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06/14/2006 07:03:19 PM · #26 |
Originally posted by bod:
Eek. 40% of my ribbons use cyan as a major hue. I am an anomaly!
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Ha, that's interesting. I was quite serious about cyan. However, I think it is most detrimental when it involves skies. Sky does not look good as a cyan. Plants don't look good when they have a cyan tint to them either.
Your toaster shot definitely uses cyan to good effect. (I guess it's the exception that proves the rule, eh?) Your rhythm shot only has a bit of cyan in it. The duck one has more, but still is overpowered by the yellows.
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06/14/2006 07:05:16 PM · #27 |
Originally posted by wavelength:
Like this?
;-P |
Haha! Touche! Actually I'm just good enough that I'm allowed to use cyan (just kidding). I will say that in the extensive thread analyzing that shot there were numerous people who commented that the colors were not "typical DPC". Perhaps they were sensing the cyan...
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06/14/2006 07:10:41 PM · #28 |
Originally posted by DrAchoo:
Haha! Touche! Actually I'm just good enough that I'm allowed to use cyan (just kidding). I will say that in the extensive thread analyzing that shot there were numerous people who commented that the colors were not "typical DPC". Perhaps they were sensing the cyan... |
;-)
Yeah, DPC does seem to prefer warm, primary colors over cool tones. Wouldn't know it from my current entry, that's what I get for entering a technical challenge that was ill-defined.
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06/14/2006 07:52:59 PM · #29 |
Originally posted by DrAchoo:
The duck one has more, but still is overpowered by the yellows. |
Hmm, the duck missed a ribbon by 0.003. Just enough cyan to have an effect maybe? : )
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06/14/2006 08:11:44 PM · #30 |
Originally posted by modurn:
You know, every time I see these people who think they have some cookie cutter idea for creating "the perfect photo" I just start getting really frustrated. Photography is about breaking the rules, doing things differently, showing a new way of looking at the world.
There is no cookie cutter method for a winning picture, and I think trying to find one, or making people think there is one, risks stifling creativity. |
You know, every time I see these people who think breaking the rules is the ultimate I just start to cringe. I think encouraging people to break rules, do things differently, and show a new way of looking at the world risks stifling their ability to aquire and hone good photographic technique. To infringe upon Bear's analogy, you have to know how to write poetry before you you can write poetry that caters to the preferences of a particular panel of judges. Aiming the efforts of a developing photographer at breaking rules, or at earning ribbons at dpc, is going to result in a less well-rounded set of photographic skills.
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06/14/2006 08:12:15 PM · #31 |
We should maybe have a Cyan challenge :-)
The worst part of it all is I am colourblind.
What about purples, are they ok?
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06/14/2006 08:17:56 PM · #32 |
| i think Scott (Southern Gentleman) finally meets his competition! |
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06/14/2006 08:31:56 PM · #33 |
I think a winning DPC photograph needs the following:
A Strong composition
Technically well done
Fit the theme well
As much WOW factor as possible
If you have that, you're in ribbon-land - me thinks.
Cheerios!
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06/14/2006 08:43:08 PM · #34 |
Yup, that's it. What terje said.
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06/14/2006 09:56:46 PM · #35 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Originally posted by dahkota:
... but, ultimately, you are entering a competition to do well, right? Entering something you KNOW the judge/s won't like is really rather pointless unless you are a masochist. |
Some people enter to get feedback on their work, regardless of how that ranks the photo within the DPC scoring system. The score is only one form of feedback. |
and some people enter shots they know won't have broad appeal, but hope to appeal to a limited audience within the contest...I know I do it frequently...and certainly don't consider it at all pointless...I have had wonderful feedback on a couple of my sub 5 shots, and entered them knowing they would not be accepted by the mainstream...sorry if this seems off-topic..back to your regular viewing.. |
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06/14/2006 10:02:41 PM · #36 |
three of my highest scoring images, including one of my ribbons, use a lot of cyan:
  
But then again, I reshot the third for "Take Two" and improved both the score and the percentile placement by going as far from cyan as you can get :-)
Count me amongst bucket's group, btw; I FREQUENTLY enter shots I like that I know will not score well, "just because"...
Robt.
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06/14/2006 10:11:41 PM · #37 |
| I also enter challenges with shots that have no realistic chance of scoring well. Although in my case, I simply have no choice. |
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06/14/2006 10:20:45 PM · #38 |
| Wow... I have to admit I had low expectations for this thread when I saw the title amongst the others, figuring that this was just a simple thread posing a rhetorical question. But boy, you've done some homework! Very interesting results -- thanks for putting the effort into this! |
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06/14/2006 10:23:51 PM · #39 |
| I did a quick survey of 235 1st place images. I took note of their orientation. Landscape 56%, Portrait 26%, Squre crop 18%. Obviously the statistic would be more relevant if you compared it to the number of each submissions. For example if 99% of all square crops submitted get first place, square crop would be a good thing to do despite the fact only 18% of blue ribbons are square. So if anyone wants to go through 300 or so submissions and figure out the frame orientation distributions for all submissions, then we would have the good stuff. Any takers? |
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06/14/2006 10:58:53 PM · #40 |
| I would just love to win a ribbon at DPC, but only if I can can win using my own flawed techniques (no brainer, ain't gonna happen!). I've won ribbons on other sites, but IMHO, DPC is the jewel and the most exciting challenge of all. |
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06/14/2006 11:03:48 PM · #41 |
My initial response was completely tailored to answer the OP's question/title thread: What makes a winning DPC photograph? I believe, if you want a winning DPC photograph, you must cater to the judges or in DPC land, voters. And, if you want a ribbon but you don't want to submit what they like, its pointless.
Personally, I try to enter what I like. If I have nothing I like, I submit what I think will do well. My favorite submissions of my own here have never scored above 6 I don't think. And my ultimate favorite entry didn't score above a 5. But I knew that going in and was not trying for a winning entry.
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06/14/2006 11:06:50 PM · #42 |
6.769
10/198
Good technical execution with a subject/idea that tells a story.
Message edited by author 2006-06-14 23:08:24. |
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06/14/2006 11:08:20 PM · #43 |
Originally posted by bvoi:
I did a quick survey of 235 1st place images. I took note of their orientation. Landscape 56%, Portrait 26%, Squre crop 18%. Obviously the statistic would be more relevant if you compared it to the number of each submissions. For example if 99% of all square crops submitted get first place, square crop would be a good thing to do despite the fact only 18% of blue ribbons are square. So if anyone wants to go through 300 or so submissions and figure out the frame orientation distributions for all submissions, then we would have the good stuff. Any takers? |
Hey - I hadn't thought of adding 'square crop' to the list of things I check for. I'll put it in there.
Thanks! |
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06/14/2006 11:18:45 PM · #44 |
Originally posted by terje:
A Strong composition
Technically well done
Fit the theme well
As much WOW factor as possible |
Yeah, yeah, yeah.... that's the fortune cookie/astrology approach: stating some obviously desirable qualities, but leaving it vague enough to fit most situations. The statisitcs approach that Matt posted might be interesting to ponder too, but I don't think it'll get anybody closer to a ribbon. Here are five specific tips (just my opinions, obviously):
1. Start with a strong concept. The unusual will ALWAYS outscore the ordinary (unless it's offensive or repulsive). Sure, you have to meet the challenge, but that's the "entry fee," and it really pales in importance to telling a good story or capturing something that also captures the viewer's attention. If the challenge is "Brick" and you just shoot a brick, who cares? With most ribbon winners, the photo would still be worth looking at outside of the challenge topic.
2. Great lighting/processing. I'm going to lump these together under the heading "Make it stand out" because the technical quality of the entry is very important, and it's NOT always evident from the capture alone. Some of the most dramatic shots from Librodo and Goodman were coaxed from surprisingly average captures (I've got one saved as a favorite just because I found the difference so amazing). You should always strive for the best possible exposure, but the bottom line is that your entry must be anything BUT ordinary. Seek out unusual cloud formations, fog, golden sunlight, crepuscular rays, ominous storms... anything that doesn't look like just another day. Vivid colors and moody, muted hues tend to score well. A sharp, slightly tinted grayscale with rich tones and shadow detail (Jmsetzler, Ursula, Nico_Blue, Sher9204...) will outscore a simple grayscale conversion every time. Drab images that lack contrast, and the harsh light of midday sun are both the kiss of death.
As a side note, you'll often see frames on the winners because the photographers ARE paying attention to finishing touches (and also know when to avoid frames), but you can't dress up a bad shot with a pretty frame. Likewise, the "standard" photo orientation is landscape, so you'd expect a higher proportion of non-standard orientations and crops from those who are putting in some extra effort.
3. Simplify. The fewer elements you have, the easier it is to guide the viewer's eye, and ultimately communicate your concept. Tiny details can be important, but everything that doesn't strengthen your image takes away from it, so get rid of anything that isn't essential. Make sure cluttered backgrounds are out of focus, and that none of the extras steal the scene from your star.
4. Look professional. Toys, woodies, miniature models, statues, etc. will only be effective if they look convincing or real (emotive in the case of woodies). Don't even attempt a commodity shot like flowers or cats unless you can do something really special with them. If you're going to have a tilted horizon, tilt it enough to look intentional. Avoid "snapshots": straight on and centered, at eye level, from the most obvious angle.
5. If you've got it , flaunt it. If you live near a beautiful beach or stunning vista, use any excuse to work them into an entry. If you happen to BE beautiful, leave your clothes behind the camera and invest in a wireless remote. 'Nuff said! ;-)
Message edited by author 2006-06-14 23:45:40. |
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07/06/2006 03:55:31 PM · #45 |
Originally posted by scalvert:
5. If you've got it , flaunt it. If you live near a beautiful beach or stunning vista, use any excuse to work them into an entry. If you happen to BE beautiful, leave your clothes behind the camera and invest in a wireless remote. 'Nuff said! ;-) |
Must move closer to the beach, the wireless remote isn't working for me :-)
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07/06/2006 04:00:00 PM · #46 |
Originally posted by scalvert:
5. If you've got it , flaunt it. If you live near a beautiful beach or stunning vista, use any excuse to work them into an entry. If you happen to BE beautiful, leave your clothes behind the camera and invest in a wireless remote. 'Nuff said! ;-) |
ROFL All well said, Shannon... but this one really made me giggle! :P |
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07/06/2006 05:19:35 PM · #47 |
Originally posted by scalvert:
5. If you've got it , flaunt it.[/b] If you live near a beautiful beach or stunning vista, use any excuse to work them into an entry. If you happen to BE beautiful, leave your clothes behind the camera and invest in a wireless remote. 'Nuff said! ;-) |
I got half that covered, anyway :-)
R.
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07/06/2006 05:29:03 PM · #48 |
Shoot what you want and build thick enough skin to take lower scores when they come (And they will come :-D ). Be spontaneous. It's ok not to have everything tack sharp, super-saturated and perfectly cropped. Visit a photographic exhibition one day. You'll see what I mean.
I must admit, when you shoot what you want and do well...it's ten times sweeter than changing your style to win a ribbon.
Yeah, I shoot what I want more now and my scores have dropped in some ways but my portfolio reflects me more than my desire to hit a median and I am learning more about me and the way I see things.
Of course, I could be wrong :-/ |
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07/10/2006 04:55:02 PM · #49 |
-Politically Correct-
Each style can be appreciated for its own uniqueness. Follow the challenge rules, use strong photography fundamentals, know your audience, and look every voter in the eye when you reply to their comment. :)
-In My Opinion-
I have no idea what will or will not be a winning photograph based on statistics. That area is so grey to me. I know this thread is to narrow down what will make a winning photo, but the factors of what will keep a photo from winning could be easier to figure out. *Examples: No memory card in camera, underwater photo taken without an underwater housingâ€Â¦at night and no flash. A highly overexposed wedding dress in a blizzardâ€Â¦with your lens cap still on. Even a portrait photo taken 7 hours before your model is due to show might not do so well on DCP, unless you lower the cyan in the photo from what I hear. I could go on and on, but the most important thing is to make sure your camera is on, the lens cap is off, and the date is set correctly.
*All examples are factual based on personal experience, unless my next two entries stay at 9.7321..at which point I will update my statistics.
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07/10/2006 05:27:34 PM · #50 |
Originally posted by modurn:
You know, every time I see these people who think they have some cookie cutter idea for creating "the perfect photo" I just start getting really frustrated. Photography is about breaking the rules, doing things differently, showing a new way of looking at the world.
There is no cookie cutter method for a winning picture, and I think trying to find one, or making people think there is one, risks stifling creativity. |
I agree, and maybe if more people looked at the creativety, and less at seeing if it should be DQ'd, it would be a better world... Utopia is a land way off.
Message edited by author 2006-07-10 17:28:20. |
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