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05/30/2005 12:21:55 PM · #1 |
 
I sometimes respond personally to individual comments about my entries but this time I have elected to do it more publicly in a thread. Please understand, what follows is not meant to be a complaint or a rant about ratings or comments. I am just sharing a personal observation. When all is said and done, I always feel that my images get what they deserve in the ratings.
But my last Challenge entry, Neon Marquee, drew a few comments that stirred a chuckle from me. One person commented: "nothing to special," and another simply said apologetically, "kinda of boring." I understand and deeply appreciate their attention. But from my stand point this photo was far from boring.
On the day after its opening, my wife and I went to see, "Revenge of the Sith." Looking at the marquee I decided to come back the next night and take some shots. I knew it was a common ordinary subject. However, my objective was simply to meet the challenge, use the existing lighting, and take one of the very best night shots that I could take and then present it in a pleasing composition. [I have posted two additional images: Exhibit A shows all that was there and an Alternative which was actually my first choice that I didn't use. These shot were taken clear across the parking lot . I got the camera set up on a tripod and started shooting. Unfortunately, I did not figure in that the theater would be emptying every half hour! So I had to deal with the Star War fanatics running around the front of my camera thinking their pictures were going to be in the local paper the next day! Next I hear, "Sir! Sir! May I ask what you are doing?" It was the police security (approaching me but avoiding getting in front of the lens). I explained the challenge and offered to let him view the images I had captured. Luck me, I got a very friendly and understanding cop. "Carry on," he said. And so I did. However when I was done a drove home I was followed by a police car to the city limits. Apparently, some mother (parked right next to me) used her cell phone to report a suspicious person photographing in the theater parking lot. What got me upset was that she never asked what I was doing or said anything to me. Not only that, my lens was clearly pointed to the sky (as the cop noted.) To say the least, it was a very interesting night and certainly NOT boring.
Finally, I want to publicly thank Lynnsite for the nicest and most succinct review of my entry. Your attention was tremendously appreciated.
"I like the composition: particularly the tension created by the curves dropping off to the right, and of course the crisp colors. The 3D effect on the letters, particularly the side of the "A" facing us."
Oh yes. One more thing. What is the deal about photographing policemen? Is this considered a no- no?
Ok. Still one more thing: I would appreciate a rating and any comments on the Alternative shot. Just wondering if it would have faired any better than my final entry. Thanks |
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05/30/2005 02:09:55 PM · #2 |
I think you choose the right one. Alternative suffers from not having the beginning of either word, sort of leaves me wondering if you were trying to say something that I can't grasp. Exhibit A has more lights in it but doesn't have the great detail your entry does. Love the colors.
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05/30/2005 03:03:11 PM · #3 |
| I think your entry was the right choice too, very nice shot, well taken and sharp as a pin. |
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05/30/2005 03:10:08 PM · #4 |
Your alternate contains much more interest as an abstact study of form and light. The headon shot suffers from loss of interest around the (edit add: top left and right) borders. Plus that vertical post detracts.
Message edited by author 2005-05-30 15:11:58. |
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05/30/2005 03:14:31 PM · #5 |
 I am proud to say that I was one of your two 10's - it really is fabulous and those that say it's nothing special..well just look at their images and you will probably say..now I see why ;
Message edited by author 2005-05-30 15:19:00. |
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05/30/2005 03:51:32 PM · #6 |
| Sorry, I know it's a touchy subject but I gotta go with the two original commenters that this shot is "kinda boring". Sounds like you enjoyed taking it, if you could convey that I'd say you'd start getting a lot more exciting comments. |
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05/30/2005 04:12:31 PM · #7 |
The story behind the photo is almost always much more interesting!
My take on the story: Given the heightened awareness of security issues, the woman on the cell phone may have thought you were a terrorist. Would you advise your wife that if she sees someone doing something suspicious to go up to them and ask what they are doing?
Regarding the cops - doing their job and probably don't want photos of them taken - might endanger them or their families.
Your story actually makes me feel good that people are aware of things going on and acting appropriately given our current environment and it sounds like you weren't hassled and in fact it gave you something to talk about.
Regarding the photo - I liked it, it's a technically good shot, but there's just nothing special about it really. Maybe if the "G" was burned out it would be more interesting. ;-)
It also reminds me of a shot I took awhile back down in California:
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05/30/2005 04:15:09 PM · #8 |
I think you chose the right shot to submit, Steve. I always find it's difficult to edit neon photos, myself.
Here's a couple of edits I've quickly knocked up (one more faithful than the other).
 
Edit: If you would like me to remove them please let me know.
Message edited by author 2005-05-30 16:15:27.
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05/30/2005 04:21:34 PM · #9 |
I would gently suggest that the excitement experienced while capturing the image may have colored your expectations of how others would experience viewing the image.
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