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11/06/2008 10:12:25 PM · #101 |
Votes: 109
Views: 262
Avg Vote: 6.XXXX
Comments: 15
Favorites: 3
Message edited by author 2008-11-06 22:14:18. |
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11/06/2008 10:16:09 PM · #102 |
Originally posted by Prash:
Votes: 102
Views: 153
Avg Vote: 4.4314
Comments: 7
Although I have been a member only for a few months, I do resonate Jamie's feelings. I remember how excited I was when I got my DSLR in September. So much so that I put almost 7000 actuations on the body in just 2 months (in fact the moment I would reach home, I would pick the cam and run to the backyard).
But now, with each passing challenge, I feel I am getting stupider (photographically). No doubt I learnt a lot about the basic things like aperture/ISO/DOF/focus and basic editing... but I hink there is a lot more to good photography than just that. I cant put my finger on what it is yet, but I feel it is the creativity, composition (including scene setup), and advanced editing skills that set the winners apart from the common 4 or 5-scoring images.
Out of all these things, getting low scores isnt helping my creativity (I dont even know where my camera is today.. I havent touched it since the last entry.. compare that to about a month ago when it would sit with me on the couch:). Also, seeing shoehorned entries that dont fit the challenge themes as much (no offense to anyone) but are technically superior and score far better, hurts my desire to learn scene setup and creatively aligning my cam to fit the challenge.
One thing I still have a zeal to pursue is the advanced editing skills. But for some reasons, I cannot naturally advocate learning skills other than basic noise removal or contrast enhancement.. I believe they take me (as a novice) farther from learning the basic photography skills.
I think DPC would have helped me a lot more if I was already a seasoned photog.. and not an amateur. Someone like me needs encouragement.. and may be I am not ready yet to swim in the ocean of DPC with the ribbon sharks ;-)
Above everything, though, I do see a few great souls on here from whom I am learning things other than photog.. like community and social skills, and even some political tactics (in the Rant section).
Perhaps I should stop participating and just put the images in a portfolio and request the willing ones to appreciate and criticize them? I dont know. I just dont think I need additional stress from more competition in my leisure on top of all that I see at work and otherwise. Competition probably brings the best in people... I may just be an exception;-)
Does any senior member here have anything to say? I am looking for experiences I can relate to.. in terms of you getting disassociated from photog because you took part in the challenges?
Sorry I dont want to hijack the score thread, and if you object, I can start a separate thread. |
Overall, you are putting way too much weight on your score (and ribbons). You don't need a good scene setup and advanced editing skills to make a good photograph. Yes, it may help in your overall score and chances for a ribbon, but I've seen it go the opposite direction as well. Plenty of simple yet good photographs have won ribbons and finished high just because of good camera work. I have focused on, and still do, the post-processing as much as the camera work and composition, because as you learn processing, you will learn what you can do with the capture to make the processing easier. They are all interconnected, as I'm sure you know. If you are unhappy with your scores than take a look at your photographs and list three things that you want to improve. As your photographs get better, your scores will get better. On average, a reasonably good photograph will garner at least a score of 5 in most challenges. Just find your style. I tend not to get frustrated with a score of an image unless it is under 5-5.5. If it is, I take a step back and ask why (I've had plenty!). Now go start a separate thread! :)
Message edited by author 2008-11-06 22:56:37. |
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11/06/2008 10:22:13 PM · #103 |
Prash, I think Rinac makes a good point. One has to learn how to interpret the whole scoring system here to determine if a score was actually due to the entry being crappy, or if it was simply due to a lack of broad appeal. That being said, it is indeed frustrating to get a 2 or 3 slapped on an entry that you know is at least decent, without getting feedback as to why someone think it is so poor.
Also, some really lousy pics can get good scores, simply by having some bright colors and wow-factor. This entry of mine from May's freestudy, for example:
It was a quick snap from the side of the road on the way to work, and frankly, I don't think it is anything extra special out of all the sunrise shots on this site. I entered it as an experiment. It came in at a respectable 5.62. I've had many other shots that took more effort and I think are way better, but they scored lower. |
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11/06/2008 10:53:37 PM · #104 |
Thank you rinac, bspurgeon, and Steve. I dont think I need to start a new thread. I honestly didnt write all that to crib... but just to share what I felt.. more so in a constructive manner so I can figure out how to best enjoy photography while still being an active part of DPC. I figure that I have re-energized myself, and will start to be more critical of pictures to learn (mine included;-)...so I am off to find the camera again.
Ok I will now stop this chain, and post my score:
Votes: 103
Views: 155
Avg Vote: 4.4660
Comments: 8
Oh.. and thank you so much Steve (yospiff) for offering to help me learn. And thank you Jamie for relating to what I was feeling. People like you guys (including bpsurgeon and rinac and many others I mentioned on my profie page) are the reason I log back here every day!!
ETA: I just reflected on my pictures.. trying to figure out why they scored low... most of them are actually crappy... and got the scores I would have given if they were other's entries.. except one.. lol;-)
Message edited by author 2008-11-07 00:53:06.
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11/07/2008 12:23:47 AM · #105 |
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11/07/2008 12:25:29 AM · #106 |
no
people just have to take pictures that inspire themselves and hopefully what makes them ahppy will make others happy art is not about pleasing the masses |
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11/07/2008 12:26:11 AM · #107 |
Originally posted by Pikkel:
no
people just have to take pictures that inspire themselves and hopefully what makes them ahppy will make others happy art is not about pleasing the masses |
Unless your art is about pleasing the masses.
Message edited by author 2008-11-07 00:27:27. |
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11/07/2008 12:50:43 AM · #108 |
| I participate in the challenges for my own growth and the practice of being given an assignment. True, my scores have been disheartening, especially when I really like a photo that I've entered. But what's just as frustrating to me is seeing creative and evocative photos get rated low by the other voters. I'm thinking that my taste in art just may not match the DPC community, so I'm continuing to look for other sites where a wider range of photos may appeal to the community. In the meantime, I'm continuing to use the challenges as practice, and just trying not to let my scores get to me. I know I'm capable of taking good photographs and I don't need a score to tell me that. |
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11/07/2008 01:13:21 AM · #109 |
Votes: 113
Views: 260
Avg Vote: wouldn'tyou.liketoknow
Comments: 9
I'm bored. Entertain me. |
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11/07/2008 01:16:05 AM · #110 |
Votes: 117
Views: 223
Avg Vote: 6.X
Comments: 19
Favorites: 4
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11/07/2008 01:17:31 AM · #111 |
Originally posted by kolasi:
Votes: 117
Views: 223
Avg Vote: 6.X
Comments: 19
Favorites: 4 |
hehe. That is mildly entertaining.
(unless you're serious)
Message edited by author 2008-11-07 01:17:58. |
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11/07/2008 01:22:22 AM · #112 |
I'm as surprised as you might be...
its not extremely high score though, but tons of remarks |
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11/07/2008 01:23:39 AM · #113 |
Well mine seems to have settled into one of my worst scores in awhile, I might even be a contender for the brown! .. that will teach me to try something new without practicing first .. mostly helpful comments too :)
Votes: 108
Views: 173
Avg Vote: 4.5093
Comments: 7
Favorites: 0
Wish Lists: 0
Updated: 11/07/08 01:20 am
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11/07/2008 01:26:55 AM · #114 |
Originally posted by kolasi:
I'm as surprised as you might be...
its not extremely high score though, but tons of remarks |
That's why I thought you were joking. 19 comments. Wow. |
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11/07/2008 01:49:50 AM · #115 |
first time back in the swing of things in a while so i'm happy with what I've got going
Votes: 101
Views: 172
Avg Vote: 4.9901
Comments: 3
Favorites: 0
Wish Lists: 0
Updated: 11/07/08 01:10 am
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11/07/2008 03:20:30 AM · #116 |
I'm going to try something :)
I feel I may have become a bit obsessed with the update button, so I have switched scores off, this way I cannot see the 1s, 2s and 3s as they come in, instead I can spend more time on photography and just pop back to look at the scores as a collective once a day (well maybe twice heh).
Sitting at an all time low now of 5.5x with 114 votes, which is .3 down on yesterday and that was all in the last 10 votes (just to keep on topic). |
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11/07/2008 04:29:36 AM · #117 |
Originally posted by yospiff:
Prash, I think Rinac makes a good point. One has to learn how to interpret the whole scoring system here to determine if a score was actually due to the entry being crappy, or if it was simply due to a lack of broad appeal. That being said, it is indeed frustrating to get a 2 or 3 slapped on an entry that you know is at least decent, without getting feedback as to why someone think it is so poor.
Also, some really lousy pics can get good scores, simply by having some bright colors and wow-factor. This entry of mine from May's freestudy, for example:
It was a quick snap from the side of the road on the way to work, and frankly, I don't think it is anything extra special out of all the sunrise shots on this site. I entered it as an experiment. It came in at a respectable 5.62. I've had many other shots that took more effort and I think are way better, but they scored lower. |
From your input am I reading that some voters are just voting pretty pictures, and don't understand the real photographic merit of other photos.
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11/07/2008 07:08:28 AM · #118 |
Of course people are voting on pretty pictures. You don't have to be a pro photographer to vote. I used to be really mad when i got my scores. Now i just take them with a grain of salt. I wish there was an option on the site that did not let you see your scores till its over. I try not to look, but i'm only human so i do. Scores are not important. I left for quite a while after being so mad at this site, and i am NOT sure i am over it. But i am testing the waters with this challenge. we will see if i try again.
G
Originally posted by BrianR:
Originally posted by yospiff:
Prash, I think Rinac makes a good point. One has to learn how to interpret the whole scoring system here to determine if a score was actually due to the entry being crappy, or if it was simply due to a lack of broad appeal. That being said, it is indeed frustrating to get a 2 or 3 slapped on an entry that you know is at least decent, without getting feedback as to why someone think it is so poor.
Also, some really lousy pics can get good scores, simply by having some bright colors and wow-factor. This entry of mine from May's freestudy, for example:
It was a quick snap from the side of the road on the way to work, and frankly, I don't think it is anything extra special out of all the sunrise shots on this site. I entered it as an experiment. It came in at a respectable 5.62. I've had many other shots that took more effort and I think are way better, but they scored lower. |
From your input am I reading that some voters are just voting pretty pictures, and don't understand the real photographic merit of other photos. |
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11/07/2008 08:50:34 AM · #119 |
Originally posted by gmarblestone:
I wish there was an option on the site that did not let you see your scores till its over. |
You CAN turn off scores. It's a checkbox in your preferences control panel, not too far under your list of cameras and lenses.
Message edited by author 2008-11-07 08:52:33. |
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11/07/2008 09:10:01 AM · #120 |
Posting here to keep track of the drop.
Votes: 110
Views: 173
Avg Vote: 4.6727
Comments: 5
One person told me it wasn't very good, another gave a GREAT analysis of WHY they think it isn't very good, and then one person understood what i was doing. Variety is good. :)
Message edited by author 2008-11-07 09:10:17. |
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11/07/2008 01:56:09 PM · #121 |
Lovely image but challenge requires an actual mirror not merely a reflection - but who knows...?
Why cant people give the benefit of the doubt?
Okay, going to turn off scores.
G |
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11/07/2008 04:44:40 PM · #122 |
Originally posted by colorcarnival:
Posting here to keep track of the drop.
Votes: 110
Views: 173
Avg Vote: 4.6727
Comments: 5
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Posting here seems to be working it's magic
Votes: 121
Views: 190
Avg Vote: 4.5455
Comments: 5
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11/07/2008 04:46:37 PM · #123 |
Wow...what happened overnight. I have dropped .4 in score.
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11/07/2008 04:48:07 PM · #124 |
You're not alone on the drop. May not make my profile page with this one now. I really wanted to see this one up there. It's interesting how the low votes and the high votes tend to come in bunches. Gotta be some reason behind that behavior.
Votes: 126
Views: 215
Avg Vote: 5.9921
Comments: 8 |
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11/07/2008 04:51:01 PM · #125 |
Originally posted by yospiff:
You're not alone on the drop. May not make my profile page with this one now. I really wanted to see this one up there. It's interesting how the low votes and the high votes tend to come in bunches. Gotta be some reason behind that behavior.
Votes: 126
Views: 215
Avg Vote: 5.9921
Comments: 8 |
I was in PB territory only an hour ago. Have since dropped .25
Hopefully it'll climb again. Who knows, it has 4 days left. |
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