I Don't Get It - DPChallenge Forums

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C

06/16/2005 05:23:52 PM · #1

...why people don't GET my entry for Darkness. After all, the challenge description says: "What does darkness mean to you? Show us with an image."
Just in case people would not get it, I made the tile self-explanatory, but I guess people aren't reading the title??
It's what it means to ME and I keep getting comments on this does not meet the challenge, it is not darkness, blah, blah. Since when isn't Death related to darkness?? I am so frustrated.

Message edited by author 2005-06-16 17:24:17.

asitv

Canon EOS-80D

06/16/2005 05:43:48 PM · #2

Originally posted by papagei:

I think you just revealed your picture (intelligent can narrow it down very easy).... This is not allowed while voting is on. Just hope you don't get DQ'ed for it.

papa

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

06/16/2005 05:45:56 PM · #3

Also, some feel if they have to go to the title to "get it", you weren't very successful at showing what it means to you.

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

06/16/2005 05:55:24 PM · #4

The word "Death" is not in the title but the image alludes to it. I made the title clear so as to explain the structure they were looking at.
If we make the images so easy to decipher, then I feel we are giving up artistic license to abstract our subject somewhat. That makes for an interesting photo (as opposed to plain boring).
So be it, but I can see the same happening with the Fantasy challenge because again, it is a subjective interp, and I guess too many think withIN the box :)
I look forward to the challenges to stretch my creative self, but now will think twice before entering.

darkyoda

Canon PowerShot A720IS

06/16/2005 06:18:35 PM · #5

There is a reason there IS a box. Most people are IN it.

mpemberton

06/16/2005 06:37:50 PM · #6

Originally posted by darkyoda:

There is a reason there IS a box. Most people are IN it.

Well put.

To add, do not expect a photographer to understand artistic expression. A good photograph and good artistic expression is a mircle photo. I am in both worlds. I have submitted photos that artists think are beyond belief, yet score poor. I have submitted photos that artist say suck so bad I should be stoned, but have done well. Just make it challenge to meet both worlds.

Riponlady

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35

06/16/2005 06:40:44 PM · #7

Originally posted by papagei:

My every sympathy! Join the club !
pauline

amber

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

06/16/2005 10:30:01 PM · #8

I'm still wading through the voting, but it is clear from both the images and the comments that people have fallen into three camps. (IMHO)

There are those that looked at the word darkness, made a literal interpretation and took their images of something in the dark.

There are those who have looked at the same word and took it as means of expressing universal dark themes - death, solitude, fear..etc - through an image.

There are those that have combined both interpretations.

I would guess that those from the first group would find it harder to see the darkness in the second group and vote accordingly.

Equally those from the second group may find little meaning in the first group.

I expect the third group will be the higher scorers.

yeoua

Canon PowerShot G2

06/16/2005 10:33:37 PM · #9

I think some people are just trying too hard. There are several comments on mine wondering how my picture represents darkness... well... I took a picture of the the dark. Pretty literal.

Sometimes you should just step back and look at the pretty picture and stop trying to think too much. The picture should be directing your thoughts. Just as with symbolism in books (many times the professors are wrong about supposed symbolism that the author never intended), don't make the pictures out to be more than they are, take it as it is.

Maybe then people won't be complaining as much.

Caltrop

Panasonic DMC-FZ20

06/18/2005 03:09:48 AM · #10

Originally posted by amber:

Amer I can not agree with you more wonderfully put.

Skip

Canon EOS-1D X

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

06/18/2005 05:11:55 AM · #11

Originally posted by papagei:

...why people don't GET my entry...[snip]...I am so frustrated.

moreso than anything else, this is the challenge of a dpc challenge: connecting with the voters. it is a tough art to master; you can read an excellent overview of how to do it here. it might take more than 10 challenges to get comfortable with connecting...

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

06/18/2005 11:16:16 AM · #12

Originally posted by amber:

There are those that looked at the word darkness, made a literal interpretation and took their images of something in the dark.

There are those who have looked at the same word and took it as means of expressing universal dark themes - death, solitude, fear..etc - through an image.

There are those that have combined both interpretations.

Yup, well said amber. That is what I have to shoot for (pardon the pun) - that combination, and not easy. But that is what makes a winning image, right? :)

skiprow - thanks for your input. I have followed all your links (great NASCAR shots there!) and they have been helpful.

I am going to the big Father's Day car show at the zoo tomorrow (DH is taking the 32 Deuce Coupe), and if the heat and lugging my equipment don't kill me, I hope to have some great shots!

The biggest challenge here, though, is the darned bright sunshine (can't it ever be cloudy and cool here?). Too far to use fill flash, so what are my options? Cars will be in bright sun, and some in a combo of sun and shade - any tips to offer besides a polarizer? How about the hood (I don't normally use it - I can hear the gasps out there LOL)

And Happy Father's Day to all you Dads out there!

Message edited by author 2005-06-18 11:18:31.

RayEthier

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

06/18/2005 11:49:18 AM · #13

Originally posted by papagei:

Hate to tell you this, but I for one do not read titles as a rule, so if your photo did not stand up by itself, then I am very much afraid it might not do too well.

As for standing in or out of the box... too many times I have seen images that on their best day are pure unadulterated crap, box or no box. That being said, I have seen some absolutely stunning photos that did not adhere to what most would say is the prescribed norm... he works of nshapiro come to mind in this instance.

Considering the sheer number of people on DPC, it is a given that you will never manage to please everyone and you are bound to get comments from people who do not understand your work. I for one did not enter this challenge, and that is mainly due to the fact that darkness means a myriad of things to me, and I could not opt for one that I honestly thought would be understood by the masses.

Have fun, enjoy yourself, and try not to let the opinion of a few disturb you.

Ray