Pencil voting - DPChallenge Forums

08/19/2002 08:32:49 PM · #1

So we have went from bugs, pencils, beans, and back again to pencils. What we need is a songwriter who would develop us a theme for this website using those topics that I mentioned and we would have a hit. I don't know about the rest of you that have voted already on those 180 plus pictures but something was missing? The voting started out all right with me but somewhere along the line the pictures began to fade into one. The quality of the images was bad when they should have been better because the photographers had more control over their subject. I wonder if the subject had become repetitive too me?

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

08/19/2002 08:45:09 PM · #2

Frankly, I'm seeing better lighting this week because there isn't as much oppurtunity for candid photos and outdoor photos. I like the pencil challenge, I laughed my butt off. Granted, I could have scored just about every one of them low for subject matter. I'm just not drawn to pencils. So, since this is only an opinion and something we couldn't help. I'm throwing subject matter out of the equation. However, visual appeal (which IS different) is still in affect.
~Heather~

Jean

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

08/19/2002 09:56:51 PM · #3

Speaking of voting, I was wondering if in the future it could be considered that instead voting a picture from 1 - 10 that there would be 4 boxes rated 1- 10 for each picture to rate composition, technical aspects, meeting challenge and originality. I think this would give a far more acurate vote. The photographer could see at the end of the voting where he could have improved his picture and it wouldn't be necessary to leave as many comments.
What made me think of this is that I was just given a 2 by one of the top photographers because he couldn't see the pencils (he isn't the only one) Yet I understood that "creativity is essential" which I have tried hard to do and the pencils take up about a fifth of the picture, and now I get penalised because of my effort to be too creative! Who would in their right mind submit a picture to the pencil challenge that didn't have pencils in it. I am sure the pencils don't have to be clearly defined from the beginning to the end as long as they are in the picture! It looks like being too creative isn't accepable!

bobgaither

Canon EOS-40D

08/19/2002 10:29:35 PM · #4

I only saw one that I didn't think belong and that was a pen. I mean we had the cats, the pyros, different angles, macros, and I feel the people were trying but in there own style. I think that it was difficult at best to include the pencil because people wanted to showcase something besides that. If we leave the subject at ambiguous, then it will give us an opportunity to show our photography the way we see it. Then people can debate all they want if it was the right subject matter.

08/19/2002 10:34:27 PM · #5

there are only 2 photos that I have found that were hard to see the pencil. I found the pencil in one of them (although VERY subtle) and am still looking in the other one. I have not commented on either yet as I want to be SURE about it. I have asked 4 members of my family and they have seen nothing also. But I haven't given up. I assume like you do. How could there be any confusion when the challenge is so specific? However, unfortunately some people don't spend a lot of time with try to "get" a photo. I myself will go so far as to look something up just so I can get a better understanding of something before I will comment on it. For example, I didn't know what a "ferrule" was, so I looked it up and found something very hillarious when I accidently looked it up as "ferule". LOL. Dang funny if you ask me. ANyway, my point being, if you don't "get" something, maybe at least TRY to get it before you comment and maybe even save it for last if you are having trouble. It may help the photographers a little better if you can comment constructively on something. However, if all you can muster after actually trying is "I don't get it" then at least it's a comment. I mean, someone actually put that the challenge wansn't clear in the something new challenge on my photo of the new box of new crayons. LOL. Oh well. Take it in stride, i'm here for the comments. good or bad, bring em on!! I commented on everyone's photo in the last challenge. Took me all week to do it. Could I possibly get more than 21 in return this week?? Please?
Thanks everyone and good luck in the challenge.
~Heather~
By the way, MY photo is the one that's not signed by me by Sunday night. LOL.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

08/19/2002 10:37:57 PM · #6

REMOVED FOR "ETIQUITE" REASONS. BY ME.
I apologize for helping to point out a very important part of a photo that everyone but me seemed to overlook. I have spent a lot of time with these photos and I am sorry. On the other hand, I DO agree that photos shouldn't be discussed publicly in the forums, so by all means, if anyone has any questions regarding anything, please Private Message me, and I'll be happy to discuss anything with anyone.
Or email me HBUNCH7187@aol.com IM me through aol at HBUNCH7187, heck, I'd give you my phone #, but I'm HERE all day trying to make a difference in some prospecting photographers life and I only have 1 phone line.

* This message has been edited by the author on 8/20/2002 12:01:04 AM.

indigo997

Nikon D70

08/19/2002 11:20:29 PM · #7

I'm still a little unclear on one point. I know that you shouldn't identify which photo is your own, but does that mean that you can't talk about any pics in the current challenge? For instance, it really helps me to know about that reflection. There's another pic that I'm still questioning (and it isn't the horse pic). It's pretty abstract and has a lot of reflections and a few lines that might be pencils. I assumed that they are, but I'd really like someone else's opinion.

Jean

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

08/19/2002 11:29:40 PM · #8

Also deleted for etiquette reasons.
* This message has been edited by the author on 8/20/2002 3:31:45 AM.

* This message has been edited by the author on 8/20/2002 3:33:23 AM.

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

08/19/2002 11:31:45 PM · #9

Originally posted by indigo997:
I'm still a little unclear on one point. I know that you shouldn't identify which photo is your own, but does that mean that you can't talk about any pics in the current challenge? For instance, it really helps me to know about that reflection. There's another pic that I'm still questioning (and it isn't the horse pic). It's pretty abstract and has a lot of reflections and a few lines that might be pencils. I assumed that they are, but I'd really like someone else's opinion.

I thought it was etiquette to not discuss *any* of the photos while voting is going on...

ClubJuggle

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

08/19/2002 11:39:29 PM · #10

Originally posted by indigo997:
I'm still a little unclear on one point. I know that you shouldn't identify which photo is your own, but does that mean that you can't talk about any pics in the current challenge? For instance, it really helps me to know about that reflection. There's another pic that I'm still questioning (and it isn't the horse pic). It's pretty abstract and has a lot of reflections and a few lines that might be pencils. I assumed that they are, but I'd really like someone else's opinion.

My understanding of the etiquette is that any discussion of photos being voted on is to be avoided. The feeling is that it is if such a discussion is held the photographer might feel compelled to defend their photo in the thread, and it's unfair to hold the conversation yet expect them not to participate.

-Terry

08/19/2002 11:48:56 PM · #11

Probably right. However, it does miff me when People go through the photos to see how they compare, rate them and are done by 2am monday morning without commenting on anything. When people say "I don't get it" I want to say DID YOU TRY? Anyway, now that that's out of my system, I wont mention anyone elses photo but mine and all I will say about it is this..
MY photo will be the only one on Sunday night that has not been commented on by me.
PM's are always welcome, as I'm here ALLLL day. I have been commenting non stop since about 10 this morning and have gotten about 40 done. At this rate, I'll be done by Thursday night, then can start shooting for the next challenge! That's better than last week. Took me a lot longer. If anyone is wondering, DPC is up ALL day, I am here in front of the computer. I do take a few breaks to pee and eat, but for the most part, I take this very seriously, and look VERY closely at the photos. Discussing photos in private messages was accepted by the Admin as something we are allowed to do, so if someone ever wants a second opinion, or critique, like I said, I am always here, so in that respect, I am also available for "emergency critiquing" or what have you.
AOL is Hbunch7187
email Hbunch7187@aol.com
DPC is also Hbunch7187
Heck...you can have my phone number if you want, but I'm on the comp all day so it wouldn't do you any good. LOL

Amphian

Nikon Coolpix 880

08/20/2002 12:41:09 AM · #12

Originally posted by hbunch7187:
If anyone is wondering, DPC is up ALL day, I am here in front of the computer. I do take a few breaks to pee and eat, but for the most part, I take this very seriously, and look VERY closely at the photos.

Has anyone ever recommended you get counseling? ;-)

08/20/2002 12:56:10 AM · #13

Originally posted by Amphian:
Originally posted by hbunch7187:
[i]If anyone is wondering, DPC is up ALL day, I am here in front of the computer. I do take a few breaks to pee and eat, but for the most part, I take this very seriously, and look VERY closely at the photos.

Has anyone ever recommended you get counseling? ;-)
[/i]

Can't tell if you were joking or not. LOL I'm trying to better my own photography skills and by viewing everyone elses closely, I think I have gotten a few really great tips. Up until recently I only took pictures of my kid, and dont get me wrong I LOVE it, but family and friends want me to come take photos for their wedding, and of the animals, and I'm now taking photos of people's kids for their scrap books. Anyway, I don't think I'm good with the spur of the moment "planned" shot. I get to think for one week about what i'm going to do and then do it. when it's over, it's over and there is no turning back. I need to work on THAT and this is what this web site is all about. I've had offers to be paid, but have taken no money as of yet. I'm thinking about it though, espicially if I have to take one more darn photo of a CHOW.
I love the people here. I really do. So, for right now, I consider this web site "college" to me. I'm learning, and at the end of the week, I turn in my assignment, get graded and get my new assignment. Each and every one of you are my professors (ok, some are interns, but thats ok). And you will better my life. For that I have the utmost respect and admiration. Thank you.
~Heather~
Ok, a bit "awwww" and back to commenting!!

Amphian

Nikon Coolpix 880

08/20/2002 01:26:56 AM · #14

I was kidding, that's why I winked -> ;-)

We ought to get a group discount for DPC OCD.

indigo997

Nikon D70

08/20/2002 03:19:04 AM · #15

As I said, I wasn't sure of the exact rule so I didn't mention any titles. :o)
I do think this is an example of where a little leniency might be needed. It isn't really fair for someone to get bad scores because a bunch of idiots just don't see it. I'm trying to give the benefit of the doubt and assume with each photo that all the rules were followed and the topic was met, but I doubt everyone does this.
Of course you can say that it's all part of the game - that the photograph should speak on its own without any explanation. As someone who has had a photo questioned before, however, I definitely think that sometimes people just need a little guidance.

lionelm

Canon EOS-10D

08/20/2002 05:15:36 AM · #16

I understand what people are saying, and true before saying it does not meet the challenge , we should look at the picture more. However ... there is a theme every week, so I would think as well that if the pencil theme cannot be seen quickly then .. that's stretching the theme too much. The challenge is do do a good picture with a pencil in it, not a rebus or a mystery.
I would have a tendency to think that the creativity then have been exercised in the wrong direction.
Let's say I want a Death Valley picture, I put a pencil on the road, walk during 5 minutes, take my picture. The picture is very nice, there is a little shadow on the road, that's the pencil. Meet the challenge ? No. Very nice picture : maybe. But then .... WHY would I post that one in this challenge ?
This said .... aveything is about balancing judment and being far and everything. But I would say as well that .. this is still a 'Photography site' .. so if your picture is nice, it's still nice even if it does not meet the challenge, just it will not get good scores THIS week.
So .... Creativity : yes, 'Mystery where is the pencil ' : no.
But I did not reach that picture yet or did see the pencil in it wihthout questioning.

lionelm

Canon EOS-10D

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

08/20/2002 05:24:41 AM · #17

Oh and by the way .. so far 121 people voted for my picture and I got 2 comments (yes two, not a twenty with a missing 0). So I would say that 21 is already a lot of comments uh ?
I think this site is like this, I like it this way, I am not saying it's perfect and that we should not comment .... but .. this is the voting mechanism ny itself. it works this way.
so ... GOOD JOB for this site to the people running it.
If I would have to vote for this site, I would give it a 8.
;-)
Good luck for this week to everybody , and there is still 6 days to go to go back and comments the pictures.

lisae

Olympus C-720UZ

08/20/2002 07:46:01 AM · #18

hbunch, you're incredible :). But I think this is a great place to learn how to take photos that appeal to a broad range of people. Good luck!

hokie

Nikon D2X

08/20/2002 09:30:20 AM · #19

Originally posted by lisae:
hbunch, you're incredible :). But I think this is a great place to learn how to take photos that appeal to a broad range of people. Good luck!

I agree about the broad range thing.

But hbunch..there are hundreds of sites that will give you a more in depth look at whta makes a great photo.

I love this site as well. But don't let it be your only source of creative nourishment.:-)

I like photo sig. Extremely talented folks a wider range of photo topics to view..especially human studies. Try their Photo magazine list for some great places on the net.

The Luminous Landscape is a great place for ideas.

Apogee internet photo magazine is another great place.

Try the Masters of photography site for sample galleries of some of the finest photographic talents since the beginning of photography. Mostly black and white but truly inspiring.

Anyway, some different food for thought :-)

* This message has been edited by the author on 8/20/2002 9:30:08 AM.

08/20/2002 09:49:38 AM · #20

Thanks for the list of other sites. I also goto about 4 other sites too. None of which you mentioned though, so I will def. check them out. However, I think I'm already a full time "student" LOL. If I had many more sites to go to I wouldn't sleep at all. I will check them out though and maybe I'll find that I like one of those more than one I goto now. Thank you very much for the list. I appreciate it.

Lisae. I agree with the making photos that appeal to a large range of people. Thats what I'm trying to do as well. If only you know my family. LOL.
Someone had commented that they only have 2 comments. Sorry about that. I'm still making my rounds on commenting, so I'll get there soon.
Oh, I don't have 21 comments THIS week. I had it last week. I have 11 comments this week and I'm happy with that. I also know that a lot of people wait till the end of the week to vote and even more on saturday when a lot of people don't have to work. I'm very happy with my comments this week. Apparently I learned some things since last week. Thank you ALL for everything, I got some commenting to do!!
C ya around!
~Heather~

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC for Canon

08/20/2002 10:56:27 AM · #21

Hmmmm. Currently 120 votes, 7 comments, and an average of around 5.6 (down from 6). :)
I know people usually comment later... just talkin'.

Kavey

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

08/20/2002 11:07:01 AM · #22

I took some time on my voting, fine tuning and all.
Now I am working through comments.
Decided to try and comment the lower scorers as well this time, and am working hard to offer a positive as well as a negative when I can. If I offend anyone it's unintentional and I apologise here in advance.
Have now commented everything from 4 down, and am working up.
So more comments from me are coming.
Kavey

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC for Canon

08/20/2002 11:21:24 AM · #23

Please don't apologize in advance for possible offense. Be polite but honest.
;)

Kavey

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

08/20/2002 11:28:04 AM · #24

I kind of want to:)
I know how upset you were by a comment you were sent last week and I don't want to unintentionally offend. I figure apologising in advance for any accidental offence my comments cause can only be taken in a positive light. Hopefully people may see it and realise that my comments are very much not meant to insult.
Kavey