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12/19/2025 05:01:28 PM · #1 |
I had someone tell me the recently that we should do more 'Color' challenges again. Personally, I thought those had been beat to death, but maybe I was wrong?
So, to help with future challenge considerations, I'd like to know ...
What challenges DO you like, and why?
Edit to add - please don't discuss any current challenge that is in, or about to go into, the voting stage. Thanks.
Message edited by author 2025-12-19 17:02:52. |
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12/21/2025 12:51:48 AM · #2 |
The challenges I’ve enjoyed most on DPC—both to shoot for and to learn from—have unquestionably been the minimal editing challenges. They showcase pure talent and creativity, revealing how far an image can be pushed through the artist’s imagination alone.
I realize these challenges may not be as popular among many DPC photographers, largely because they rely on techniques and editing styles that have worked well for them in the past. Minimal editing requires a different mindset.
Still, I believe there is tremendous value in the simplicity of visual deception achieved without heavy post‑processing. These challenges demonstrate how the boundaries of reality can be bent using nothing more than skill, vision, and imagination—proof that compelling photography doesn’t depend on edits, but on the artist behind the lens. |
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12/21/2025 03:53:13 AM · #3 |
I agree with Gringo. I like challenges where the resulting image is primarily from the camera and not primarily from post processing. I enjoy digital art but not in the same way I enjoy photography. I find myself scoring images lower when I feel like the major impact of the image is created after the camera recorded what it saw. That’s just because of my own interpretation of what photography is and isn’t. I was also HERE before there were any above minimal editing rules available.
I would rather see digital art kept separate. I would also encourage regular digital art challenges where there is a topic nnounced and the participants can create their image any way they choose. There is room for everyone. |
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12/21/2025 05:34:40 AM · #4 |
I spent a long time thinking about the answer to this question. Ultimately, it also contains the answer to why I like dpc so much and am still involved.
I love the variety, the diversity of themes:
1. Technical challenges, such as "10-second exposure" or "shallow depth" of field.
2. Thematic challenges, like the aforementioned "colors" or "boots," or something like that
3. Challenges that force me to broaden my horizons and leave my comfort zone – this is very individual: For some it's portraiture, for others still life. Personally, I'm not particularly enthusiastic about challenges involving pets – I've seen too many of those.
4. "In Style of" themes: this forces me to engage with other people's work and learn from it.
5. Minimal editing is perfectly fine because you learn to do it right from the start. But I also consider post-processing to be part of photography: this also requires imagination of what the final result could look like and the skills to implement it. So standard editing as a default is perfect imo.
6. I enjoy the "extended editing" which theoretically gives me every opportunity to unleash my creativity. The truth is, however, that I almost never take advantage of this opportunity because I lack the time. But that's a personal problem.
7. An occasional archival challenge is also nice because it gives you the opportunity to see your own images with fresh eyes.
What I don't like so much: when two very similar challenges follow each other in close succession.
(For example, right now, "Symmetry in Nature" and "Weed" are too similar for me) – but that belongs in another thread.
My personal conclusion: variety is key. |
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12/21/2025 06:00:15 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
.. I would rather see digital art kept separate. |
I am confused, is any photo edited in any software digital art? |
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