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DPChallenge Forums >> Administrator Announcements >> Let's Talk About Textures
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Showing posts 1 - 25 of 303, (reverse)
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08/11/2008 05:14:59 PM · #1
Calling all DPCers! The Site Council has been arguing about textures off and on for years without a resolution. The medical bills are piling up, and we're running out of things to throw. We need your help! Here's the problem:

Filters and effects are legal in Advanced editing, including grain, brushstrokes, and Texturizer, but your entry must originate from a single photo (or several shots of the same scene). This is an inherent conflict because the legal Texturizer filter uses a separate reference photo to map the effect, yet we haven't allowed people people to combine their own photos with a grunge or texture overlay. We have several options here:

1. Ban textures and overlays. An objective solution that steers away from "digital art" (any added texture is arguably an illegal new feature anyway), however it could put a damper on creativity and would likely mean banning brushstroke filters, too.

2. Allow all textures and overlays. This would put the decision in the hands of the voters and add more editing freedom in Advanced, but may cause problems if someone adds a texture to a selection so it appears to be part of the as-shot scene or uses an overlay file that we would normally consider a multiple exposure.

3. Allow limited textures and overlays. Maybe allow "real" textures (3D surface effects) but ban overlays (other images on transparent layers), limit any added photos to certain predefined types (such as "unrecognizable" B&W photos), and/or require that they be applied globally. The problem here is ensuring that people understand the limits.

We're really stumped with how to approach this issue and want to ensure that our DQs and validations are as consistent as possible. Plus it's your site, so we want it to meet your needs.

Let's hear your thoughts and suggestions!
08/11/2008 05:17:12 PM · #2
I like the second resolution, however no matter what the SC decides to do they will hear about it. I'm sorry to say but you guys are in one tough position here.
08/11/2008 05:17:27 PM · #3
Maybe someone could post a few examples so us unwashed masses know what these things look like.
08/11/2008 05:17:43 PM · #4
I think we need to limit the textures to a certain editing rule type, i.e. expert, if we plan to keep that alive, i love the effect of textures, but i think it takes away from the photography base of the site, and turning it more into digital art. just my 2 cents.
08/11/2008 05:19:32 PM · #5
I don't use either so I really can't add anything to this subject.
08/11/2008 05:23:19 PM · #6
Why not introduce an "Advanced (with Textures/Overlays)" rule set and take it for a few test drives, see how it goes? We could argue theory all night, but until we (or you, the SC) see it in practice, it's hard to know what will and won't work.
08/11/2008 05:27:08 PM · #7
Originally posted by strangeghost:

Maybe someone could post a few examples so us unwashed masses know what these things look like.


Good idea
08/11/2008 05:28:54 PM · #8
I'm not even getting into this :) lol
08/11/2008 05:34:50 PM · #9
Bring back "Expert Editing" or call it "Extreme Editing" or whatever you want, which will allow multiple exposures, as long as they are all taken in the challenge timeframe. So, if you want a texture layer you have to take the shot yourself that week. (This ruleset is due back anyway. When you got rid of it, you said you'd be replacing it with something.)

In "Advanced Editing" ban all textures and overlays.

The middleground stuff is horsehockey.
08/11/2008 05:35:17 PM · #10
You're asking for trouble with option 3 ... there will be lots of disagreements over what is legal and what isn't, lots more DQ requests, and lots of complaints whichever way you rule. Remember what happened with the (brief) time lapse rule set -- and that rule was much much clearer than the proposed texture rule.

Between the other two, I would lean towards number 2, but perhaps limit it, either by making it an extra rule that crops up from time to time, or making it part of an expert rule set (if that ever comes back). Where that rule doesn't apply, I would just keep the existing, albeit inconsistent, rule -- embedded filters and effects are OK, but homemade textures are not.

08/11/2008 05:43:30 PM · #11
I think a new editing ruleset (expert editing) for Members should be added and keep the rest as they are.

Open challenges - Basic editing
members A - Advanced editing allowing just certain spot editing not overlays multiple exposures etc etc
members B - Extreme/Expert editing where pretty much anything goes

maybe Having the members A&B as a choice option as with the open challenges or even as 2 seperate challenges
08/11/2008 05:43:31 PM · #12
I'm going with the first option. I think this is a digital photo challenge not a digital artwork challenge. I don't know if it is a slippery slope or not, but I would prefer to error on the side of safe.
08/11/2008 05:45:18 PM · #13
Originally posted by strangeghost:

Maybe someone could post a few examples so us unwashed masses know what these things look like.


Try this thread for many, many examples.

R.
08/11/2008 05:46:10 PM · #14
Originally posted by posthumous:

Bring back "Expert Editing" or call it "Extreme Editing" or whatever you want, which will allow multiple exposures, as long as they are all taken in the challenge timeframe. So, if you want a texture layer you have to take the shot yourself that week. (This ruleset is due back anyway. When you got rid of it, you said you'd be replacing it with something.)

In "Advanced Editing" ban all textures and overlays.

The middleground stuff is horsehockey.


This sounds like a great resolution to me! Gives "digital art/photography" a home here, but keeps the other challenges fair for the rest of us. And while I personally would not enter the expert editing challenges, (at least not with any "expert" editing skill)I would love to see what some of the gurus here can come up with.
08/11/2008 05:54:52 PM · #15
Originally posted by posthumous:

Bring back "Expert Editing" or call it "Extreme Editing" or whatever you want, which will allow multiple exposures, as long as they are all taken in the challenge timeframe. So, if you want a texture layer you have to take the shot yourself that week. (This ruleset is due back anyway. When you got rid of it, you said you'd be replacing it with something.)

In "Advanced Editing" ban all textures and overlays.

The middleground stuff is horsehockey.


I think there has to be a middle ground. The proponents of textures and ovelays are looking to merely add a subtle effect to an "unaltered" single exposure. They're not going to want to compete with images of unicorns and disembodied heads.
08/11/2008 05:55:03 PM · #16
Originally posted by posthumous:

Bring back "Expert Editing" or call it "Extreme Editing" or whatever you want, which will allow multiple exposures, as long as they are all taken in the challenge timeframe. So, if you want a texture layer you have to take the shot yourself that week. (This ruleset is due back anyway. When you got rid of it, you said you'd be replacing it with something.)

In "Advanced Editing" ban all textures and overlays.

The middleground stuff is horsehockey.


I also agree with this but just to qualify that I've never used textures/overlays or brush stroke effects in advance so it wouldn't be affecting me anyway.

Message edited by author 2008-08-11 17:55:53.
08/11/2008 06:00:13 PM · #17
Originally posted by EstimatedEyes:

You're asking for trouble with option 3 ... there will be lots of disagreements over what is legal and what isn't, lots more DQ requests, and lots of complaints whichever way you rule. Remember what happened with the (brief) time lapse rule set -- and that rule was much much clearer than the proposed texture rule.


3 would work if people donated the textures to apply and these are the only textures allowed. I have a couple of pics that could be used for a texture that I would donate to the group. If this applied then SC or The Texture Guru would have to approve an addition to the texture portfolio before it is available to the site for use. If someone submits a photo as a texture, it still cannot be used until it is added to the pool of texture photos.

Message edited by author 2008-08-11 18:01:04.
08/11/2008 06:01:53 PM · #18
Originally posted by MAK:

I think a new editing ruleset (expert editing) for Members should be added and keep the rest as they are.

Open challenges - Basic editing
members A - Advanced editing allowing just certain spot editing not overlays multiple exposures etc etc
members B - Extreme/Expert editing where pretty much anything goes

maybe Having the members A&B as a choice option as with the open challenges or even as 2 seperate challenges


I like this...and to add...Overlays and textures mush be owned by the photographer (not necessarily taken during the challenge date) take the main photo during the challenge date and provide all originals for validation. Currently we are allowed to make a single entry from up to 10 files, keep this max and count an overlay as a file. Example..4 raw files(for HDR image) + 2 overlays = 6 originals to validate.
08/11/2008 06:18:35 PM · #19
#1 - Its supposed to be about the photography... not the processing. The processing is supposed to fix lighting, color adjustments, etc... not add additional objects/textures to an image.

I like the use of textures, but not for a challenge. It should be against the rules.

There should be monthly Expert Editing challenges for people that want to display their PS skills.

Message edited by author 2008-08-11 18:20:02.
08/11/2008 06:20:01 PM · #20
I know nothing of textures and overlays.

But.. how many people are using textures vs. how many are not? My guess would be less than 15% are using textures and overlays..
how many ribbons are won using textures? I think over-editing is frowned on here and people know it. IMO I think people want to see "real"
images, not "wow" editing.

So I'd go for previous suggestions of making a new ruleset that allows for use of textures and overlays if they wish..this way
people can expect more "wow" editing..

I personally don't know how to "wow edit" .. so maybe my opinion is biased towards the basic editing:)

08/11/2008 06:26:37 PM · #21
Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Originally posted by strangeghost:

Maybe someone could post a few examples so us unwashed masses know what these things look like.


Try this thread for many, many examples.

R.


...and even more here.

I like 2...maybe 3...but definitely not 1.

For some reason I don't like the label expert or extreme editing. Many of use who use layers really aren't being all that extreme like someone who, for example, merges 15 exposures for that HDR stuff. And the expert moniker is just goofy. Using textures and overlays is more of a creative/artistic sort of thing.

I don't think the actual texture/overlay should have to be taken during the challenge week. I don't think we should only be allowed to take from an approved stable of shared textures either. Many of us who use this process make our own overlay layers...it's a creative process for many of us.

We really wish we could enter this work in some sort of challenge.

08/11/2008 06:30:46 PM · #22
I vote option 1. Necessary for digital art - not photography IMO.
08/11/2008 06:36:44 PM · #23
Originally posted by posthumous:

Bring back "Expert Editing" or call it "Extreme Editing" or whatever you want, which will allow multiple exposures, as long as they are all taken in the challenge timeframe. So, if you want a texture layer you have to take the shot yourself that week. (This ruleset is due back anyway. When you got rid of it, you said you'd be replacing it with something.)

In "Advanced Editing" ban all textures and overlays.

The middleground stuff is horsehockey.


I agree with Don's suggestion. If not, then I vote for # 1 - ban all textures etc.
08/11/2008 06:38:42 PM · #24
Originally posted by posthumous:

Bring back "Expert Editing" or call it "Extreme Editing" or whatever you want, which will allow multiple exposures, as long as they are all taken in the challenge timeframe. So, if you want a texture layer you have to take the shot yourself that week. (This ruleset is due back anyway. When you got rid of it, you said you'd be replacing it with something.)

In "Advanced Editing" ban all textures and overlays.

The middleground stuff is horsehockey.


I say call it something else, but what, I don't know.

I've never seen horses play hockey, do they have horseskates instead of horseshoes?
08/11/2008 06:41:18 PM · #25
Ban it. Stay away from Digital Art. :)
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