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09/05/2005 06:37:21 PM · #51 |
I think what might be being asked here is whether or not the same images and concepts, regardless of its execution, will score better, perhaps due to, among other things, the DPC community's familiarity with subject matter, composition, processing techniques and ultimately the specific photographers that are associated with those specific usages.
I think we've seen some top-ranked images that perhaps upon closer examination might yield "imperfections" or "flaws." Evidence of oversharpening, at times. Or overuse of neatimage. With some images that I can think of, there might have been less-than-perfect dodging and burning. I can also think of at least one recent blue ribbon that had dust spots.
The question that begs to be asked: Why are these imperfections in images that have that "familiar" feel to the community ignored, at the same time that perhaps images that lack that familiarity characteristic and quotient are not spared?
I'm not pointing out to specific images yet, but I think I can do that quite easily. Some of the involved photographers themselves have admitted their own surprise that their "imperfections" got ignored.
So...Are voters really looking at the shots before hitting that number?
On a side issue, I strongly feel this is as valid a discussion topic within the DPC context as anything else. Calling those who want to engage in this kind of discourse as petty, jealous or insulting to ribbon winners is kinda like calling someone UNPATRIOTIC just because that person is exercising the simple RIGHT to question and to think about his or her government's policies.
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09/05/2005 07:15:57 PM · #52 |
Originally posted by legalbeagle:
Originally posted by pawdrix:
Now, about this "dirty" look, tell me more about it or point me in the right direction. Maybe DPC is primed and ready for a little "Dirt A La Pawdrix". Maybe I'll change my call name to UncleSticky and dish out lifes underbelly, unabridged.
Anyone know about this dirty processing? How's it done? |
Not as in a specific technique, but technically flawed (deliberately) - some grain, harsh burnt areas and a reduced colour palette, maybe. I tried it with this (with mixed results).
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First try 
I don't think "cliques" or "forum buddies" have much impact on things or if they seriously exist to any great extent. You don't have to be part of anything to name or corelate photographers with their photos.
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09/05/2005 07:25:20 PM · #53 |
Good points. I feel that a lot of people are voting more on the photographer than the picture. One picture in the last challenge clearly indicates this is true, imo. But that is a part of human nature, I guess. One wants to think they are a part of the winners circle and they can partake of that, in part, by ensuring their winner is at the top.
In a small community such as this one it is difficult to not be aware of the general consensus of who is hot and who is not. That adds to the voters bias. It's also easy to see who follows the forums. The ones that don't read it tend to leave a more honest critique of the pictures. |
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09/05/2005 07:27:26 PM · #54 |
This thread reminds me of one started by bucket less than a week ago called The DPC look. Perhaps we are becoming "formulaic" as a group.
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09/05/2005 07:33:48 PM · #55 |
An interesting observation. Are some of our dpcers getting bored with the predictablity of ribbon photos?
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09/05/2005 07:41:36 PM · #56 |
Originally posted by pawdrix:
First try
I don't think "cliques" or "forum buddies" have much impact on things or if they seriously exist to any great extent. You don't have to be part of anything to name or corelate photographers with their photos. |
Nice.
I had a quick go myself on the low-res. The guy looks half dead. It looks as though the cup (begging bowl/corporate hope?) is the glowing heart of the image.
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09/05/2005 07:57:51 PM · #57 |
Originally posted by pawdrix:
Thinking about the High Contrast Challenge as an educational move and seeing the same style photo's always hitting the top places, does anyone have any Challenge suggestions that might gear DPCers to think in different directions.
There are plenty of exceptions to what hits the Top 10 and so on but what if there was a Challenge that forced people to open up to different criteria....? High Contrast is totally in the right direction.
"Out Of Focus" (that's a tough one...) or something of that nature.
"Strange Crops"
Does anybody know what I'm driving at? |
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09/05/2005 07:59:59 PM · #58 |
Originally posted by azoychka:
Originally posted by pawdrix:
Thinking about the High Contrast Challenge as an educational move and seeing the same style photo's always hitting the top places, does anyone have any Challenge suggestions that might gear DPCers to think in different directions.
There are plenty of exceptions to what hits the Top 10 and so on but what if there was a Challenge that forced people to open up to different criteria....? High Contrast is totally in the right direction.
"Out Of Focus" (that's a tough one...) or something of that nature.
"Strange Crops"
Does anybody know what I'm driving at? |
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Are you trolling?
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09/05/2005 08:05:35 PM · #59 |
Originally posted by nsbca7:
Originally posted by azoychka:
Originally posted by pawdrix:
Thinking about the High Contrast Challenge as an educational move and seeing the same style photo's always hitting the top places, does anyone have any Challenge suggestions that might gear DPCers to think in different directions.
There are plenty of exceptions to what hits the Top 10 and so on but what if there was a Challenge that forced people to open up to different criteria....? High Contrast is totally in the right direction.
"Out Of Focus" (that's a tough one...) or something of that nature.
"Strange Crops"
Does anybody know what I'm driving at? |
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Are you trolling? |
A valid question which started this thread. What the heck is a troll?
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09/05/2005 08:37:25 PM · #60 |
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09/05/2005 08:45:41 PM · #61 |
Maybe there should be a challenge involving only this look?
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09/05/2005 09:13:45 PM · #62 |
Originally posted by azoychka:
Maybe there should be a challenge involving only this look? |
That's probably how Colour Portrait will turn out :P
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09/05/2005 09:13:56 PM · #63 |
Speaking as a relative newbie (new-found enthusiasm for photography = > one year ago, although I had always loved the art):
yes, perhaps many of the winners have a similar feel. However, I'm one who a) doesn't actually know the photographer's names yet, but b) happen to love that look and feel. I don't think there's anything wrong on a "learning site", which I take this to be, in users repeatedly scoring certain types of shots high. They obviously convey something that appeals to a great majority.
If, as some seem to fear, this tramples on others' creativity, then we would surely see others actually winning ribbons with similar looks. However, it seems that the same names keep cropping up. This seems to prove that either not many others are attempting the same technique (contrary to everyone's fears) or that the imitators haven't gotten very good at it yet, which seems to show that perhaps the technique is more creative than given credit.
Okay, I understand that some might feel threatened & forced to conform, but I don't have much sympathy. The ones in this forum who seem to be complaining seem to be those who already have much more technique than most of us (certainly than me), and perhaps they have simply lost their way through ribbon greed. However, they will eventually find their way back.
For amateurs who are still learning technique, like me, I think it's wonderful to be inspired by the wonderful images that continue to win. |
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09/05/2005 09:23:19 PM · #64 |
Frankly, doesn't it get a bit boring? I mean seeing the same thing done over so many times? Granted it has the DPC charisma but c'mon people. Where's the creativity when all we see are the same things? It's a cliche! I for one tried the cliches but at least I try diversity in my shots. Why don't we just all use the same idea for the portrait challenge why don't we?
Just my two cents. Take it or leave it. :) |
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09/05/2005 09:30:57 PM · #65 |
This one didn't ribbon but it's still ok.
Message edited by author 2005-09-05 21:32:11.
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09/05/2005 09:47:42 PM · #66 |
| That looks very much like the original from National Goegraphic? |
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09/05/2005 09:55:37 PM · #67 |
| Asian girls with scarves on their heads..got it.. im gonna get to work on that color portrait now. |
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09/05/2005 09:57:22 PM · #68 |
where are Strikeslip and Kpriest when you need them?
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09/05/2005 10:00:36 PM · #69 |
Originally posted by behindthescenes:
Asian girls with scarves on their heads..got it.. im gonna get to work on that color portrait now. |
Lets totally confuse the voters. Everyone do the smae picture, I mean more than they do now. The voters wont know how to vote! We all win. Yahoo! (and don't forget 'neatimage' it)
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09/05/2005 10:26:22 PM · #70 |
Following pawdrix again, here's where it all began (I think).
The famous picture of the Afghani girl that pawdrix posted below has a follow on story. That picture is regarded as one of the all-time great National Geographic covers. So powerful and enduring is the image, that they went back and found her 17yrs later.
Click on the image to link to the story - which is probably the sole reason for a)All the photos of the genre and b)The attractiveness of the images to the voters.
Every photographer's dream isn't it ... to take a shot like that and to have it published as a National Geographic cover. I'm aiming for mine next year :)
Brett
Message edited by author 2005-09-05 22:58:37. |
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09/06/2005 06:56:13 PM · #71 |
Update: I have just found How They Found National Geographic's "Afghan Girl" including some more about the picture itself.
How good is the original photograph? Good enough to be the *cover* of the National Geographic's Best 100 pictures. Good enough to be the best of the best. Oh to be Steve McCurry.
What is the attraction of all this? We all aspire to be great photographers and this is the story of not only one of the great photogrphers but also one of the great images of our time. I for one want to absorb it all and use it for inspiration.
Brett |
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09/06/2005 07:42:35 PM · #72 |
Originally posted by pawdrix:
Thinking about the High Contrast Challenge as an educational move and seeing the same style photo's always hitting the top places, does anyone have any Challenge suggestions that might gear DPCers to think in different directions. |
More than a month ago, I suggested a Low Contrast Challenge here. Basically, I'm right there with you...the challenges that stretch how we work are challenging. However, the challenges like Flowers, or Portraits, or Macro, really bring out the best of the best because they have to rise above the mediocre, everyday entries that any of us can churn out.
Part of the problem here could be attributed to different skill levels being judged on the same level. The guy who barely knows how to turn on his camera and doesn't know the first thing about composition, light, or editting is going up against the seasoned pro with a career in photography and legions of adoring fans. Every now and then, it could be nice to have a challenge where you qualify based on your average score - you know, even out the playing field for some of us :)
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09/06/2005 07:54:04 PM · #73 |
Originally posted by vtruan:
I know what ya mean. Lately, blackened backgrounds are doing very well. Other less obvious points. |
Originally posted by frumoaznicul:
"unpleasant and sad realities" I think photographs that treat subjects that are not shiny, colorful and pleasant don't do to good on this site. I always seem to be attracted to that, so I challenge everyone to find the most unpleasant thing around them and tell it's story in a photo the best you can. It also has to be something serious not something like the "unpleasant smell of my socks" for example. |
You mean... like this:  ?? :P
I'm afraid the black background didn't overcome the unpleasant subject.
Brian
Message edited by author 2005-09-06 19:55:07. |
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09/06/2005 08:00:59 PM · #74 |
Originally posted by KiwiPix:
Following pawdrix again, here's where it all began (I think).
The famous picture of the Afghani girl that pawdrix posted below has a follow on story. That picture is regarded as one of the all-time great National Geographic covers. So powerful and enduring is the image, that they went back and found her 17yrs later.
Brett |
DAMN!!! Don't errr.... tell me...um ...no...
You mean...that isn't an original DPC Challenege image????
You mean...um...it's been done before????
Oh nooooooo........ ;)
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09/06/2005 08:11:28 PM · #75 |
No 'one' was ever great by imitation.............Samuel Johnson
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