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01/02/2007 09:15:53 AM · #1 |
"My Passion, My Life", entry in the recent "Occupation" challenge, gave me my "Higest High" & also my "Lowest Low" since being a member at DPC for the past twelve months......
I personally think it is by far the very best image, I have ever taken.
I made the choice to enter it in the "Occupation" challenge, due to the fact, that I spend most of my photography time, not only enjoying these plants, but just love taking images of them.
I therefore spend a lot of time taking images of this plant, and I can't get enough if them. If I choose to take Agave photos each and everyday of my life, then I will be one very happy person.
Did I make a mistake in entering the above image into this challenge, I don't think so. You all know that I am retired, due to my health, and I now spend all my time, when I am able to, in taking photos of the beautiful lines, shapes, and forms of plants, close up, like agaves.
One must remember my perspective of our nature, is so very a differant one from most of you, due to my height. I actually look directly into the face of the agaves, that are in my garden, and also in many of our neighbours gardens as well.
Due to the fact that I can't get about anymore, without the aid of ny walker, I therefore spend a lot more time taking photos closer to my home. It is just so much easier, and I think it is what I do best.
My dream has always been to better my very first image of my agave called "Agave Blue", (see below) and I think I have achieved that, with the above image. That is the "high" that I am talking about.
My "low" is due to the fact some people thought I should not have entered it in this challenge, and that is their right, but please don't make me feel like I shouldn't have, as I love this image with all my heart, and would enter it again, if I had the chance.
My occupation, for the past twelve months, is my agaves, trying to improve in each image that I take, in everyway I can. Photography helps me to do just that.
Please let me continue to take these images, as they help to keep my spirit alive, and give me the strength to fight another day.
 called "Agave Blue".
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01/02/2007 09:23:31 AM · #2 |
You just keep doing what you are doing Shez. You know the people at this site support you all the way. The response you garner from all of your images is so exponentially more positive than negative (let alone neutral) that you should have nothing to be concerned about. Keep up the great work!
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01/02/2007 09:29:20 AM · #3 |
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01/02/2007 11:26:04 AM · #4 |
| When I saw this during the intial voting process, the question did come to mind if this fit into the current challenge being Occupation, but only very briefly. I recognized it to be a signature piece by none other than the famed 'Sherpet' and it did occur to me that it might very well fit into this category as you spend alot of time bring these beautiful specimens to graze our monitors. I think it would have probably done better in the December Free Study, but you had your reasons, and very good ones at that, to enter it as you saw fit. It is for that reason, I always keep an open mind when viewing images. I judge the pieces on various levels and try to imagine what the artist is trying to portray. Most people enter an image because it speaks to them which they hope to convey to a broader audience. We must look beyond the conventional and open our minds to new ways of seeing and understanding. Bottom line, I loved the image and appreciate your sharing it with us. Keep up the amazing work! |
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01/02/2007 11:27:49 AM · #5 |
| Who is stopping you from taking these photos? |
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01/02/2007 11:30:44 AM · #6 |
| You got a 6.3 and 26th place and on an image you've already entered numerous times. I don't see what the problem is. You've entered nearly 80 challenges...surely you understand by now that not every single person on the site is going to love and agree with every entry? What's up with all the recent threads complaining about how people vote when you're scoring just fine then? |
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01/02/2007 12:32:06 PM · #7 |
6.3's a pretty darn good score. Not much to complain about there. Don't take this stuff so seriously...it's not worth it.
More on topic, I would agree with those that say it wasn't a good fit for the Challenge. Agaves aren't a job just as I am a Chef and Onions are not my job, even though I chop hundreds of them per week.
Don't worry, be happy! |
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01/02/2007 01:23:50 PM · #8 |
Sherpet,
Some of us knew exactly what your occupation is when we looked at this picture. There have got to be about a zillion people who look at your occupation with the greatest admiration. I think you know there are so many great photos here at DPC that never get the credit they deserve for one reason or another.
Your occupation is ultimately unique and I think the majority of voters would not be able to relate to it. That doesn̢۪t mean you shouldn̢۪t be proud of what you love to do and certainly doesn̢۪t take anything away from the quality of your image.
Your love for the Agaves shows in your work. I can honestly say I have never seen more beautiful pictures of the Avave.
(Agaves? Agavi, Agavian? sorry, I can̢۪t be serious for very long or I might blow a gasket or something).
You just keep doing what you love to do. I̢۪ll just keep loving looking at what you love to do.
:) |
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01/02/2007 02:49:45 PM · #9 |
Hey, I was one of the low votes.
I didn't see how a picture of an agave had anything to do with what someone does all the time, yet, the image was instantly recognizeable, just a repetition of a number of other essentially the same images.
I rarely give out low scores, but in this case I did, and commented, and for what? I got an email essentially berating me for my failure to recognize the fit of the image as an entry to the challenge. Way to discourage more commenting!
And now public griping about it. OK, let me gripe. If I give out a low score and comment on it, I do not appreciate being berated about it before the challenge is over. I realize there are photographers whose subjects are recognizeable, yet, they usually do not make the same identical image and enter it to assorted challenges, especially when it is quite debatable as to the fit to the challenge topic.
I value a certain amount of anonymity, and I value fair voting. IMO, shoehorning a very recognizeable image into any challenge is essentially counting on recognition voting for a higher score. I do not like that.
OK, end of gripe.
Added: And you (sherpet) can continue to take those images, NOBODY is keeping you from that. They are beautiful images.
Message edited by author 2007-01-02 14:55:17. |
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01/02/2007 11:39:39 PM · #10 |
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01/03/2007 02:32:16 AM · #11 |
Comment.
OK image, but doesn't convey what you do or your job. Also, way too recognizeable.
Having come across this thread, I did some research, and checked out what all this is about.
The challenge details stated if you don't work what you do most of your time.
It is quite obvious Sherpet. does enjoy taking photos of agarve plants,(7 entries in challenges) and does it a lot of her time, so this puts her meeting the challenge as she has stated her being retired.
My research took me to the other side and I see that a number of the same type of photgraphy has been done by the commenter.( 7 entries of dandelines) in challenges.
Both sides equal.
As for shoehorning, I find this to be a little out of character for someone doing the same. |
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01/03/2007 01:17:45 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by hywind:
My research took me to the other side and I see that a number of the same type of photgraphy has been done by the commenter.( 7 entries of dandelines) in challenges.
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Don't know about your "research", but I have only 4 dandelion images in challenge entries ;-) Just as agaves are not the same as other succulents, dandelions are not the same as salsify.
However, to give you credit, I have I think 12 (or is it 14?) images of my youngest daughter in challenge entries (plus a few of my other daughters/son and of my husband), a ton of water drops or water related images, and lots of flowers.
Part of the point though, would you recognize my dandelions from everyone else's dandelions during a challenge?
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01/03/2007 01:28:54 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by hywind:
Comment.
OK image, but doesn't convey what you do or your job. Also, way too recognizeable.
Having come across this thread, I did some research, and checked out what all this is about.
The challenge details stated if you don't work what you do most of your time.
It is quite obvious Sherpet. does enjoy taking photos of agarve plants,(7 entries in challenges) and does it a lot of her time, so this puts her meeting the challenge as she has stated her being retired.
My research took me to the other side and I see that a number of the same type of photgraphy has been done by the commenter.( 7 entries of dandelines) in challenges.
Both sides equal.
As for shoehorning, I find this to be a little out of character for someone doing the same. |
So I guess when you vote Ursula low and are courteous enough to leave her a comment about it and she sends you a nasty note and starts two threads complaining about how you voted, you'll be justified in taking exception, too. :)
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01/03/2007 01:40:15 PM · #14 |
| Theres alot of us on this site who would be pretty damn proud of a 6.38. I didnt vote on this challenge, but as someone that hasnt been around all that long, I definitely wouldnt have recognised this image as yours, and wouldnt have seen the immediate connection to an occupation. Its an excellent image and you got an excellent score. Dont worry about it so much. |
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01/03/2007 01:46:47 PM · #15 |
taking photos of agave plants would be an occupation. I'm sure a picture of someone, particularly the principal of this thread, doing that would be well on topic.
A picture of an agave plant, pretty or otherwise, isn't an occupation, unless you tend to plant yourself in the ground and flower every hundred years for fun or profit. If that is what you do, then, well I guess soaking up occasional rain and centennial flowering is an occupation after all. But I doubt it. As some commenter's said, it is made somewhat on topic by the text under the photo, but that isn't the way to a high score.
What is amazing is that such an off-topic image scored so well. Given the comments that's probably testament to the recognizability of the photographer, rather than the fit to the challenge. Either that or it doesn't say much for the other entries and how well they met the challenge either.
Message edited by author 2007-01-03 13:57:12.
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01/03/2007 01:54:44 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by mk:
Originally posted by hywind:
Comment.
OK image, but doesn't convey what you do or your job. Also, way too recognizeable.
Having come across this thread, I did some research, and checked out what all this is about.
The challenge details stated if you don't work what you do most of your time.
It is quite obvious Sherpet. does enjoy taking photos of agarve plants,(7 entries in challenges) and does it a lot of her time, so this puts her meeting the challenge as she has stated her being retired.
My research took me to the other side and I see that a number of the same type of photgraphy has been done by the commenter.( 7 entries of dandelines) in challenges.
Both sides equal.
As for shoehorning, I find this to be a little out of character for someone doing the same. |
So I guess when you vote Ursula low and are courteous enough to leave her a comment about it and she sends you a nasty note and starts two threads complaining about how you voted, you'll be justified in taking exception, too. :) |
One of my 2007 goals is to take a photograph and be mistaken for  ursula. So if you vote that low, be sure and leave a comment. |
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01/03/2007 01:56:09 PM · #17 |
For comparison, I have two in the running right now that could rightfully be considered "DNMC" - one is at 4.8 and the other at 5.2, so I think that a 6.3 is actually a pretty butt-kickin' score!
Interpretation of a challenge is the photographer's right - one needs to understand that a viewer may not (and has every right to not) agree with that interpretation. |
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01/03/2007 02:10:45 PM · #18 |
I seem to remember this one myself. I think I gave it a 6. I've probably seen sherpets agave's before but I didn't make the correlation. In any event, I remember distinctly thinking about the challenge criteria (your occupation or if you don't have a job what occupies your time) and thinking that the title really spelt out that this wasn't about a job but rather about something that someone felt passionate about. The picture itself was nice but the title was what really sold me on sherpet's passion for this plant. We could all submit photo's of our cameras because we're all passionate about photography. Most of us choose our jobs, Sherpet happened to choose to portray a hobby that she loves to do.
To play Devil's advocate quickly however, my own picture did have a comment that they couldn't see the connection between it and my job. A picture of Network cable, fibre optic strands and I help with Network monitoring. No connection? Anyways... I guess what I am saying here in the end is that
a) As previously mentioned, take time to try to see a different perspective on other's submissions. It will undoubtedly help your own photography
b) Take the comments, good or bad, with a grain of salt. Appreciate that they took the time to comment on your image. If you don't like the comment move on. If you like the comment and find it useful mark it as such or even message the person. The only time I'll respond to a negative comment is to ask for clarification. (I.e. their comment was just negative and not helpful).
*edit for spelling*
Message edited by author 2007-01-03 14:11:53.
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01/03/2007 03:08:15 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by Gordon:
What is amazing is that such an off-topic image scored so well. Given the comments that's probably testament to the recognizability of the photographer, rather than the fit to the challenge. |
It's not amazing and your analysis is correct. Again and again. |
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01/03/2007 03:37:48 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by ursula:
I rarely give out low scores, but in this case I did, and commented, and for what? I got an email essentially berating me for my failure to recognize the fit of the image as an entry to the challenge. Way to discourage more commenting!
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Sending out emails chastising commenters is pathetic.
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01/03/2007 03:56:14 PM · #21 |
Originally posted by mk:
Originally posted by hywind:
Comment.
OK image, but doesn't convey what you do or your job. Also, way too recognizeable.
Having come across this thread, I did some research, and checked out what all this is about.
The challenge details stated if you don't work what you do most of your time.
It is quite obvious Sherpet. does enjoy taking photos of agarve plants,(7 entries in challenges) and does it a lot of her time, so this puts her meeting the challenge as she has stated her being retired.
My research took me to the other side and I see that a number of the same type of photgraphy has been done by the commenter.( 7 entries of dandelines) in challenges.
Both sides equal.
As for shoehorning, I find this to be a little out of character for someone doing the same. |
So I guess when you vote Ursula low and are courteous enough to leave her a comment about it and she sends you a nasty note and starts two threads complaining about how you voted, you'll be justified in taking exception, too. :) |
MK
You have missed my reseach point,I do not vote below 3, and this is only for poorly produced photos.
I value a certain amount of anonymity, and I value fair voting. IMO, shoehorning a very recognizeable image into any challenge is essentially counting on recognition voting for a higher score. I do not like that. (Ursula)
I do not call giving a 2 for a photo well presented, and processed, fair voting because you believe the photo was entered to create votes, and not for the purpose of the challenge, this means your vote has nothing to do with the photo entered.
How would ursula respond to the same comment on "Sweeping the Rain" after her "Bolero" or any other entry that is seen as hers.
And As The research said BOTH EQUAL.
I find it very sad that both have been hurt,in different ways, over this comment, and would like to see this Thread locked, as the matter is over and passed,and not doing photgraphy or DPC any justice.
Message edited by author 2007-01-03 15:57:27. |
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01/03/2007 04:04:15 PM · #22 |
Recognizable images always introduce a bit of controversy and have an element of pandering along with it (though that usually brings its own backlash too)
Some folk have a recognizable style, others a recognizable set of subject choices, others are maybe more blatant (see above I suppose)
I don't see the value in haranguing those who take the time to explain their votes though, given the innumerable threads where people want explanations of low votes. This is a prime example of why those who vote low don't provide any feedback or constructive thoughts at all.
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01/03/2007 04:05:23 PM · #23 |
Shez I guess some people did not read the challenge description, if they had then you would not have gotten those comments about it not meeting the challenge criteria.
''Take a photograph representing what you do for a living. Don't work? Take a photograph representing what you do most of the time.''
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01/03/2007 04:12:15 PM · #24 |
| I guess the other thing here isn't so much the fact that some people didn't "get" this entry. This is sherpet's passion in life. By saying it doesn't meet this challenge its saying that her passion isn't important. Maybe I'm reading too much into this but I think a lot of the reaction may not be to the criticism of the photo itself. |
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01/03/2007 04:20:35 PM · #25 |
Originally posted by Citadel:
I guess the other thing here isn't so much the fact that some people didn't "get" this entry. This is sherpet's passion in life. By saying it doesn't meet this challenge its saying that her passion isn't important. Maybe I'm reading too much into this but I think a lot of the reaction may not be to the criticism of the photo itself. |
But really, by not getting it, the voters are saying that the picture doesn't communicate the passion or even the occupation, not that the passion isn't important. Just that it isn't visible in the picture.
We all see things in our own photos that aren't actually there - breaking that connection between what we remember about the picture or feel about it and seeing what is actually there is a really difficult skill to master for photographers. To her, I'm sure it is an image that captures her all consuming passion of photography of these plants, is the best picture she's ever taken of an agave cactus and means a huge amount to her about that process and passion and the accompanying achievement.
But all of that is in her mind and those that know her process or passion.
The actual photo is a nice image of an actual agave. It isn't about that passion, or that consuming occupation. It doesn't capture anything about that continual search for the best possible agave picture. It doesn't show her about this occupation. It is a picture of the end subject, not a picture about the process or occupation.
If we don't know the creator or her circumstances, or recognise the person who shot it and know all this other accompanying back-story that isn't in the image, or stated up front in the title, then its just a pretty picture of an agave - not an occupation.
Those indicating support for the image, like those commentors that praised her while it was anonymous, are recognising all the other history and circumstances that surround the picture, not what is actually in the picture itself, which is fine and all, but it isn't surprising that 90% of the voters know or care nothing about that and certainly don't see it in the picture.
Message edited by author 2007-01-03 16:24:47.
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