road of october
by yoman

Comment:
B.O.T.P.A.C.
Bottom of the Pack Analytical Comments

Every challenge I am going to leave comments on some of the photos that finished at the bottom of the pack. I will try and explain why I think the photo did not do well in the challenge, which will hopefully result in increased rankings in your future photos.

-Ben

1) This photo does not immediately fit the challenge without an explaination. The photo should speak for itself and not rely on an explaination. It may fit the challenge if people think about it for long enough, but with 200 photos to vote on, most people will only look at your photo for a few seconds before deciding it doesnt meet the challenge and moving on.

2) Clarity. Your photo isn't sharp, which is what a lot of voters look for when scoring a photo.

3) Composition. It is very centered. Many voters look for good use of the rule of thirds when voting, or at least a composition which adds interest to the perspective.

Message edited by author 2004-10-29 09:30:59.

film to digital learning
by spease

Comment:
B.O.T.P.A.C.
Bottom of the Pack Analytical Comments

Every challenge I am going to leave comments on some of the photos that finished at the bottom of the pack. I will try and explain why I think the photo did not do well in the challenge, which will hopefully result in increased rankings in your future photos.

-Ben

1) Lighting. The lighting seems just normal, as if you've placed the items on a table and taken the photo. A lot of people like lighting in still life photos to add something to the photo.

2) Size. The photo is too small to evaluate properly. Most voters like to see the full 640 pixel limit to be used.

3) Interest. There is not much in the photo to bring attention to it. People like something interesting to look at and/or think about.

Steps
by Federico

Comment:
B.O.T.P.A.C.
Bottom of the Pack Analytical Comments

Every challenge I am going to leave comments on some of the photos that finished at the bottom of the pack. I will try and explain why I think the photo did not do well in the challenge, which will hopefully result in increased rankings in your future photos.

-Ben

1) This photo does not immediately fit the challenge without your explaination. The photo should speak for itself and not rely on an explaination. It does fit the challenge if people think about it for long enough, but with 200 photos to vote on, most people will only look at your photo for a few seconds before deciding it doesnt meet the challenge and moving on.

I AM Studying!
by robshookphoto

Comment:
B.O.T.P.A.C.
Bottom of the Pack Analytical Comments

Every challenge I am going to leave comments on some of the photos that finished at the bottom of the pack. I will try and explain why I think the photo did not do well in the challenge, which will hopefully result in increased rankings in your future photos.

-Ben

1) Image Quality. The photo is overly compressed and is not in focus. These are basic presentation issues and will almost always result in lower votes.

2) Post Processing. The photo is washed out with not much contrast and no black areas at all. This means the photo isn't as eye-catching.

3) Composition. The background is cluttered, the vertical lines are not vertical, and it is very centered. Most voters like simple clean and technically perfect shots in the majority of cases.

Fat School Cheerleader
by dv_rock

Comment:
B.O.T.P.A.C.
Bottom of the Pack Analytical Comments

Every challenge I am going to leave comments on some of the photos that finished at the bottom of the pack. I will try and explain why I think the photo did not do well in the challenge, which will hopefully result in increased rankings in your future photos.

-Ben

1) Image quality. The photo isn't sharp and lacks clarity. This is probably because you cropped a lot from the original file.

2) Title. Titles or photos that are insulting will invite people to vote lower because of it, regardless of the actual photo.

3) Border. Most voters prefer a neutral black grey or white border, or no border at all, rather than using other colours.

4) Composition. A lot of voters like simple compositions. This photo may be too cluttered for a lot of people.

Santa has just graduated in aquariums
by greslizzz

Comment:
B.O.T.P.A.C.
Bottom of the Pack Analytical Comments

Every challenge I am going to leave comments on some of the photos that finished at the bottom of the pack. I will try and explain why I think the photo did not do well in the challenge, which will hopefully result in increased rankings in your future photos.

-Ben

1) Lots of voters have uncalibrated monitors, and if they are set too dark then they wouldnn't be able to see a lot of the detail in the darker areas of the photo.

2) The border is part of the presentation of the photo so can affect the votes. A black or white or grey border is more neutral and will result in less people voting down due to it.

3) A lot of voters regard using toys in photos as an 'easy way out' or 'amateur'. Photos of toys rarely do very well.

4) Your photo is hard to associate with the challenge without your title. If your title has to explain the photo, then a lot of people will vote it down. The photo should speak for itself.

Famished
by connie

Comment:
I really love this shot. The lines of the sand with the wideangle add a great sense of drama to an already action-packed shot. Very underrated in my opinion :)

Sandlot
by crabappl3

Comment:
This photo is amazing :)

Intensity
by dunces

Comment:
The DoF and composition and muted colours here are all excellent and really add a gritty mood to the shot. 10

His Nose Knows - The Sommelier
by Beagleboy

Comment:
I really like the gradient in the background, and the way there is a hint of detail on the silhouette. The composition is great too. 10