Just found the site in January. It's well worth the $25. If you join tonight, you still have a day to come up with something for the 1 second exposure member challenge.
Couple of pieces of information--you learn a lot, but not in the way you expect. In other words:
1. If you're looking for in-depth, thought provoking critiques on your entries--you're not going to get that from challenge comments. However, asking for input from people whose work you respect, either before or after a challenge can give you some very interesting insight.
2. You learn a lot from the challenges that force you out of your comfort zone. Abstract motion is something that I never had any interest in, and I don't care for the majority of abstract art anyway. I'm much more of a realist. However, I tried some abstract motion shots, and came up with a really cool photo. It's helping me gain appreciation for something for which I never gave much thought.
3. You'll discover new ways of viewing things. I especially like challenges that are more specific: E.g., the gas station challenge. I could not find a way to make a gas station appealing (couldn't find an old one). But there were a few photos that came up with interesting shots that I never would have thought of.
Better develop a thick skin, though! Guaranteed, you will get 1s and 2s on photos that most people think deserve a 7 or 8 (or even 9 or 10).
Guaranteed, you will get a comment or two that hate the part of the picture that's your absolute favorite.
guaranteed, a photo or two will completely tank.
If you come in with an open mind--the possibility is endless.
edited to add: Money is tight for us, as well, and it is possible to do the open challenges without paying anything. The members only forum doesn't really add that much, when all was said and done. But I feel I'm learning twice as much by entering twice as many. And, so far, most member challenges appear to be advanced editing & I'm learning a lot of photoshop through seeing what's possible.
Message edited by author 2009-03-21 18:36:46. |
