DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register) 
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Rant >> is it true?
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 22 of 22, (reverse)
AuthorThread
 06/15/2005 10:09:27 PM · #1
as a photographer, if your photo does not convey the message you wanted to your viewer, it means you have failed?

eg. you try to capture the meaning of "metal" and you produced something spectacular in your opinion, something that made you dream and think METAL in every sense, but when your viewers look at the photo, they feel nothing METAL about it. So, what does that say about you?
 06/15/2005 10:10:46 PM · #2
That you see more than everyone else... :)
 06/15/2005 10:21:49 PM · #3
2 schools of thought:

1) You can shoot with ONLY wowing a voter in mind.
2) You can shoot for YOU and seeing YOUR vision and YOUR pride on the screen.

Once in a while, it's nice when both come together.
Last year, I shot with #1 in mind. This year I am going with #2, and so far, I am so much happier with what I am doing and that's what's most important (to me).

It is a personal thing, and when you turn off your PC, you still have to be happy with what's hanging on your wall.
(figuratively or literally).
 06/15/2005 10:22:59 PM · #4
What are you trying to say?
 06/15/2005 10:24:32 PM · #5
I always feel that the photographer is at the mercy of the collective voting blocks which tends to fluctuate. At the end, we give full credit to the voters. They decide, according to their experience and taste what makes it or fails. In truth, the voting blocks are usually right 98% of the time. Sometimes there is misunderstanding of what a good image is as it relates to the challenge. It appears that words fail is describing some challenges and also that some are quick to lock in an erroneous definition. All in all, you make your entry and they decide the finality of your effort.
 06/15/2005 10:26:16 PM · #6
The newspaper is supposedly written to a 6th grade reading level, so that the message gets across. Should be the same with photography - BUT that is journalism.

Are we talking Art? Then the sky is the limit as far as 'level' is concerned. There is alot of 'fine art' and even poetry I just don't get. Is it me lacking understanding or the artist lacking the ability to communicate?

With advertising, if YOU don't get it, then YOU were not the intended audience. Not everyone is supposed to 'get it'.

My construction challenge entry was one of those - I like it, perhaps a better title would have helped (maybe something like "Farmer John's Fields now grow Homes") - many did not get it, or did not think the connection to construction was strong enough.

So, if this is not a Blue Ribbon picture, then it must be you that just doesn't get it, right?

At least it's not me! LOL
 06/15/2005 10:26:42 PM · #7
Originally posted by jmritz:
What are you trying to say?


Brad's no longer trying to communicate to the viewer, so you might not understand what he's trying to say. ;-)
 06/15/2005 10:27:08 PM · #8
If you took a picture, and it was appreciated (by you, someone else, or whoever), then it was worth your effort, wouldn't you agree?

Sometimes, the meaning I was going for when I hit the shutter evolves as I see the actual image, as others provide commentary, or as I tinker with it in Photoshop. For me, I don't base sucess on alignment of accuracy to what I was shooting for, but if what the picture has become is enjoyed.

-Annette
 06/15/2005 10:27:59 PM · #9
Originally posted by scalvert:
Originally posted by jmritz:
What are you trying to say?


Brad's no longer trying to communicate to the viewer, so you might not understand what he's trying to say. ;-)


OK now I understand..:)
 06/15/2005 10:41:43 PM · #10
Shadow......

Perception of things in most instances hinges on one's life experiences. Given the diverse backgrounds of this audience, it would be unrealistic to believe that you could produce an image that all could understand and appreciate.

As an example, if you entered a photo in a "Metal Challenge" that depicted melting slag in the casting department of a mining facility, that would absolutely scream "METAL" to me, but then again that is attributable to the fact that in my youth I worked in this type of environment. To the majority of the audience in DPC, the question which would quite justifiably arise is.... "How does this meet the challenge???

In my short time in DPC I have learned a great deal from some very knowledgeable and capable people, and perhaps the most important lessons learned to date is that the primary objectives for me in this venue are to:

1... Improve my skills,
2... Enjoy myself
3... Share the wealth that is DPC and lastly...
4... Keep away from the update button,

Ray
 06/15/2005 10:54:31 PM · #11
Originally posted by RayEthier:

Perception of things in most instances hinges on one's life experiences. Given the diverse backgrounds of this audience, it would be unrealistic to believe that you could produce an image that all could understand and appreciate.


Hi Ray, yes I agree and share the same view as you stated here. However, I do feel a sense of defeat if what I captured isnt understood by the majority (70%) of the viewers, be it here, or elsewhere.
 06/15/2005 11:05:06 PM · #12
Originally posted by jmritz:
What are you trying to say?

If your question was posed to me, then basically scalvert's wrong.

What it comes down to is that we can go out and try and mimic styles and images we see, or try and find a formula that pleases the voters. While it's fun to get on the home page, it slowly comes at a cost.
Many may have no idea what I am saying, but at some point in your path of evolving from snapshot, to wow factor, something is missed along the way - individuality.

Everyone needs to find in themselves, what "makes" a shot for them.
As an example, I would rather shoot something that deeply moved 6 people, and stuck with them for a while, than wow a bunch that couldn't remember what an image was when it drops out of sight less than a day later. (kinda' like how so many cannot remember what a ribbon shot was a day later when it was DQ'd)

Another thing I was trying to convey is none of us can do everything well, everytime. It can be a fun journey trying everything that is thrown at you, but at some point, a niche can be found, that tells a person they have found what really interests them. We see members here that do great portrait work, yet never enter challenges on obscure / artistic levels, landscapes, etc. and vice-versa. When we find our niche, then we can move forward towards the goal of mastering it.

A good number of my ribbon-winning shots have a huge following in the way of number of favorites. While it is flattering, in a way don't see it. A good number of them have no place on a wall in my home, as they just don't do "it" for me.

06/15/2005 11:05:37 PM · #13
Originally posted by shadow:
as a photographer, if your photo does not convey the message you wanted to your viewer, it means you have failed?

eg. you try to capture the meaning of "metal" and you produced something spectacular in your opinion, something that made you dream and think METAL in every sense, but when your viewers look at the photo, they feel nothing METAL about it. So, what does that say about you?


IMO correct, you've failed.. IF that was your "intent"

if your intent was to attempt to get a -self induced- emotional high out of a created image -as well as- strike a cord with a viewer - you might have hit half way - or at least to the some that 'get' your vision -

if it didn't make you excited -before submiting to a challenge- you should do a better job of self critizising - submit & try to get better

there is -of course- taking the high road & claim it's "ART" or
a "statement" on neo-fascism in photography allowing only good & on topic pictures to be rated highly and any controversial 'off topic/challenge' are equal if not better & all conformist photographers will be up against the wall when the revolution comes ... etc ...
its all BS, & thats ok too - but don't expect high scores (see my bird pic on Sunday ;)

it can be fun to controversial, as long as its tastefull
it can also be fun to stretch the definition of a challenge
AS LONG AS still is a good picture
and, of course, if you don't care about your average

naturally -these are my opinions-YMMV-

a hubcap is metal & boring - a rubber duck is not metal
BUT a rubber duck flying through the air on a hubcap could be neat
would it say METAL ?. .. subtle & probably not, but it MIGHT be a excelent picture and a worthy idea ;)

i think i'm stuck in rant mode today ...
aaaghhh....
06/15/2005 11:05:59 PM · #14
Originally posted by shadow:
I do feel a sense of defeat if what I captured isnt understood by the majority (70%) of the viewers, be it here, or elsewhere.


You might take solace in the fact that the vast majority of truly astounding things in our world are not understood by the masses. We as a collective all know about the existence of artful things... but in many instances... only a select few truly understand the meaning of it, as intended by the author.

I for one truly enjoy watching a bee dashing and darting about in the garden, but have no idea whatsoever as to how they do manage to fly. My lack of knowledge has however never detracted from my enjoyment.

You will wear yourself ragged trying to convey a message for the masses... Do what is best for you and sit back and enjoy the view.

Ray
 06/15/2005 11:06:51 PM · #15
Originally posted by scalvert:
Originally posted by jmritz:
What are you trying to say?


Brad's no longer trying to communicate to the viewer, so you might not understand what he's trying to say. ;-)

Maybe Brad's not sure he understands what he is trying to say.

06/15/2005 11:10:23 PM · #16
Originally posted by BradP:
Originally posted by scalvert:
Originally posted by jmritz:
What are you trying to say?


Brad's no longer trying to communicate to the viewer, so you might not understand what he's trying to say. ;-)

Maybe Brad's not sure he understands what he is trying to say.


"Mr. Asimov, just because you wrote the story, what makes you think you know anything at all about it?"

--University literature professor, quoted by Isaac Asimov in his book Opus 100

Message edited by author 2005-06-15 23:10:50.
 06/15/2005 11:15:02 PM · #17
old man BradP
From under the old oak tree
staring thinking
camera clicking
refusing to say what's to see
 06/15/2005 11:22:52 PM · #18
Well, I should be happy then. My Darkness shot is lingering in the 4.1 range...a new low for me. According to some of the logic in the last few forum threads, I may have created a masterpiece but I'm the only one who knows it! :) Seriously, I debated on entering or not because it speaks a great deal to me, but probably won't to others. I knew it would bring down my average, but I didn't think it would be this much.

All these debates are always interesting.
 06/15/2005 11:33:13 PM · #19
I think this POV issue will continue to exist and be debated over and over again. However, I just wish I could make others see what I see in a photo. Some may say its not possible, but I think the attempt to at least TRY in itself is a challenge.

"Do you see what I see?"
 06/15/2005 11:37:04 PM · #20
I always shoot for me. If people like it great. If not too bad. Sometimes I don't even like it.
 06/15/2005 11:43:41 PM · #21
Originally posted by tcrock41:
I always shoot for me. If people like it great. If not too bad. Sometimes I don't even like it.


You dont like what you shoot?
 06/16/2005 12:36:52 AM · #22
I try to submit stories.

"A picture tell a thousand words" is absolutely true to me. Even a flower can tell a story, if the photog is willing to think outside the box.

Not all pix do tell stories, but the most successful, especially with human subjects, tell great stories.

In the biz that I am in, color, lighting, shadow, and sound all contribute to the script to enhance the story. The same can be done, and said to still pix.
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 07/30/2025 12:42:07 PM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 07/30/2025 12:42:07 PM EDT.