trip. If you become a finalist (they pick 25 photos of hundreds or thousands), you are supposed to get all your friends to vote for you. If I get in the top five, I get up to $5000 in future trip credits. DPCers have helped me win before...paid for part of this summer's Scotland trip. And if you would be so kind, I'm asking for help again.
I am a finalist in the 2023 Backroads contest with a photo I took on our trip to Portree, Scotland, a beautiful port town in the Isle of Skye. My photo is specifically of the colorful buildings in the port of Portree with the bushes/flowers in the foreground.
Here's the link to the voting page:
https://pollunit.com/polls/backroadsguestphotocontest2023?fbclid=IwAR3fScohpVmofc_W4UHhaBCDTX5sgBTTRqd50t_-ETM6cHSgQbH55LWUROs
Below is my photo to make it easy for you to identify in the voting app (on the voting page, each photo has an (i) icon which shows the photographer info). The deadline for voting is midnight Monday Feb 12! (I would have posted this sooner, but we were in Costa Rica when the contest finalists were announced and just got back last night.)
Thanks in advance to those willing to help me out and vote!
Message edited by author 2024-02-11 16:01:41. |
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02/11/2024 04:18:34 PM · #2 |
Gave ya a vote!
Hang around and play more often, eh? |
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02/11/2024 08:23:12 PM · #3 |
| Welcome back. I was away for a while too. I voted for your pic, FWIW, it was my fave of the lot. Best of luck. |
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02/11/2024 08:31:47 PM · #4 |
i voted ..
i really liked the lady with the huge smile on her face being followed by a cow ... priceless moment ..
and the camels with the shadows .. :)
hopefully my vote will help . :) |
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02/12/2024 03:05:39 AM · #5 |
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02/12/2024 06:59:48 AM · #6 |
Also open for voting:
This one,
this one,
and this one.
Really doesn't take long. :-) |
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02/12/2024 12:26:34 PM · #7 |
Today's the last day to vote on my Backroads photo (see my opening post below)...Thanks to all who vote!
And...**news flash**...I submitted my first challenge entry here since 2019. I had no idea it had been that long (time flies when you're getting old).
As to my comment about the opportunities to enter, I realize another difference between this site and my local photo club is that the thematic contests in the club are all for the current club season (May-current). That gives you at least 5 months and as much as 11 months to meet the theme. (And then there are always two "archival equivalent" contests/challenges.) |
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02/12/2024 01:18:09 PM · #8 |
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02/12/2024 01:21:40 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by Neil:
And...**news flash**...I submitted my first challenge entry here since 2019. |
Cool! |
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02/12/2024 01:29:43 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by Neil:
Today's the last day to vote on my Backroads photo (see my opening post below)...Thanks to all who vote!
And...**news flash**...I submitted my first challenge entry here since 2019. I had no idea it had been that long (time flies when you're getting old).
As to my comment about the opportunities to enter, I realize another difference between this site and my local photo club is that the thematic contests in the club are all for the current club season (May-current). That gives you at least 5 months and as much as 11 months to meet the theme. (And then there are always two "archival equivalent" contests/challenges.) |
You make a compelling case Archival challenges. The current SC frowns on it or somehow has it linked to the Covid years, but way too many of us here are aging out and need Archival- our entries and voting could use this kind of boost as well.
GL with the voting. |
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02/12/2024 03:24:23 PM · #11 |
| There's an Semi-Archival challenge currently open for submissions. |
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02/12/2024 04:47:59 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by oldbimmercoupe:
Originally posted by Neil:
As to my comment about the opportunities to enter, I realize another difference between this site and my local photo club is that the thematic contests in the club are all for the current club season (May-current). That gives you at least 5 months and as much as 11 months to meet the theme. (And then there are always two "archival equivalent" contests/challenges.) |
You make a compelling case Archival challenges. The current SC frowns on it or somehow has it linked to the Covid years, but way too many of us here are aging out and need Archival- our entries and voting could use this kind of boost as well. |
I don't mind archival challenges once in a while, but for me the whole point of DPC is that it stimulates you to get the camera out and shoot on a regular basis. Challenges don't always force you to go way out, there are plenty that can be answered indoors or fairly close to it. There have been people with mobility limitations who compete successfully here.
p.s. Voted! |
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02/13/2024 08:03:30 AM · #13 |
Originally posted by Neil:
Today's the last day to vote on my Backroads photo (see my opening post below)...Thanks to all who vote!
And...**news flash**...I submitted my first challenge entry here since 2019. I had no idea it had been that long (time flies when you're getting old).
As to my comment about the opportunities to enter, I realize another difference between this site and my local photo club is that the thematic contests in the club are all for the current club season (May-current). That gives you at least 5 months and as much as 11 months to meet the theme. (And then there are always two "archival equivalent" contests/challenges.) |
Neil, it’s awesome to see you back here. I learned so much from you when we were on the same DPL league back in the day. I took a hiatus from this site from 2013 - 2022, and it’s been fun to periodically enter again. I look forward to seeing your entry, and I also ventured to the Backroads site. |
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02/15/2024 01:26:30 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by oldbimmercoupe:
You make a compelling case <for> Archival challenges. The current SC frowns on it or somehow has it linked to the Covid years, but way too many of us here are aging out and need Archival- our entries and voting could use this kind of boost as well. |
Originally posted by LevT:
I don't mind archival challenges once in a while, but for me the whole point of DPC is that it stimulates you to get the camera out and shoot on a regular basis. Challenges don't always force you to go way out, there are plenty that can be answered indoors or fairly close to it. There have been people with mobility limitations who compete successfully here. |
Im in the Archival fan club as well. Like the ongoing conflict over Minimal, the justification would be that they aren't very often and if you don't want to enter one, don't.
As well as aging out, and having mobility being more of a factor (I know I simply cannot go places I used to because of physical limitations.), and yes, I *DO* use DPC to force me to go shoot for challenges, but regardless of age and physcal conditions, most of us, especially the old farts, have JILLIONS of image files, many of them in folders from the same shooting session and had to pick ONE from the pile of images we shot for a challenge.
So..... If like with Minimal, we could have a recurring challenge for Archival every so often, I think you'd see it well attended.
Just my $0.02 USD.....YMMV.
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02/15/2024 03:12:13 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by NikonJeb:
Im in the Archival fan club as well. Like the ongoing conflict over Minimal, the justification would be that they aren't very often and if you don't want to enter one, don't.
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What?! Minimal is not comparable to Archival. Minimal is still a CHALLENGE, i.e. in the DPChallenge dynamic. You have a short(ish) window to figure out a way to meet the CHALLENGE and capture an image that fits the theme.
Archival is sit on your tail, look for outtakes from your best peforming images of days gone by, and find a way to make it fit. No CHALLENGE whatsoever. |
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02/15/2024 05:06:47 PM · #16 |
Welcome home, Neil!
I went to vote... it's closed. Arg. Sorry!
Stick around a bit, ok?
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02/15/2024 10:21:30 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by NikonJeb:
Im in the Archival fan club as well. Like the ongoing conflict over Minimal, the justification would be that they aren't very often and if you don't want to enter one, don't. |
Originally posted by glad2badad:
What?! Minimal is not comparable to Archival. Minimal is still a CHALLENGE, i.e. in the DPChallenge dynamic. You have a short(ish) window to figure out a way to meet the CHALLENGE and capture an image that fits the theme.
Archival is sit on your tail, look for outtakes from your best peforming images of days gone by, and find a way to make it fit. No CHALLENGE whatsoever. |
Of all people I could have expected to object to my comparison, you were pretty much last on my list.
The intent of my comparison is spot on.....
LIKE MINIMAL, for some peculiar reason, some people are all but vehemently against it.
And then there are those of us who cannot comprehend why an occasional variation gets folks seem put out.
LIKE MINIMAL, it could be a semi-regular occurrence as another offering/variation.
It'd be nice to know that an occasional Archival challenge will be coming along.
And it sounds like you'd be one who doesn't much care for Archival, but why not just take a pass and be okay with others enjoying the chance to put forth "The other one" that they didn't enter that time.
I honestly am kind of surprised at the "sit on your tail" take.
I am not quite completely embracing the feeble old man mantle just yet, but I'm sure nowhere near as ambitious about certain things I'm willing to do for "The Shot".
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02/16/2024 06:30:32 AM · #18 |
Originally posted by NikonJeb:
... I honestly am kind of surprised at the "sit on your tail" take. ... |
Why? It's the truth. There's no work required for Archival challenges, except to peruse your hard drive and find something that fits. No "challenge" whatsoever.
I remember when we started doing a lot of Archivals during the pandemic. After the challenges I'd look at photographer's portfolios. I think it was at least 50% of the 'entries' were outtakes of some successful actual challenge shot they entered previously (myself included). You'll probably say "so what?" ... I'll maintain my opinion that archival challenges are easy, require no work, and are a somewhat lazy approach to "participation".
DPChallenge isn't easy. That's what drew me to participate here. I actually even preferred the one week window we used to have, to go out and capture a new image. I prefer to keep the 'Challenge' in DPChallenge. |
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02/16/2024 07:24:36 AM · #19 |
| I honestly love a mix of different types of challenges including archival. It’s really gratifying to challenge myself for a current challenge, and it’s also really gratifying to look through my old photos and see what can be polished. World’s smallest violin, I know, but I work 60+ hour weeks, and it’s at a facility where I cannot bring photography equipment even in my car. So, archival does give me a chance to enter more. But, as a site hoping to get a large array of participation, it does seem the mix of types of challenges promotes this participation. |
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02/16/2024 07:31:30 AM · #20 |
Your image is beautiful.
I went to Isle of Skye a few years ago and wish I had spent more time there to see some of these beautiful and precious sites, so much stunning photography taken there.
Unfortunately, I missed the voting on this but I did enjoy seeing the images that were submitted.
Let us know how you did. |
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02/16/2024 07:37:42 AM · #21 |
Originally posted by noraneko:
I honestly love a mix of different types of challenges including archival. It’s really gratifying to challenge myself for a current challenge, and it’s also really gratifying to look through my old photos and see what can be polished. World’s smallest violin, I know, but I work 60+ hour weeks, and it’s at a facility where I cannot bring photography equipment even in my car. So, archival does give me a chance to enter more. But, as a site hoping to get a large array of participation, it does seem the mix of types of challenges promotes this participation. |
I have the same work scenario as you ... plus a 150 mile roundtrip commute 5 days a week.
Originally posted by noraneko:
"But, as a site hoping to get a large array of participation, it does seem the mix of types of challenges promotes this participation." |
Qualify "participation". A high level of archival entrants in the past had not "participated" in quite some time. They showed up, dropped an image in the archival challenge ... no votes, no comments, etc. Archival challenges went away, and so did they.
I think the participants we have now, are the ones that are going to remain loyal participants at DPC. Active participants.
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02/16/2024 01:26:03 PM · #22 |
I enjoy entering challenges. I enjoy looking back at my old photos and seeing where I've been. Present circumstances do not permit me to lug equipment and I often have only my cell phone which, thankfully, has evolved into a pretty good camera so almost anything is fair game for a challenge. I don't think I'd enter more or less if there were more archival opportunities because I'm not afraid to stick something in just to satisfy the urge to do it. I'm not going to take more or less pictures depending on whether the challenges are archival because I can always find something to enter if I want to, old or new. I also enjoy voting and seeing the other entries but,for whatever reason, I enjoy it more with a horse in the race. Always have.
All that said, I think having archival as an option now and then is a good thing. Variety is always a welcome opportunity. And remember, just because it's archival doesn't mean you have to post something from long ago. And if there are some who enter only those archival challenges.. well, then we get to see their entries when we otherwise wouldn't. The more the merrier. I say go for it. And please keep entering. Thanks.
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02/16/2024 01:53:15 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by PennyStreet:
... And if there are some who enter only those archival challenges.. well, then we get to see their entries when we otherwise wouldn't. ... |
Well, that's the kicker. Many times you actually HAVE seen their entry, just a slightly different version of it. It's kind of nice, I guess, being able to pick from images that have already been highly rated or not by the voters here. Makes the selection process from your archives much easier. |
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02/16/2024 02:29:31 PM · #24 |
Originally posted by NikonJeb:
... I honestly am kind of surprised at the "sit on your tail" take. ... |
Originally posted by glad2badad:
Why? It's the truth. There's no work required for Archival challenges, except to peruse your hard drive and find something that fits. No "challenge" whatsoever. |
If that's how you see it, so be it. I don't see that as either a quick, simple thing, nor unchallenging.
Your portfolio/file storage must be smaller and *much* better organized than mine.
Originally posted by glad2badad:
I remember when we started doing a lot of Archivals during the pandemic. After the challenges I'd look at photographer's portfolios. I think it was at least 50% of the 'entries' were outtakes of some successful actual challenge shot they entered previously (myself included). You'll probably say "so what?" ... I'll maintain my opinion that archival challenges are easy, require no work, and are a somewhat lazy approach to "participation". |
Well, it truly made sense during the pandemic. A lot of people were pretty much in solitary confinement and were limited in where they would go and to do what.
Thing is, it seemed to me that quite a few folks, like myself, found delight and multiple rewards by archive mining. I found myself looking at work I did five, ten, fifteen years ago, image files I had only glanced at and forgotten only to find that I should edit and redistribute images elsewhere.
I found quite a few really good images I didn't "see" at the time. The Archivals during the height of the pandemic had me discovering work done over the years I overlooked on a fairly regular basis.
When you get right down to it, DPC helped me to review a lot of my earlier work to the extent that work I either took a pass on, or dismissed at the time has found its way ionto my continuously expanding portfolio.
Oh, and I know I certainly didn't simply go back to an image that did well and try to use a frame on either side of a winner to try to mine a good score. Thanks for the idea! LOL!
Originally posted by glad2badad:
DPChallenge isn't easy. That's what drew me to participate here. I actually even preferred the one week window we used to have, to go out and capture a new image. I prefer to keep the 'Challenge' in DPChallenge. |
I understand your point and don't dispute that Archival is not for you. So take a pass when one comes 'round. For the same reasons people take a pass on nudes, Minimal, animals, fires, whatever iof they don't like a challenge, this can be done for Archival.
I'm not trying to talk you into approving and promoting Archival challenges, simply not be vehemently opposed to them like what we ran into with people trying to put forth that Minimal wasn't relevant and should be dropped.
We could always poll the community....
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02/16/2024 04:40:15 PM · #25 |
Originally posted by NikonJeb:
... For the same reasons people take a pass on nudes, Minimal, animals, fires, whatever iof they don't like a challenge, this can be done for Archival. ... |
Jeb, with all due respect, that's not a valid comparsion whatsoever. Archival's are NOT a Challenge and cannot be compared to subject themed, time-restrained, go take a new photo, challenges.
We had 9 Archival events in 2023.
We had 5 Minimal editing challenges in 2023.
Beside the Archival events, there are also several challenges with an annual open date, which are pretty much the same. So, plenty of Archival events IMO.
Probably could use a few more Minimal challenges. :-)
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