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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> What makes a ribbon winner?
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 12/08/2005 02:45:32 PM · #1
OK, here's the thing. I've been experimenting with a lot of styles lately, trying to find out what does well here on DPC, just to try to find a magic formula for success on this site.

While a lot of styles aren't my own, I enjoy shooting different things in different ways - ways I've never even thought of before.

What I'd like to know from you, is what do you believe makes a winner here on DPC? What's the formula?

We've all heard the don't worry about your score arguments, so let's stay away from them. Let's go for a critique of why photos win here.
 12/08/2005 02:50:33 PM · #2
Composition and sharpness works good, but i've learned that DPC goes through stages and constantly changes you never really know. (maybe its just me)
 12/08/2005 02:50:50 PM · #3
Shannon Calvert wrote an excellent article/thread pertaining to this subject. I can't seem to find it just now, but will post when I do. Shannon, you around?
 12/08/2005 02:51:07 PM · #4
If you look at the past winners a large portion of them have lots of color. In general as long as picture is technically proficient it will do well if it is colorful.

Looking at the top rated photographs on the site in general I think will answer your question.

Landscapes, macros and for some reason women with scarves on their heads do very well also.

Edited for spelling (what can I say, I can't spell)

Message edited by author 2005-12-08 14:52:11.
 12/08/2005 02:55:32 PM · #5
It's just like any other client. You try to satisfy what they want. I've been trying to get a pulse of what the voters gauge as being a "ribbon contender". I think I've somewhat found what people like. We'll see in the next couple of challenges :)

Rikki
 12/08/2005 03:02:25 PM · #6
Originally posted by idnic:
Shannon Calvert wrote an excellent article/thread pertaining to this subject. I can't seem to find it just now, but will post when I do. Shannon, you around?


Found (It's on my watch list... need to read again :) )
Win a Ribbon
 12/08/2005 03:07:36 PM · #7
Originally posted by pidge:
Originally posted by idnic:
Shannon Calvert wrote an excellent article/thread pertaining to this subject. I can't seem to find it just now, but will post when I do. Shannon, you around?


Found (It's on my watch list... need to read again :) )
Win a Ribbon


Thank you pidge!
12/08/2005 03:08:33 PM · #8
Originally posted by pidge:
Originally posted by idnic:
Shannon Calvert wrote an excellent article/thread pertaining to this subject. I can't seem to find it just now, but will post when I do. Shannon, you around?


Found (It's on my watch list... need to read again :) )
Win a Ribbon


You Rock!
 12/08/2005 03:09:48 PM · #9
I think Scalvert's post is spot on, as they say here.

Technical proficiency is key. If you want a ribbon you cannot have any mistakes in the photo. None. Focus is crucial. What is in focus needs to be sharp as a tack. What is OOF needs to be OOF on purpose. Lighting needs to be purposeful as well; bright and vibrant or dark and moody seem to work well.
 12/08/2005 03:21:35 PM · #10
I believe color has a lot to do with it. I toyed with color a lot this week, going so far as that is all the photo had going for it, other than technicals (focus, exposure, etc.). It's scoring exactly how I expected it would. Pretty much 5.0, I've got color with no WOW!

Now, how much does the WOW! factor count?
 12/08/2005 03:35:03 PM · #11
Pidge beat me to it (having some Internet issues at the moment). I should update that text, but it's still valid. Most of it boils down to creating an image that clearly meets the challenge and will provoke a positive reaction. You don't have to be colorful, inside the box, technically perfect, or anything else conventional wisdom says you're "supposed" to do. A technically perfect photo by itself is meaningless. You can shoot a perfectly-exposed, razor sharp image of a rock in the sand, and few people will care.

I read posts every week that say, "My photo nails the challenge, but I only have a 4.8." Look up the Habits challenge and see how many people entered shots of models actually picking their noses or biting their nails. Sure, it meets the challenge, but who wants to see THAT? Ditto most shots of drug use, alcohol, suicide, and gore. Technically sound photography is certainly important, but the voters (as you might expect) are looking for pictures that tell a story, capture the imagination, or inspire awe. The goal is to make your DPC audience laugh, smile, cry, etc. but avoid making them shrug or cringe with disgust. Do that, and you're on your way to a ribbon. ;-)
 12/08/2005 03:36:03 PM · #12
What makes a ribbon winner ? That would be the 3 photos in each challenge that score the highest average vote.
Unofficially the last place is also a ribbon winner.
 12/08/2005 03:37:48 PM · #13
Originally posted by scalvert:
Pidge beat me to it (having some Internet issues at the moment). I should update that text, but it's still valid. Most of it boils down to creating an image that clearly meets the challenge and will provoke a positive reaction. You don't have to be colorful, inside the box, technically perfect, or anything else conventional wisdom says you're "supposed" to do. A technically perfect photo by itself is meaningless. You can shoot a perfectly-exposed, razor sharp image of a rock in the sand, and few people will care.

I read posts every week that say, "My photo nails the challenge, but I only have a 4.8." Look up the Habits challenge and see how many people entered shots of models actually picking their noses or biting their nails. Sure, it meets the challenge, but who wants to see THAT? Ditto most shots of drug use, alcohol, suicide, and gore. Technically sound photography is certainly important, but the voters (as you might expect) are looking for pictures that tell a story, capture the imagination, or inspire awe. The goal is to make your DPC audience laugh, smile, cry, etc. but avoid making them shrug or cringe with disgust. Do that, and you're on your way to a ribbon. ;-)


So sayeth the scalvert, it is so.
12/08/2005 03:52:27 PM · #14
Your thread rocks scalvert.... you telling me how to ribbon, beats doing my own experimenting anyday... lol
 12/08/2005 04:05:09 PM · #15
My fictional "Endangered Species" example was practically an instruction manual for the "At the Zoo" challenge. I suggested finding an easily recognized, exotic animal (specifically a tiger) and then looking for cubs or other opportunities to separate the entry from others who might have shot the same thing. Although I had forgotten about that thread at the time of the challenge, it's pretty funny in hindsight. ;-)
 12/08/2005 04:11:37 PM · #16
But, it holds true I believe. Now, off to go tell a story with cheese :-)
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