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07/20/2006 07:36:05 AM · #1 |
I've register in dpchallenge last year, but I've been an "active" member for the last month or so. I've submitted three photos in a row and I must say I had a very good time so far. This is my first forum post, and I think noone will be surprised with the subject.
It is my understanding that the main objective is to submit a photo that meets the challenge and that this is also be one of the major factors in the voting phase too. I've browsed the Photos Archive and I've seem some very nice shots voted very low because they DNMC.
I'm trying to vote the 400+ Lines II challenge entries. A lot of photographs have titles that include the word "lines", but if I saw the image without the title, it would be very difficult for me to see the connection with the challenge. I understand that the photographer uses the title to communicate his intentions, but isn't it true that the photograph should function on its own? In my opion the objective should be to shoot a photograph so that one of the first things that the viewer will think of would be -in this case- lines.
So, how do you deal with such cases? Do you punish the photographer with a very low vote and a DNMC comment, although the picture if magnificent otherwise, or do you use a scale-like system of voting I saw in a previous post, that gives 1/10 of the vote if the photo meets the challenge and the rest of the points to the technique, skill, imagination etc.
thank you for reading thus far, and please forgive me for the length of the post
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07/20/2006 07:47:33 AM · #2 |
Me, I'd vote however I wanted to, within the framework of the rules.
Most of the time, I would ignore the title, because, yes, this is a photography contest, not a title contest. If I wanted a site that judged the most suitable titles, I'd go try to find one.
Sometimes though if I am struggling with an image, I might see if the title has any insight on what the photographer was trying to achieve, as it might suddenly show me something I had missed.
But yes, most of the time I think a title wouldn't change my vote. |
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07/20/2006 07:49:06 AM · #3 |
You could do as I and some others do...Meeting the challenge is most important but not the only thing I vote on.
(this is pointed out more in my profile) I start out giving them a 5 if they meet the challenge, I mean I can see it no problem, don't need hints from the title. It goes down in points if I have a hard time fitting it into the challenge and 0 if I think they failed. BUT, because I believe most are here to learn the technical side of it, I also give points for exposure, focus, setup, wow effect, etc.
I put all this in the comment box so that the member knows exactly what I see and doesn't have to question. It's a touchy subject and you'll just have to figure out your own way of seeing the image...on it's own merits or with the title.
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07/20/2006 07:50:09 AM · #4 |
This is a subjective thing. And it depends on the image and how blatent the DNMC is. Sometimes the photographer has thought of a different interpretation of the challenge, that seems not to fit, but does in their eyes.
I more often than not give the benefit of the doubt. Others you will find are rigourous in marking down an apparent DNMC.
It's not life or death and it's supposed to be fun...so just do what feels right. And welcome to the forums;)
Message edited by author 2006-07-20 08:58:00. |
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07/20/2006 08:52:39 AM · #5 |
I've had similar thoughts, along the lines of 'saying it don't make it so'. I've also seen pictures that are enhanced by the title. I myself like to think that 'the photographic art' is essentially visual, and that any literary element is a bonus when it works and a ball and chain when it doesn't. Titles fall into the literary category, maybe.
Call it as you see it. |
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07/20/2006 09:13:12 AM · #6 |
Ideally, I give points solely based on the pleasure the photo gives me. If a photo ignores the challenge, that usually interferes with my pleasure (how dare they!!).
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07/20/2006 09:49:13 AM · #7 |
I've just submitted my first (admittedly sub-par) entry last week and have just started actively participating in voting and the forums as well (although I, too, have been a sleeper for quite a while). It does seem like there are a lot of issues to consider while voting.
I'm finding it best to try to see the theme in the photo and not let the title sway me one way or the other. If I don't immediately see it, I look harder because some people definitely try to stretch the theme further presumably in order to get 'creativity' points. It is the unusual ones that shine in the end I think, but a tricky venture as there is then the risk of DNMC if others don't see it! I only spend more time on this, though, if I see the photo as generally good on it's own merit.
Anyhow, I do find it difficult balancing all of the issues while trying to vote as fairly as possible. For me at this point, I place 5 and 6 in the "average photo" range meaning no gross technical problems, decent composition etc etc. First and foremost it seems I judge these by how initially pleasing they are to my eye... but then if I find the photo doesn't meet the challenge well, I deduct from there.
... and doesn't it seem hard to balance photos against each other when so many are vastly different despite the theme of the challenge?
It's not easy when you're trying to be fair!
Sorry about the ramble... |
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07/20/2006 01:40:30 PM · #8 |
I wouldn't totally ignore the title because sometimes the title will have a hidden clue. However I never scored a photo lower or higher because of the title. Other than using it as a hint to figure out the photo it has no merit in how I score it.
edit to say, And there are times when the titles are quiet entertaining.
Message edited by author 2006-07-20 13:46:40.
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