| Author | Thread |
|
|
01/04/2011 05:00:39 PM · #51 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Please, ask yourself whether or not your photographic improvement/experience is more important than your overall average score, and only then decide whether or not to enter. |
At this stage I do care about the results. I am sure with time I won't care about the scores but I am not there yet! :-)
Overall I found the forums extremely useful to my learning, all questions answered with many useful tips and links. Great! Lots of reading to do before tomorrow's wildlife shootout (with camera, not guns!!) |
|
|
|
01/04/2011 05:04:14 PM · #52 |
Originally posted by crowis:
Now I can say, I got comments saying this works, and comments saying this other does not. . .so. . . I will shoot the one that does work.
|
or you can enter the one that does not work |
|
|
|
01/04/2011 05:22:00 PM · #53 |
Originally posted by bspurgeon:
Originally posted by crowis:
Now I can say, I got comments saying this works, and comments saying this other does not. . .so. . . I will shoot the one that does work.
|
or you can enter the one that does not work |
LOL. Indeed. : )
|
|
|
|
01/04/2011 06:57:12 PM · #54 |
Originally posted by crowis:
I agree, I wasn't saying that anyone put a specific pre-shoot. I was saying they might as well do it. If I put up two or three shots (even if they aren't mine), of a specific style and ask everyone's opinions or feedback on those shots, it becomes much easier for me to determine where the taste and style of the site for a challenge lies. . . By simple polling. Now I can say, I got comments saying this works, and comments saying this other does not. . .so. . . I will shoot the one that does work.
I think this also fits in with the behavior some folks have on any competition site (not just this one), of trying to keep their stats high, so they become afraid to experiment or enter challenges where they feel they might be disadvantaged.
Please keep in mind that I said "some folk". Not all folk, or a specific person. |
I didn't get that at all from the photo's submitted. I was glad for examples because I was having trouble grasping what an off balance shot that is still effective is. I am a visual person and someone explaining it with words isn't always the most effective way to understand something. I like examples of photos then I can grasp the concept. I think the people posting the photo's were doing the same.
|
|
|
|
01/04/2011 07:09:32 PM · #55 |
Originally posted by sjhuls:
Originally posted by crowis:
I agree, I wasn't saying that anyone put a specific pre-shoot. I was saying they might as well do it. If I put up two or three shots (even if they aren't mine), of a specific style and ask everyone's opinions or feedback on those shots, it becomes much easier for me to determine where the taste and style of the site for a challenge lies. . . By simple polling. Now I can say, I got comments saying this works, and comments saying this other does not. . .so. . . I will shoot the one that does work.
I think this also fits in with the behavior some folks have on any competition site (not just this one), of trying to keep their stats high, so they become afraid to experiment or enter challenges where they feel they might be disadvantaged.
Please keep in mind that I said "some folk". Not all folk, or a specific person. |
I didn't get that at all from the photo's submitted. I was glad for examples because I was having trouble grasping what an off balance shot that is still effective is. I am a visual person and someone explaining it with words isn't always the most effective way to understand something. I like examples of photos then I can grasp the concept. I think the people posting the photo's were doing the same. |
Just a single person's opinion.
I agree, that an example in a visual medium is a good idea. But once multiple photo's go up with people discussing their pro's and con's for the specific challenge, you've pretty much been given a "how to" guide on what people want (or expect) to see handed to you. That is a good chunk of a challenge's er. . um. . .challenge in my opinion.
A scientific reference of what "Out of Balance" means in regards to photography with an outside link showing examples would still get the point across as far as that goes. And I also appreciate people's opinions on what out of balance could mean in an idea sense, but not related to specific images.
It's not for me to judge in any official way, but, I think we as a community sometimes cross the line into pre-judging ideas publicly before submissions, and thus altering potential entries.
|
|
|
|
01/04/2011 08:01:29 PM · #56 |
Originally posted by crowis:
It's not for me to judge in any official way, but, I think we as a community sometimes cross the line into pre-judging ideas publicly before submissions, and thus altering potential entries. |
In general, I disagree with this. One of the things that gets frustrating in DPC is that individuals tend to have tunnel vision; they tend to latch onto a particular interpretation of a challenge and start discounting other interpretations when they vote. I think threads like this are incredibly useful to expose us to how others are interpreting the challenge, so we can be a little more flexible in our take on it.
That said, in the particular case I think this has gone a little off-track, interpretation-wise. Why? Because the challenge description is really quite specific: "Balance is an important element of photography. Create a photo which is out of balance, but still effective."
To me, that description is very specifically talking about unbalanced compositions, colors, visual movement, that sort of stuff. To me, it's DEFINITELY not leaving the door open for an image that derives its lack of balance from a theme of, say, mental instability. Not that this is necessarily a bad theme for the challenge, far from it: if you create an image that is fundamentally stressed, out-of-balance, disturbing visually, and all this is underscoring the core *theme* of mental anguish and instability, then you've probably aced the challenge, I'd say. An out-of-balance *image* of an out-of-balance *situation* or *individual* would be utterly responsive to the challenge.
But from my way of looking at it, if the image itself is not unbalanced in some fundamental way, visually, then it's at best a mediocre response to the challenge.
That's just my opinion, of course, and a peek at how I'll likely vote the challenge.
R. |
|
|
|
01/04/2011 08:15:47 PM · #57 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Originally posted by crowis:
It's not for me to judge in any official way, but, I think we as a community sometimes cross the line into pre-judging ideas publicly before submissions, and thus altering potential entries. |
In general, I disagree with this. One of the things that gets frustrating in DPC is that individuals tend to have tunnel vision; they tend to latch onto a particular interpretation of a challenge and start discounting other interpretations when they vote. I think threads like this are incredibly useful to expose us to how others are interpreting the challenge, so we can be a little more flexible in our take on it.
That said, in the particular case I think this has gone a little off-track, interpretation-wise. Why? Because the challenge description is really quite specific: "Balance is an important element of photography. Create a photo which is out of balance, but still effective."
To me, that description is very specifically talking about unbalanced compositions, colors, visual movement, that sort of stuff. To me, it's DEFINITELY not leaving the door open for an image that derives its lack of balance from a theme of, say, mental instability. Not that this is necessarily a bad theme for the challenge, far from it: if you create an image that is fundamentally stressed, out-of-balance, disturbing visually, and all this is underscoring the core *theme* of mental anguish and instability, then you've probably aced the challenge, I'd say. An out-of-balance *image* of an out-of-balance *situation* or *individual* would be utterly responsive to the challenge.
Well said Robert.
But from my way of looking at it, if the image itself is not unbalanced in some fundamental way, visually, then it's at best a mediocre response to the challenge.
That's just my opinion, of course, and a peek at how I'll likely vote the challenge.
R. |
Well said Robert.
Message edited by author 2011-01-04 20:16:10. |
|
|
|
01/05/2011 03:28:21 AM · #58 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Originally posted by crowis:
It's not for me to judge in any official way, but, I think we as a community sometimes cross the line into pre-judging ideas publicly before submissions, and thus altering potential entries. |
In general, I disagree with this. One of the things that gets frustrating in DPC is that individuals tend to have tunnel vision; they tend to latch onto a particular interpretation of a challenge and start discounting other interpretations when they vote. I think threads like this are incredibly useful to expose us to how others are interpreting the challenge, so we can be a little more flexible in our take on it.
That said, in the particular case I think this has gone a little off-track, interpretation-wise. Why? Because the challenge description is really quite specific: "Balance is an important element of photography. Create a photo which is out of balance, but still effective."
To me, that description is very specifically talking about unbalanced compositions, colors, visual movement, that sort of stuff. To me, it's DEFINITELY not leaving the door open for an image that derives its lack of balance from a theme of, say, mental instability. Not that this is necessarily a bad theme for the challenge, far from it: if you create an image that is fundamentally stressed, out-of-balance, disturbing visually, and all this is underscoring the core *theme* of mental anguish and instability, then you've probably aced the challenge, I'd say. An out-of-balance *image* of an out-of-balance *situation* or *individual* would be utterly responsive to the challenge.
But from my way of looking at it, if the image itself is not unbalanced in some fundamental way, visually, then it's at best a mediocre response to the challenge.
That's just my opinion, of course, and a peek at how I'll likely vote the challenge.
R. |
Yeah what he said. :)
Message edited by author 2011-01-05 03:28:32.
|
|
|
|
01/05/2011 03:35:10 AM · #59 |
I think a lot of people will struggle with this one. Most photographers have learned to balance photos instinctively. When we compose, our eye seeks balance. The rule of thirds specifically seeks balance by weighing a heavier subject a larger but less meaty background.
It might sound funny, but if you're having an issue with this challenge, it actually might help to spin in circles before you compose the shot :) Or get a tad drunk.
|
|
|
|
01/05/2011 05:57:31 AM · #60 |
| Or just forget it... Amen |
|
|
|
01/05/2011 06:52:29 AM · #61 |
I'm in for it, i usually don't go in for the more ambiguous challenges but i figure what the hell i like the shot, in fact i'm going to try and stop thinking about my average from here on in and just enjoy myself.
Message edited by author 2011-01-05 09:57:40. |
|
|
|
01/05/2011 09:43:00 AM · #62 |
I was reviewing some recent challenges and this entry from  Posthumous struck me as something that would suit this topic.
|
|
|
|
01/05/2011 12:08:54 PM · #63 |
Originally posted by marnet:
Or just forget it... Amen |
lol.
I love you guys. The fights are half the fun : )
|
|
|
|
01/05/2011 09:58:22 PM · #64 |
Well I just entered. This should be an interesting challenge to score. I can't wait to see other peoples take on it. As for me I think I covered most of my bases, one way or the other I'm hoping people will find it "Out of Balance"
ETA: oh and I can't forget the "and still effective" part.
Message edited by author 2011-01-05 21:59:10. |
|
|
|
01/07/2011 03:40:54 AM · #65 |
This article might help explain more clearly:
//www.google.com/search?q=unbalanced+composition&hl=en&gbv=2&prmd=ivns&biw=1542&bih=828&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=iw
Go to the article called "Landscape Photography Composition Series" It's at about the middle of the page. Click on QUICK VIEW or download the Pdf
file.
It refers to landscapes in this case but makes it easier to understand what it is and can be applied to other images besides landscapes as well.
Message edited by author 2011-01-07 03:47:46. |
|
|
|
01/07/2011 04:27:10 AM · #66 |
Thanks for the link fred.
Although i do agree with the article i think the examples given would probably not be seen by the majority as been unbalanced enough especially if there are a few in the challenge with really unbalanced elements, but i maybe wrong. |
|
|
|
01/07/2011 05:55:59 AM · #67 |
The examples followed the rule of thirds. The balance was over diagonal. To me they were quite balanced either way. I am even more confused now. |
|
|
|
01/07/2011 06:24:23 PM · #68 |
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:
I was reviewing some recent challenges and this entry from Posthumous struck me as something that would suit this topic.
|
Seems more "off-centered" than out of balance. :-)
|
|
|
|
01/07/2011 07:06:20 PM · #69 |
| I'm in, but I really don't have much faith in it..I guess like always it's just going to depend on everyone's interpretation of the challenge. |
|
|
|
01/07/2011 07:30:25 PM · #70 |
Originally posted by glad2badad:
Seems more "off-centered" than out of balance. :-) |
Hahaha! That and 'Seems more rule-of-thirds than out of balance.'
I had no idea until I tried to get a composition that is NOT centered, NOT rule-of-thirds, & NOT off-centered. What else is there? This is so weird. In the end I did what I always do, which is shoot what I think meets the challenge. What will be next? I know...
Blade: Shoot the kind of picture a vampire would shoot. |
|
|
|
01/07/2011 08:04:57 PM · #71 |
Balance.... well I suppose symmetry is the simplest form of balance. A kaleidoscopic image is the ultimate 2D balance. But such photography is not only unimaginative but largely boring. Any idiot can snap himself dead centre. But moving the focus about the screen can lend em[phasis to other aspects, like depth.
I wanted to submit a photo to this challenge, but I am not allowed to because all my images are taken with a camphone. I don\'t possess a camera. As I said elsewhere I am confident enough not to need to employ high technology to cover up a lack of talent. If I am skank I can live with it.
For the future, can DPChallenge grow out of its petty snobbery and allow me to enter my photo as taken by a camphone please? If not, as is unfairly likely, I am displaying my \"out of balance\" entry below.
And, yes, my would-be submission DID go wrong. I wanted a scene at the Brighton Children\'s Parade to be framed in a banner. But this cheeky little madam sneaked in the corner inches from the camera. The whole photo is out of kilter if not focus, like two different images, one of the crowd and other of the little girl.
Yet, far from destroying the picture....... it gave it depth and action. I love it!
Your views will be appreciated. I am not a pro so I can take a hit!
PS: Sorry folks. It appears I cannot even post the image URL here because I am a new member. So this really is a waste of time. It is a pity the web designer could not bring himself to make the effort to tell me before I concocted the mail. But you know web designers, they have no peripheral vision!
I shall make a few more forum posts then try again to show you how my out of balance photo works.
Message edited by author 2011-01-07 20:08:13. |
|
|
|
01/07/2011 09:08:23 PM · #72 |
I've read a couple of your posts so far, and I am going to assume that you are a pretty nice guy, but as someone who has been here for a while, I'll just say, you sound a wee bit on the defensive. Just saying.
As far as your camera -- if your phone records EXIF, then you can use it. If you want to know if the EXIF is intact and "acceptable," then you can open a ticket (Upper right, contact us, general inquiry) and we will take a look at the EXIF and if it is there, then we will add the phone to the database.
It is not some conspiracy to keep people from submitting, but we do have rules based on hard data -- dates, for example, if the phone does not record EXIF, we have no way of verifying even the most basic of the rules here.
eta: i have to have a "real" camera because i use my cell phone to talk to people and not take pictures cause its camera is blecth. i'm a cell phone luddite.
Message edited by author 2011-01-07 21:25:02. |
|
|
|
01/07/2011 09:23:51 PM · #73 |
LOL wow  Willgolden
You are even making me look good.
Chill out dude, honey versus vinegar!!!
Edited to add:  Karmat 's real name is Karma, so be careful cos she really does have Karma on her side and I suspect some voodoo!
Message edited by author 2011-01-07 21:27:49. |
|
|
|
01/07/2011 09:30:06 PM · #74 |
Originally posted by willgolden:
For the future, can DPChallenge grow out of its petty snobbery and allow me to enter my photo as taken by a camphone please? |
Wow. He joins today and figures out we're all snobs! Usually it takes a new member at least a week to realize that! ;-) |
|
|
|
01/07/2011 09:57:53 PM · #75 |
Originally posted by karmat:
As far as your camera -- if your phone records EXIF, then you can use it. if it is there, then we will add the phone to the database. |
Bloody hell you guys are fast! It takes Yahoo a sidereal year to catch up with its members!
Well..... I have a Sony Ericsson W810i. I know it is EXIF compliant because the EXIF data comes up on Flickr!
Exif data (of my photo in question):-
Camera Sony Ericsson W810i
Exposure 1/2500 sec
Aperture f/2.8
ISO Speed 80
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off
Orientation Horizontal (normal)
X-Resolution 72 dpi
Y-Resolution 72 dpi
Software R4DB005 prgCXC1250316_GENERIC_H 4.5
Date and Time (Modified) 2009:05:02 11:48:16
YCbCr Positioning Co-sited
Date and Time (Original) 2009:05:02 11:48:16
Date and Time (Digitized) 2009:05:02 11:48:16
Metering Mode Center-weighted average
Light Source Unknown
Color Space sRGB
Custom Rendered Normal
Exposure Mode Auto
White Balance Auto
Digital Zoom Ratio 0
Scene Capture Type Standard
Subject Distance Range Distant
Compression JPEG (old-style)
Orientation Horizontal (normal)
So, Pretty please with sugar on top..... :) :) :)
No, though I do have to intro myself with due explanation, I'm not generally defensive, just aggravatingly flippant! ;)
Thanxxxx KarmaT; ignore the help request, I just got well'n'truly helped!
Now.... I wonder if I can post that photo URL yet?
Nope! |
|
