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12/15/2014 01:03:57 PM · #51 |
Thanks to  tanguera for your civilizing effect on the Forums. I noticed, & I am grateful.
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I'm reading all the comments & trying to remember how many years ago it was that 'art' was cut out of public education. If I remember right, it was judged optional & when the budget started to shrink art was the first thing to go. Perhaps public opinion would agree that art is optional & perhaps that is why a selfie is perfectly adequate to the needs of so many. I was out shopping yesterday & noticed a display of "selfie sticks" with camera controls built into the handle. I got one. Gonna use it as a camera boom to give me a new camera angle when shooting landscapes outdoors with my iPhone. I'm not gonna risk taking a selfie. No way.
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12/15/2014 01:07:03 PM · #52 |
Originally posted by pixelpig:
I was out shopping yesterday & noticed a display of "selfie sticks" with camera controls built into the handle. I got one. Gonna use it as a camera boom to give me a new camera angle when shooting landscapes ... |
Hey, sounds interesting -- can you post a picture or link? Does it work with "real" cameras or just phones? |
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12/15/2014 01:19:13 PM · #53 |
Originally posted by vawendy:
I also wonder, with photography so much more available to everyone, on such a simplistic level, if there just isn't as many serious photographers around. Ones that are truly interested in perfecting their art -- and seeing it as an art form instead of just as a means for selfies. :) |
Some people with cameras are interested in means, and some in ends. DPC is entirely predicated on the former (witness the rule sets, or the DNMC Police), and is little interested in the latter.
Analogy: Formula One is about ends; Classic Car Racing is about means. DPC is classic car racing. Nothing wrong with that for the participants, they still have fun (almost certainly more fun), but the crowds are smaller and keep getting so, because the cutting edge - what's 'trending' - has moved on. Who cares? Fire up the car park BBQs, break out the beers, and have a ball reminiscing about the good old days. |
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12/15/2014 01:37:55 PM · #54 |
Originally posted by ubique:
Originally posted by vawendy:
I also wonder, with photography so much more available to everyone, on such a simplistic level, if there just isn't as many serious photographers around. Ones that are truly interested in perfecting their art -- and seeing it as an art form instead of just as a means for selfies. :) |
Some people with cameras are interested in means, and some in ends. DPC is entirely predicated on the former (witness the rule sets, or the DNMC Police), and is little interested in the latter.
Analogy: Formula One is about ends; Classic Car Racing is about means. DPC is classic car racing. Nothing wrong with that for the participants, they still have fun (almost certainly more fun), but the crowds are smaller and keep getting so, because the cutting edge - what's 'trending' - has moved on. Who cares? Fire up the car park BBQs, break out the beers, and have a ball reminiscing about the good old days. |
But that's the point, isn't it? Photography has changed SO much since it was invented, no more so than in the past 10 years. While the number of people taking pictures has definitely exploded, so have the genres and the places and forms in which to share them. While the number of sites intent on being on the cutting edge of the latest thing are proliferating on a daily basis, DPC is home for those that have a certain attachment to the fundamentals, but also enjoy exploring the evolving possibilities. Perhaps it is more "structured" than more modern options, but DPC is what it is.
The fact that it is a THEMED challenge site also means that those who choose to push the envelop are subject to the votes of those who will decide if they've pushed too far. While having that sort of "narrow" definition in the real world WOULD be oppressive and close-minded, under the specific conditions of DPC such entries run the risk of a DNMC. I totally encourage exploration, but all explorers venture into the wild knowing there are risks :) |
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12/15/2014 01:42:56 PM · #55 |
Originally posted by tanguera:
Originally posted by ubique:
Originally posted by vawendy:
I also wonder, with photography so much more available to everyone, on such a simplistic level, if there just isn't as many serious photographers around. Ones that are truly interested in perfecting their art -- and seeing it as an art form instead of just as a means for selfies. :) |
Some people with cameras are interested in means, and some in ends. DPC is entirely predicated on the former (witness the rule sets, or the DNMC Police), and is little interested in the latter.
Analogy: Formula One is about ends; Classic Car Racing is about means. DPC is classic car racing. Nothing wrong with that for the participants, they still have fun (almost certainly more fun), but the crowds are smaller and keep getting so, because the cutting edge - what's 'trending' - has moved on. Who cares? Fire up the car park BBQs, break out the beers, and have a ball reminiscing about the good old days. |
But that's the point, isn't it? Photography has changed SO much since it was invented, no more so than in the past 10 years. While the number of people taking pictures has definitely exploded, so have the genres and the places and forms in which to share them. While the number of sites intent on being on the cutting edge of the latest thing are proliferating on a daily basis, DPC is home for those that have a certain attachment to the fundamentals, but also enjoy exploring the evolving possibilities. Perhaps it is more "structured" than more modern options, but DPC is what it is.
The fact that it is a THEMED challenge site also means that those who choose to push the envelop are subject to the votes of those who will decide if they've pushed too far. While having that sort of "narrow" definition in the real world WOULD be oppressive and close-minded, under the specific conditions of DPC such entries run the risk of a DNMC. I totally encourage exploration, but all explorers venture into the wild knowing there are risks :) |
I probably wouldn't still be here if it wasn't for the themed challenges. I like to justify that by saying that it pushes me out of my comfort zone, gets me shooting things of which I wouldn't have dreamed, blah, blah, blah.
While that's all true: I simply am not creative enough to go out and shoot on my own. With a world of unlimited possibilities, I get stuck and shoot the same thing. I wish I had the creativity of some of the people on this site, but my brain is way too literal, too dull. When the options are limited, I find it easier to dream.
Sounds pretty stupid, I guess. But it works for me and keeps me engaged. |
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12/15/2014 01:55:21 PM · #56 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Originally posted by pixelpig:
I was out shopping yesterday & noticed a display of "selfie sticks" with camera controls built into the handle. I got one. Gonna use it as a camera boom to give me a new camera angle when shooting landscapes ... |
Hey, sounds interesting -- can you post a picture or link? Does it work with "real" cameras or just phones? |
About $20 for GoPro, Apple, & Android. The controls are bluetooth. Selfie sticks for everything else is called a camera boom, $30 & up. No remote because your camera has a timer. Your google search results may vary. Don't you love technology? |
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12/15/2014 01:59:05 PM · #57 |
| I was afraid of that ... I may try and cobble together something I can use as an extension to press the shutter button ... |
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12/15/2014 02:25:06 PM · #58 |
| Doesn't your S3 support the IR remote like the G series uses? |
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12/15/2014 02:29:20 PM · #59 |
Originally posted by MadMan2k:
Doesn't your S3 support the IR remote like the G series uses? |
If it does I don't have one, butI do have the manual so I will check -- it would certainly help if I could fire the shutter with my TV remote! |
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12/15/2014 03:42:31 PM · #60 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Originally posted by MadMan2k:
Doesn't your S3 support the IR remote like the G series uses? |
If it does I don't have one, butI do have the manual so I will check -- it would certainly help if I could fire the shutter with my TV remote! |
hahahaha! true! I use a monopod for my Panasonic, with the 10-second timer.
Message edited by author 2014-12-15 15:45:31. |
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12/15/2014 08:50:26 PM · #61 |
What I have noticed after being mostly away for almost a year? That the same people are still in these forums, I would expect after a year to come back and not recognize half of the names. So what is the main problem with DPC is not that it isn't a great site with lots to offer....its that no one but us knows about it. DPC needs to get into the game of promoting itself, it is a great site with great potential but it is going going going gone if Langdon isn't willing to get us higher on the search lists and promote us on social media sites.
I think everyone gets a little bored with the same people making the same comments. Even the challenges all start to look the same without new people entering new photos and new ideas. Anyway I do check back and I love the help that I know I can always get from everyone here. I think most of us want a chance to help someone new but there isn't anyone new to help. |
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12/15/2014 09:47:19 PM · #62 |
Originally posted by vawendy:
Yup -- another DPC is dying thread. Hadn't really believed it in all of the other previous threads, but when you look at the front page, and 8 of the threads are from today, 6 from yesterday, and 6 from two days ago (although it says 1 day ago, which I don't quite understand how that's different from yesterday, but it is...)
What's even more sad is that this morning the top 20 forums went out to three days ago.
I keep popping in to see what's happening and the answer is:
pretty much nothing.
I don't think the lack of entries and lack of voting will be the key to DPC's demise, I think it will be the lack of chatter. And it's not even the really quiet time +/- 3 days around the holidays. :(
We need some more chatter around here! |
Been going on for some time now.
I've worn a blue shirt for 10 years here as of Nov 2014 ... I'm in a grey shirt now. |
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12/15/2014 11:42:33 PM · #63 |
Well played!
Originally posted by GeneralE:
I just find there's one problem with chatter
It's when people say things that don't matter
Or they pull someone's chain
Yet again and again
And we all go as mad as that hatter |
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12/16/2014 12:03:21 AM · #64 |
I actively try to recruit friends and fellow photography enthusiasts or artsy folks to join... I have had a couple of them approach me to talk about challenge entries because they view the page regularly (like they are hovering the join button), but nobody has actually signed up (yet). I think "Lack of time" is always the excuse, right before they tell me they watched all x seasons of y show all weekend, subsequently complaining they feel like they just don't have time to shoot and they don't know why. *insert facepalm*
In a present world where everyone is an expert, everything is awesome, 3 minutes is way too long to cook a hot pocket, and critiques, corrections or suggestions even from professionals would be seen as rude and hurtful (because everyone is an awesome expert at everything) I think people are afraid to jump in the arena with a competitive group of photographers, for whatever reason, most probably to not have to face a voting scale where they could find out they aren't as Peter Lik as their mom tells them they are. It's probably much easier for them to just live off of the good news format of FaceBook, or even 500PX (no down voting or DNMC on either, just up or neutral).
I would suggest that we can provide more feedback on photos, but I think there is a god bit of that going on between us already. I like the challenge format here, I don't mind all the rules, and I like all the zany comments and banter. I have no idea why I can't get others to sign up, but my guess is the answer lives in my middle paragraph.
I do hope DPC is around for a long while, it's a fun escape. |
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12/16/2014 03:22:52 AM · #65 |
Originally posted by sjhuls:
What I have noticed after being mostly away for almost a year? That the same people are still in these forums, I would expect after a year to come back and not recognize half of the names. So what is the main problem with DPC is not that it isn't a great site with lots to offer....its that no one but us knows about it. DPC needs to get into the game of promoting itself, it is a great site with great potential but it is going going going gone if Langdon isn't willing to get us higher on the search lists and promote us on social media sites.
I think everyone gets a little bored with the same people making the same comments. Even the challenges all start to look the same without new people entering new photos and new ideas. Anyway I do check back and I love the help that I know I can always get from everyone here. I think most of us want a chance to help someone new but there isn't anyone new to help. |
Best post in the thread so far. |
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12/16/2014 03:42:47 AM · #66 |
Originally posted by Tiny:
Originally posted by sjhuls:
What I have noticed after being mostly away for almost a year? That the same people are still in these forums, I would expect after a year to come back and not recognize half of the names. So what is the main problem with DPC is not that it isn't a great site with lots to offer....its that no one but us knows about it. DPC needs to get into the game of promoting itself, it is a great site with great potential but it is going going going gone if Langdon isn't willing to get us higher on the search lists and promote us on social media sites.
I think everyone gets a little bored with the same people making the same comments. Even the challenges all start to look the same without new people entering new photos and new ideas. Anyway I do check back and I love the help that I know I can always get from everyone here. I think most of us want a chance to help someone new but there isn't anyone new to help. |
Best post in the thread so far. |
I was going to say that, but you beat me to it, the bold resonates the most! |
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12/30/2014 05:17:01 PM · #67 |
Some time back I was a card carrying member. I used to pay my dues with DPCPrint sales, but, in a moment of need, cashed out (mere $250 or so), and when it came time to renew...well, I just didn't I guess. It was apparent even then that the PTBs were more interested in just keeping the site going than being vitally interested.
I was here in the hey-day. My one and only blue ribbon was in a challenge that had 829 entries. That marked the zenith of my participation here. I found myself in a funk thereafter...nothing could even come close to the excitement of that ribbon - tempered with the knowledge that for some reason one of my photos (and not one of my best in my mind)struck a chord with others. That shot was a product of being in the right place at the right time and sort of prepared. PP saved the day. I knew then - as I know now - that I would never match that shot in popularity (success?). I have tried and tried, but I have learned that effort and skill are not nearly enough for me.
One thing has become clear...when everyone is a photographer, no one is a photographer.
In this camera-saturated Selfie Generation the appreciation of the skilled photographer has been replaced with the appreciation of capturing the moment...quality be damned. And gimmicky post has replaced skillful post - is anyone else as sick of over-dragonized HDR grit as I am?
And the implications for DPC and photography in general are profound. Nobody wants physical photos to hang on the physical wall... |
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12/30/2014 05:34:45 PM · #68 |
| It's still a sensational image! |
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12/30/2014 06:54:44 PM · #69 |
i've been here since 2003 - not as active lately - but we won't get into that.
point is - awhile back - the forums were full of threads about color correction, color theory, screen to printer calibration, detailed insights into different camera features, root specs, politics, links to amazing galleries, and just real discussion.
i think as with any site - as the membership grows those gritty details start to get lost in the 'chatter' of this topic scores, this name game, this rant, this moan, etc. it's just natural.
i miss those old informative threads immensely. and that in part may be why i am not so active. but i can't offer a solution to the natural course of events i see.
edit to add.
those threads dwoolridge used to post to - well - those help everyone learn - even if they couldn't particpate in them. kirbic you must miss him too :)
Message edited by author 2014-12-30 18:58:30. |
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12/30/2014 07:01:18 PM · #70 |
I'm still here. Just paid my subs for another year.
Would miss all you guys too much to leave.
Hope to enter more this year.
Bring on 2015!!! |
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12/30/2014 07:01:46 PM · #71 |
Hey Bill!!
An interesting post with good points. I find it interesting that many of them pertain to photography and not necessarily to DPC specifically.
The obsession with the in-the-moment, quality-be-damned photography so popular today is that its practitioners have nothing to do with the DPC membership. To the contrary, they don't want to hear anything but how brilliant, perfect, and original their shots are. So they post them to Instagram and FB for instant gratification.
Competition is also anathema to them.
I joined sometime during the latter part of the heyday, and I can easily say that voting and commenting on so many entries was a chore. Even worse, a much greater percentage of them were really inferior in quality. So we had to wade through more crap to find really great ones.
Sure, the average number of entries in any given challenge is now down, but the overall quality of said entries is up. In addition, the odds of ribboning are up, and it's much easier to vote and comment. In terms of participating in the forums, chances of being heard are also better.
So maybe it's time to come baxk and give it a try again :) |
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12/30/2014 07:06:24 PM · #72 |
| I would love to see a thread started on different ways that people sharpen their photos. Not just what they use but details. If someone wanted to start that it would be great! |
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12/30/2014 07:15:19 PM · #73 |
Originally posted by soup:
point is - awhile back - the forums were full of threads about color correction, color theory, screen to printer calibration, detailed insights into different camera features, root specs, politics, links to amazing galleries, and just real discussion.
those threads dwoolridge used to post to - well - those help everyone learn - even if they couldn't particpate in them. kirbic you must miss him too :) |
Now communication on such topics is not encouraged, rather that talk about it you'll be redirected to a link of an old post. Still helpful I guess. |
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12/30/2014 07:21:16 PM · #74 |
Originally posted by tanguera:
In addition, the odds of ribboning are up, and it's much easier to vote and comment. |
I guess that's a plus. I've been here almost since the beginning and I still don't have a ribbon to my name, so I guess I'll have to stick around until I get one.
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12/30/2014 07:25:35 PM · #75 |
Originally posted by Hipychik:
I would love to see a thread started on different ways that people sharpen their photos. Not just what they use but details. If someone wanted to start that it would be great! |
Maybe the "someone" who should start it is you! |
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