| Author | Thread |
|
|
02/04/2004 03:17:05 PM · #1 |
Maybe this one was discussed before, I don't know, looked a bit but didn't find anything. We all are sometimes in shock that a picture we really liked and voted 10 or so do very poor at the end and viceversa.
I think it would be interesting if we would all reveal how we evaluate our votes. For example I'm not a pro, not even close to it, so my votes are based on like or not like.
I evaluate (not to often) 1 to 3 pictures that anoy me and ones with total lack of imagination. The most common ones, ones with cats, and statues, and the ones with verry poor wuality.
4 to 6 The ones that look ok but don't express too much, don't move me in any way.
7 to 9 Pictures that are great, express allot of imagination high quality and everything.
10's are verry rare, and are the ones wich make me go WOOOOOW!!!!
How about you? |
|
|
|
02/04/2004 03:36:26 PM · #2 |
Funny we were just talking about this same subject in our office.
1-3: Technicly bad photo does not meet challenge
4-5: Meets challenge technicly good just lacks in creativity
6-8: Photo just pulls me in and grabs me from the first look and meets 4-5
9-10: meets 2-8 and really take breath away.
I guess the other question to ask here is when you vote on challenges do you bring your taste and what you like to your vote.
I try to not enforce my taste on the photographer but try to take what was submitted as what the photographer wanted me to see and vote on that.
|
|
|
|
02/04/2004 03:38:30 PM · #3 |
Individuals with individual likes, dislikes, methods and ideas.
:)
Many have rules and systems like you.
Many like me don't.
Glad your voting! |
|
|
|
02/04/2004 03:41:56 PM · #4 |
So Justine,
Does that mean that if a photo doesn't meet the challenge you will still rate it up with those that do?
|
|
|
|
02/04/2004 03:42:48 PM · #5 |
Challenge rules recommends " If you feel a photograph deserves a vote of 1, 2 or 3, it is suggested that you include a comment with your vote explaining why you felt it deserved a "below average" score."
Message edited by author 2004-02-04 15:44:01. |
|
|
|
02/04/2004 03:46:15 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by spectre013:
So Justine,
Does that mean that if a photo doesn't meet the challenge you will still rate it up with those that do? |
Brian:
Generally yes, but for sure I take the quality of the shot into consideration. A good shot is a good shot. I'm trying to have an open mind 98% of the time. I try to be fair.
Now will you please un-pin my ears from the wall? LOL |
|
|
|
02/04/2004 03:47:47 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by faidoi:
Challenge rules recommends " If you feel a photograph deserves a vote of 1, 2 or 3, it is suggested that you include a comment with your vote explaining why you felt it deserved a "below average" score." |
too all I forgot to comment my 1,2,3 votes, my comment is - Poor quality, off challenge, poor imagination. 3 where 1 of these criterias are met, 2 where 2 of them are and 3 where all of them are.
|
|
|
|
02/04/2004 04:09:09 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by spectre013:
So Justine,
Does that mean that if a photo doesn't meet the challenge you will still rate it up with those that do? |
Many times the connection to the challenge is not apparent during the 5-30 seconds most people spend looking at a photo. I try to not assume that, just because I don't see the connection immediately, it isn't there. But I do think having a connection to the challenge topic is important -- I will vote lower if I can't figure it out, but I still wouldn't give it a one if it was otherwise compentent and tasteful. |
|
|
|
02/04/2004 04:26:09 PM · #9 |
lol Justine,
Ok your safe, I have just been in several challenges where photo's that did't meet the challenge (in my opinion) finished higher then me so its a little of a sore spot for me.
Sorry about being snippy.
Message edited by author 2004-02-04 16:27:25.
|
|
|
|
02/04/2004 04:36:43 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by faidoi:
Challenge rules recommends " If you feel a photograph deserves a vote of 1, 2 or 3, it is suggested that you include a comment with your vote explaining why you felt it deserved "below average" score." |
My photos should be getting alot more comments then :) |
|
|
|
02/04/2004 05:30:15 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by justine:
Individuals with individual likes, dislikes, methods and ideas.
:)
Many have rules and systems like you.
Many like me don't.
Glad your voting! |
The system also presents challenge topics like Garage Art. For those who've never heard of such a thing, have no access to a garage or are just struggling to reconcile their perception of art with a carport there is this explanation: Using the kind of things you'd typically find in a garage, design and then photograph an interesting composition. Hmm...
They now have the choice to photograph something one typically finds in a garage without accessing a garage, in which case the object could be captured outside of a garage, in a space evoking one or it could be placed anywhere far away from a garage. All of these choices, ideally, should serve the requirement of an interesting composition.
An interpretation of an interesting composition may involve a garage. A more interesting one may not. The more interesting one may tie more directly to the challenge topic's explanation, while the interesting one may subscribe more literally to its title.
Without extending my observations in this matter, I ask myself, if I am now any better equipped than before to judge an entry to this challenge on topicality. Can I now go out and -fairly- determine whether or not a photo meets the challenge?
When I am asked to say which meets the challenge better, should I choose between a car, a wrench, a hammer and a hat?
|
|
|
|
02/04/2004 05:52:25 PM · #12 |
For me any picture with:
a. a cat - gets automatic 10
b. a chess piece - gets automatic 8 plus 1 or 2 if the queen is pictured
c. a flower - gets automatic 7 plus 1 or 2 or 3 if I like the kind pictured
d. a bottle of wine - automatic 6 plus 1,2,3 or plus 4 if its red wine. Note white wine can cause a minus 2 if I vote on Tuesdays.
e. anything not mentioned above gets an automatic 1 plus 2,3,4,5,6,7,8 or an automatic plus 9 if the picture contains an accidentally uncovered boob without a star shaped nipple ring.
I advise everyone to use my method so please print the list above and use it while voting.
:-) jeff
|
|
|
|
02/04/2004 06:02:33 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by jfaulkner:
For me any picture with:
a. a cat - gets automatic 10
b. a chess piece - gets automatic 8 plus 1 or 2 if the queen is pictured
c. a flower - gets automatic 7 plus 1 or 2 or 3 if I like the kind pictured
d. a bottle of wine - automatic 6 plus 1,2,3 or plus 4 if its red wine. Note white wine can cause a minus 2 if I vote on Tuesdays.
e. anything not mentioned above gets an automatic 1 plus 2,3,4,5,6,7,8 or an automatic plus 9 if the picture contains an accidentally uncovered boob without a star shaped nipple ring.
I advise everyone to use my method so please print the list above and use it while voting.
:-) jeff |
There should be some software to do the voting for people like you. ;-)
|
|
|
|
02/04/2004 09:03:59 PM · #14 |
A picture that makes me feel, laugh, cry, wonder, amusement or wonderment... a lot...9- 10
makes me feel a little less but still some connection...5-8 (this includes admiration for technical skill)
1-4 feel nothing (or nothing but yuck), no techical skill or very little, no creativity.
|
|
|
|
02/04/2004 11:26:28 PM · #15 |
I would have to say I vote somewhat on a curve. I am still looking for a method that I feel completely comfortable with, although I would add that I have never voted in a manner where I felt uncomfortable.
First I would vote the bottom, 1-3 is reserved for those pictures that I feel do not meet the challenge. 1 would be for a poor picture, 3 for better.
4-8 I reserve for those that meet the challenge, 4 for a poor picture and 8 for the better photos. I could still give 1-3 for a really poor photo that met the challenge, but I think that's more rare than common.
The final part would be to choose any 9-10's from the 8's previously voted upon. I think I'm prone to selecting as many (or more) 9-10's as I have 1-2's. For me to vote 9-10 does not necessarily reflect upon a great photograph, as much as being my favorites from the group of photos submitted for the challenge. |
|
|
|
02/05/2004 12:58:51 AM · #16 |
I have not rated all that many photos... I've only been around for a few days, but so far I have been very sparing with ones... it would have to be a truly awful photo. I also give a wide range for creative connection to the challenge, if it is not technically or creatively good I will a 2-4 without really looking to long. A sound photo that is very creative will make me look harder for a connection if it is not immediatly apparent; if I don't find it 5. Above 5 is very subjective if it is a shot that grabs me it gets a high rating.
|
|
|
|
02/05/2004 01:47:52 AM · #17 |
Originally posted by justine:
I take the quality of the shot into consideration. A good shot is a good shot. I'm trying to have an open mind 98% of the time. I try to be fair. |
Is this really fair?
In a challenge, surely the major task is to take a great image which fits the challenge? Marking up non-matches seems unfair to those who could have entered a better shot of a different topic. |
|
|
|
02/05/2004 03:14:10 AM · #18 |
This is taken from a thread I started July 2, 2003... What does one look for when voting?
What do I look for in photos when Iâm voting?
1. Does it fit the challenge?
- Will it fit the challenge before I look at the title, or do I have to look at the title to know it fits. I think it is negative to have to look to the title to see how something fits in a challenge.
2. Border⦠whether it was used or not?
- Does the border improve the photo, is there a reason it is there?
- Does the border take your eye away from the subject, or does it draw you to it? Does it take away from the picture?
- If the border has a color, why did the photographer decide to make it that color, does it work with the photo, or does it draw your attention away?
- Is it small and not the most important part of what your seeing?
3. The photoâs interest
- Is it interesting? Or just shot to put specifically in the challenge?
- Is it something Iâve seen a million times? If it is, then it has to be very well done, because I automatically have higher expectations for that photo. Is there something special added to that âclichéâ photo?
- Does the photo make me want to spend more time looking at it. Does it make me curious, sad, happy, does it make me smile?
- Do I want to spend my time on this photo, looking at it in detail? Some of the best photos are ones that catch my eye with the main subject, and then that makes me want to look at the details⦠I often donât spend much time on crowded photos without a specific subject
- Does it stand out from the others⦠if weâre looking at self portraits, and all of them are situated in a studio setting with perfect lighting etc. Is there something more interesting, or different, something with more pizzaz and is special.
4. How it is done
- Iâm very into looking at the difficulty of the photo. Is it done with a certain technique and not just a straight on photo.
- Did the photographer get a different view of the subject to make it more interesting, and not just straight on
- Is the lighting used add to the photo? Does it make the photo mysterious, happy or whatever, and do what itâs supposed to do.
- Does it look like something everyone has in their travel photograph albums? A straight on shot that practically anyone could take, perfect daylight just taken quickly? Or did the photographer add interest of their own Ex. Taking a beautiful landscape, but waiting until early morning mist to shoot it.
5. Does it give me some type of an emotion?
- Do I feel happy when something looks extremely happy?
- Do I feel sad when I see something that is sad
- Is there emotion in the photo?
- Is it just a snapshot of some event that might be of interest for the photographer personally but not for everyone else.
6. Does the photo make me think?
- Do I wonder who the person is, and what they are doing in the situation?
- Do I care about the subject and what is happening
- Does the photo give you everything⦠and make it obvious whatâs happening, or does it let you use your imagination for some things.
- Can I infer a story from the photo, so that it makes you want to go back and read the story behind it.
- Do I wonder things about it, or is it just simple, and thereâs nothing to think about.
7. Production of the photo
- Is the photo straight on, without anything of interest?
- Are there interesting aspects to the photo? Some incredible lighting that really gives more emotion to the photo
- Was it done well, if a tripod was needed was one used? Is this how I would have done this particular photo?
- Should this photo have been taken from higher or lower of the subject, maybe from the side? Etc.
8. Artsiness
- is this a photo that could maybe be just a snapshot, or something that would be in a family photo album?
- Is there something to it that makes it different from every other flower photo?
- Is the photo set up, if it is why was it set up this way?
- What technique was used in the photo⦠some that can be used for a more interesting photo are
i. Blur
ii. Panning
iii. Lighting
iv. Zooming
v. Focus
Was the technique helpful in making a better photo, a more interesting one?
9. The basics
- Rule of thirds, is the photo straight on dead center, or does it follow the rule of thirds?
- If it is dead center, does it help the photo?
- Are there some things in the photo that catch my eye?
- Focus, is it sharp and clear, if not, is there a reason it isnât?
- Does it appeal to me⦠do I want to look at it, or is it so boring I just vote and move on?
- Use of black and white or color, do I think it was good doing it this way?
Most important things in my voting are
1. Does this photo intrigue me (this often gets you higher points even if it isnât a great photo)
2. Does it appeal to me, Do I like the photo?
3. Is it interesting, or one Iâve seen over and over again, almost exactly like it?
4. Is it a photo anyone could take, or was it done artfully
5. Border on a photo can cause me to take away points, though it rarely causes me to add. I feel that most pictures should be without borders, though tastefully done they can be ok. I often get distracted by borders and will definitely lower the photoâs rating quite a bit because of it.
These are just some things I think about when Iâm voting. My scale goes something like thisâ¦
10 â Awesome photo, it appeals to me, catches my eye, I want to spend more time looking at it, or it causes me to have an emotion. It is very well done, and probably taken the way I would hope it would be taken in that situation pretty much flawless
9 â Really great photo, with maybe a few flaws, but still totally catches my eye or causes me an emotion
8- Really great photo, with some bigger flaws, still catches my eye or causes me an emotion.
7 â Awesome photo, it appeals to me, but it has flaws that could have totally be avoidable either during shooting the photo or in post processing (cropping a different way etc.)
6 â Nice photo, clean, clear, perfect lighting etc. no flaws, but just not interesting, and doesnât really appeal to me.
5 â Nice photo, pretty clean, clear, maybe a few flaws, nothing really interesting, but itâs a well done photo technically
4 â a photo with a lot of flaws, or one that in my opinion really doesnât fit the challenge even though itâs very good.
3 â A photo that is unappealing, has way too much going on, is needlessly blurry, or out of focus, and is just not well done
2 â A photo that has no appeal whatsoever, has a lot of flaws, and in my opinion probably shouldnât have been entered, as it is not high quality enough for us to even judge it, and it is a waste of our time. It looks to me like a snapshot, that might be important to you, but doesnât matter to us.
1 â A photo that is really badly done, boring, and a waste of time. It should not have been enteredâ¦
I rarely give 1âs only in a blue moon, I give a few 2âs in each challenge. I usually give 2-10 10âs every challenge to those I think are most deserving. My average vote given is around 5.4 which is pretty high compared to othersâ¦.
I just wanted to post this cause Iâm interested in knowing what others base their votes on? I think it would be nice to let the photographers on here know what people are looking for⦠so what do you guys think! Thanks!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
That about sums it up... hehehe.. enjoy!
|
|
|
|
02/05/2004 04:56:44 AM · #19 |
Dice - no one gets more than 6 ;)
|
|
|
|
02/05/2004 07:18:05 AM · #20 |
I'm pretty subjective about the voting process. I don't feel that taking a mediocre shot using a difficult technique merits more points. The result is the factor here.
I ask myself a few questions when I get to photos that don't make me wince, yawn, or pee myself because they're that good.
1) Could I see this hanging on a wall?
2) Could I see this hanging on MY wall?
3) Given the same subject, would I take the same photo or would I make minor changes to the angle or lighting, etc. to improve it?
I don't go thru many checklists. I just vote from my gut. I only use this short list of criteria for photos that get my interest. If it doesn't initially grab me, I probably will not be scoring it favorably.
Bob
|
|
