Unexpected voting - DPChallenge Forums

Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS for Canon

05/19/2004 12:37:20 PM · #1

This is the first time I've experienced what I've seen posted here before: an entry I thought was probably my best ever for a challenge doing the worst I have ever done. Even my husband loved this one (and that's unusual). I usually pretty much expect the score I get, and my score hardly ever goes up and down during the voting weeek. It's very strange indeed when you are this surprised. I guess it just illustrates the huge variety of tastes and expectations out there. It is a better feeling knowing that I and my family honestly thinks it's a very good entry but not scoring well, than scoring well on something you secretly don't think is up to par, though. Good luck to all!

ElGordo

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

05/19/2004 01:00:27 PM · #2

I thought my entry for 'Habits' was my best work ever. But it setting at 5.0000
with 58 votes in. Higher number of comments than usual. If you are happy with your work then that is the best reward.

Tamron SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

05/19/2004 01:29:15 PM · #3

I think my image is being looked at as one of the disgusting ones. I thought it was decent and I wasn't trying to be disgusting but one of my comments is leading me to believe that my score will be low as well. Oh well.

peecee

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

05/19/2004 01:30:58 PM · #4

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"

:)

Tamron SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

05/19/2004 01:38:43 PM · #5

Boy this is just getting worse. Every time I hit that annoying little update button, my score drops even lower. Maybe I am on pace with getting my lowest score ever.

Count

Canon EOS-30D

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

05/19/2004 02:05:05 PM · #6

Me too, I thought mine was at least pretty good but I'm getting pounded at about a 4.5

Sigh...

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

05/19/2004 02:10:19 PM · #7

I just want to see photos I that make me want or need to look at them. Not just a poster of the challenge. Didin't mean to rant!

Neil

Fujifilm X-T30

05/19/2004 02:18:49 PM · #8

Originally posted by Kylie:

I just want to see photos I that make me want or need to look at them. Not just a poster of the challenge. Didin't mean to rant!

I agree.

Others may not agree with me, but I wish that they would put an additional statement underneath each challenge:

"The point of the challenge isn't just to take a picture that depicts the subject matter or theme: the point of the challenge is to do so in a way that results in an artistic or compelling photo."

This is not just a problem with the current challenge.

Likewise, I wish when people suggest (or approve) topics, they think about how (or whether) it's possible for the general population of this site to meet the above statement for that theme.

Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

05/19/2004 02:20:35 PM · #9

Perfectly stated!

Sammie

Olympus OM-D E-M5

05/19/2004 02:21:00 PM · #10

Voters seem to be very critical on the habits challenge. My picture is at 4.7 something when last night it was at 5.4 - it really went down. For some reason, whenever I really like my challenge picture it seems to do badly.

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

05/19/2004 02:24:34 PM · #11

Originally posted by Kylie:

...I guess it just illustrates the huge variety of tastes and expectations out there.

Amen! I have one of the "unoriginal" entries this time, and didn't really expect it to score above a 4 something (even though I think it is technically an OK shot - for me anyway)...but apparantly some people don't mind that since it's still hanging in above a 5.22. I won't hold my breath, however...it's still early.

I do find it interesting that I already have nearly the same amount of votes on Habits as I do on Centered, which started what, three days ago? Strange...

Falc

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

05/19/2004 02:25:14 PM · #12

I think there are about a dozen or so shots in the challenge which are worth anything above six,, usually there are many more than this which sparkle.

The one thing I'm coming to realise is that its the lighting which really makes the top shots something above the ordinary. Take for example the shots of people in the challenge. There are lots of shots which are in full daylight or under a tungsten bulb, theres no definition or depth to them. But there are some where people have tried to use directional light to sculpt the image which really do 'stand out'. This goes for objects too.

Take another look at the challenge and try and work out why individual images work, then apply what you learn to your next challenge. I think you will do better.

I know I will (I hope).

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

05/19/2004 02:29:43 PM · #13

Originally posted by nshapiro:

"The point of the challenge isn't just to take a picture that depicts the subject matter or theme: the point of the challenge is to do so in a way that results in an artistic or compelling photo."

1. The fact that some of us may not succeed does not necessarily mean we haven't tried.

2. The over-riding goal is to take a picture meeting the theme -- I'm reminded of that over and over whenever I try to offer up a "creative interpretation" instead of a straight-ahead shot of the subject -- and to attempt to make that a photo with esthetic and emotional content ...

This is an educational site -- and the challenges are a format via which our "assignments" are made. If this were a juried contest with prizes and entry fees, or maybe a public space where we're putting art for public display, your comment would make more sense, but I pretty much disagree with it in the context of DPC. I'm sorry if you feel your time is "wasted looking at a bad picture" but what's your purpose in looking through the entries if not to evaluate each one fairly and offer what suggestions for improvement you may have? If you just want to "enjoy looking at purty pitchers" go to the galleries and stay out of the challenge voting area.

Tamron SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

05/19/2004 02:40:41 PM · #14

I would have to agree with you on that one GeneralE. This is definately supposed to be a place for all people to learn better photography.

Message edited by author 2004-05-19 14:41:21.

Neil

Fujifilm X-T30

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

05/19/2004 02:43:48 PM · #15

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Originally posted by nshapiro:
"The point of the challenge isn't just to take a picture that depicts the subject matter or theme: the point of the challenge is to do so in a way that results in an artistic or compelling photo."

1. The fact that some of us may not succeed does not necessarily mean we haven't tried.

2. The over-riding goal is to take a picture meeting the theme -- I'm reminded of that over and over whenever I try to offer up a "creative interpretation" instead of a straight-ahead shot of the subject -- and to attempt to make that a photo with esthetic and emotional content ...

This is an educational site -- and the challenges are a format via which our "assignments" are made. If this were a juried contest with prizes and entry fees, or maybe a public space where we're putting art for public display, your comment would make more sense, but I pretty much disagree with it in the context of DPC. I'm sorry if you feel your time is "wasted looking at a bad picture" but what's your purpose in looking through the entries if not to evaluate each one fairly and offer what suggestions for improvement you may have? If you just want to "enjoy looking at purty pitchers" go to the galleries and stay out of the challenge voting area.

If you are not trying to make a photo that is artistic or compelling, how are you learning better photography?

Do you mean this is a site to teach snapshot photography?

Tamron SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

05/19/2004 02:51:26 PM · #16

How do you know that the people taking these "bad images" aren't trying to take an artistic or compelling photo. There is a huge difference in the abilities of the people on this site. Just because you think they are bad images doesn't mean the people aren't trying. To them it might be the best image they have taken yet. Alot are still learning how to try to take a more dramatic and dynamic photo.

Message edited by author 2004-05-19 14:52:05.

Neil

Fujifilm X-T30

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

05/19/2004 02:58:02 PM · #17

Originally posted by G4Ds:

I wasn't chiding people for any specific pictures. However, perhaps I should state instead it would be nice if before shooting a particular subject people asked themselves "Would I want this picture hanging on my wall, or published in a newspaper or magazine? Do I think others would be interested in this? Does this make a statement I want to make."

Then, I would certainly appreciate that not everyone has honed their skills to pull that off like a professional.

Personally, I think I can tell the difference between that, and whats been posted.

Edited scrap...

Message edited by author 2004-05-19 14:58:32.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

05/19/2004 06:15:56 PM · #18

I had thought the challenges were designed to make you get out there and see and think about things for that week in a new context, leading to whaterever that ended up provoking in you as a photgraphic interpretation. The stimulous was the point I thought; where that takes your particular mind and focus and imagination to me isn't something to be evaluated; it is what ended up getting created based on the criteria is. I would have liked to have seen a woman staring out of her window (as one person wrote here about) because it is her "habit" to procrastinate if that was was came up in her when thinking about habits. Maybe she wouldn't have ever thought to try to assemble that image otherwise. I am one of the lowest skilled people here, so my stuff is hardly mind-blowing. But I want to keep a lot more latitude in interpretation so that the real creativity can be ATTEMPTED even if not perfectly executed. I guess we each have to make this site what we think is best for what we are hoping to accomplish.

mirdonamy

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

05/19/2004 06:22:07 PM · #19

Originally posted by nshapiro:

"The point of the challenge isn't just to take a picture that depicts the subject matter or theme: the point of the challenge is to do so in a way that results in an artistic or compelling photo."

I went for artistic, not compelling. I, perhaps, should have done both!

mirdonamy

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

05/19/2004 06:25:19 PM · #20

Originally posted by Kylie:

I am one of the lowest skilled people here, so my stuff is hardly mind-blowing. But I want to keep a lot more latitude in interpretation so that the real creativity can be ATTEMPTED even if not perfectly executed. I guess we each have to make this site what we think is best for what we are hoping to accomplish.

Kylie, you are NOT one of hte lowest skilled people here. The fact that you are here, reading, writing, learning, practicing... you are highly skilled. You just need to keep those creative juices flowing in order to enhance the skills you already do, in fact, have! :) I promise time and thought will come through for you!

I also agree that we have to make this site what we think is best for what we are hoping to accomplish. Perfectly stated, just as I had noted in another post. :)