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07/05/2017 01:54:54 PM · #1
After a long run of poor challenge entries which have achieved a spectacular level of mediocraty from the judges I have decided not to participate in any further challenges.

I feel that I have tried various ways and means to improve my results but I am not achieving a lot so I am moth balling my camera and concentrating on the non photographic things in life

I have enjoyed being here and being involved with the other members onsite but feel that after a long run of uninspiring challenge results it is time to move on to pastures new in non photography areas
Thanks to all for your friendship and help etc

07/05/2017 02:02:35 PM · #2
Take it from someone that wishes he hadn't mothballed his camera and concentrated on non-photographic things in life a few years back...

Don't.

Or, at least, DO focus SOME on non-photographic things in life. Always do that, but don't shutter yourself photographically.

Just, take a break from HERE. Because HERE can be a pain in the ass but it doesn't mean that your photography is not worthwhile. HERE is merely a game. Sometimes it's a popularity game, but mostly it's a game of attrition. Molding yourself into a photographer that isn't doing photography for themselves, but for others.

That's not a fun game and down the line you'll see that if you stop doing photography because of THIS game, you'll regret it.

SO keep photographing, but do it for you, and only for you. At least for awhile. Learn to love what YOU do, and stop worrying about what you think others want to see.

I had to, and I'm better for it.
07/05/2017 02:13:04 PM · #3
I hear that.
Sometimes I am uninspired / busy / depressed etc. which buries the camera deeper in the bag. But the iPhone sits in my lap and there's a ton of apps and new things to inspire on that end quite frequently. The other thing that can inspire is a new perspective on something in life. GIve it time, you just might be surprised.
And if you are looking for inspiration, maybe try searching a topic that you are interested in online. I particularly like surreal stuff for example.
And finally, if you do drop photography for a bit, no worry - you will inevitably take photos of whatever the new interest is ;P
07/05/2017 02:15:02 PM · #4
You know, we've recently had a lot of old members return after a significant hiatus ... don't be afraid to check back in when you feel refreshed and the bug hits again.
07/05/2017 02:50:13 PM · #5
Originally posted by GeneralE:

You know, we've recently had a lot of old members return after a significant hiatus ... don't be afraid to check back in when you feel refreshed and the bug hits again.


That.

Or even better, do what I did:
1.) Shoot for yourself. I *rarely* shoot specifically for a challenge anymore
2.) Enter when you have something you want to share (see #1)
3.) Take feedback as it comes, and don't worry about scores (harder sometimes than it should be, LOL)
4.) Enjoy the community, and the learning that is possible even without entering
07/05/2017 03:06:44 PM · #6
Originally posted by kirbic:


4.) Enjoy the community, and the learning that is possible even without entering


That's the big one. I don't know what I'd have done without the DPC community today. It's not the first time they've got me out of trouble with tech problems either.
07/06/2017 09:51:51 AM · #7
Nick, you gave more than you received here. I for one will miss you. Hope you come back someday.
07/06/2017 10:22:33 AM · #8
Sad to hear, perhaps just let it smolder a while rather than breaking it off entirely. Because then, you would unfortunately have to be "jumped out" of the club, and that is unpleasant.

Message edited by author 2017-07-08 21:31:17.
07/06/2017 10:50:49 AM · #9
Take a break. Don't say never.

I took a five-month long break one year... came back renewed!

Take a break.

But, come back. :D
07/06/2017 11:03:22 AM · #10
Life moves on... but never say never. Enjoy!
07/06/2017 11:14:55 AM · #11
Originally posted by kiwinick:

After a long run of poor challenge entries which have achieved a spectacular level of mediocraty from the judges I have decided not to participate in any further challenges.

I feel that I have tried various ways and means to improve my results but I am not achieving a lot so I am moth balling my camera and concentrating on the non photographic things in life

I have enjoyed being here and being involved with the other members onsite but feel that after a long run of uninspiring challenge results it is time to move on to pastures new in non photography areas
Thanks to all for your friendship and help etc


OK, now that you have that off your chest.... Stop shooting for voter approval and shoot for your enjoyment!

I have been on this site for in excess of TEN YEARS now. In all of that time, I have made it into the top ten of challenges just once. Believe it or not, I actually get paid to be a photographer (mostly sports, but some other stuff too).

I used to get so upset and frustrated at the scores, but not anymore. I shoot for me. I enter challenges every once in a while. Photography is so subjective that if you are constantly trying to please everyone else, you will lose yourself.

Keep shooting...for you. Enjoy what you do. Post what you want...but never ever let a score affect how you feel about yourself or your photography!
07/06/2017 11:22:34 AM · #12
Yeah, I know the feeling! I promised myself that I am gonna leave but no, when the time came to renew, I renewed. And achieved even lower scores. But I cannot stop. I keep on coming back for more. I decided that I won't let the scores damage my self esteem. Some now and again, I get it right and get that high score. I just can't stop trying.
Do whatever makes you feel better and you will be back in no time.
07/06/2017 06:42:25 PM · #13
Nick, if you go I will miss you. I love the comments you leave and you do produce some gems. I think there is some pretty good advice above - shoot for yourself etc. I hope you don't go but just take some time off. All the best to you whatever you do.
Btw, you wouldn't go before "Mucking About with Boats", would you?
07/06/2017 07:14:06 PM · #14
Thanks for all the positive comments from you all I feel quite humble,I am addicted to here but I think for a while that I will just vote, comment and sit and contemplate, I try with challenges to do something a little quirky but have come to the conclusion the voters and I are on different wavelengths as far as humour is concerned and Iam alwats missing the bus.

Be interesting to know if as the average vote per challenge is around 45/50 if these voters are the same voting on the majority of challenges and wether this has anything to do with ones average score?.

07/06/2017 07:23:55 PM · #15
Originally posted by tjbel05:

... Photography is so subjective that if you are constantly trying to please everyone else, you will lose yourself.


so true.
07/06/2017 07:53:55 PM · #16
Late to the party here, but joining the "don't divorce us" chorus. We love ya! No need to shoot for so many challenges if you don't want to, but DO hang around.
07/06/2017 07:57:30 PM · #17
I hope you find something that inspires you and you find a way to keep going. Do you post on Instagram or Facebook? You can keep going with pictures there and enjoy the lack of pressure to do well. I find that Facebook is particularly loving :) (and I have good friends who love any of the crap that I share)

And this is a cute photo:

07/06/2017 08:46:39 PM · #18
Yes!! just... "vote, comment and sit and contemplate" until you feel like entering.

Yay!

DPC and anyone is like any relationship, I think... it ebbs and flows...

When it ebbs... I sit back a bit and watch until I'm flowing again.

I'm glad you'll be here, Nick!

I enjoy you.

07/06/2017 08:53:03 PM · #19
Originally posted by kiwinick:

Thanks for all the positive comments from you all I feel quite humble,I am addicted to here but I think for a while that I will just vote, comment and sit and contemplate, I try with challenges to do something a little quirky but have come to the conclusion the voters and I are on different wavelengths as far as humour is concerned and Iam alwats missing the bus.

Be interesting to know if as the average vote per challenge is around 45/50 if these voters are the same voting on the majority of challenges and wether this has anything to do with ones average score?.


I find that trying to figure out voters is what did me in originally. So now I just don't care. 2.x or 6.x, whatever. I'll only enter when things converge and I find I'm shooting something that the challenge HAPPENS to fit in with. If not, whatever. I'm not in a contest.

*ahem*
07/06/2017 08:53:21 PM · #20
Hey Nick
You have always been such a positive voice here and I will miss you if you go.
As everyone has said take a break from challenges but don't disconnect. As you know,
things as DPC are always in flux. This may be a down time but things and people change
and you'll find the right time to come back in. Please stay in touch.
07/06/2017 10:57:57 PM · #21
After being in DPC for a good Long period , one never really leaves DPC !!! I am one of those that has rejoined and having fun & heartaches all at the same time ha ha . It would be a waste to mothball your camera , take a break and rejoin when u r all refreshed.
07/06/2017 11:02:21 PM · #22
just use your phone or some compact and throw a pic from time to time. this is what i do and rarely plan any challenge
why care about average or score. stay and have fun with us cheers! tibi

07/06/2017 11:55:26 PM · #23
It's a huge growth stage when a DPC photographer stops shooting for scores and starts shooting for themselves. It's when we can finally push ourselves to exceed our own expectations, grow, and really learn. Make no mistake: low scores never feel good. But when I look at a picture I love, even if the scores say it's a bust, turns out I still love the picture.

Take a break. Start thinking of things YOU want to try. Then come back when you're ready.
07/07/2017 02:52:07 AM · #24
Well I have just voted on " Red" pity I couldnt give my entry a 10 but there we go !! gave a comment on all of them so I will have to keep my head low !!!!!!
07/07/2017 03:58:31 AM · #25
Thank you for my comment and rather generous vote. I absolutely agree with you. No need to keep your head low, here.
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