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DPChallenge Forums >> Individual Photograph Discussion >> Why did this photo do so bad??
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03/10/2015 12:09:57 PM · #1
Entered in the Feb. Free study challenge and I really don't understand why it didn't do too well, and I didn't get any comments to explain it to me lol
Anyone want to help critique??

03/10/2015 12:20:58 PM · #2
To start with it has to be an exceptional photograph to do even decent in a free study and unfortunately this is not an exceptional photograph. Keep in mind this is my opinion about the photograph.

There is nothing that really pops and draw my attention, could use a little bit of punch in the colors so it is not so flat. The aperture is not enough to really blur the background (would have been better if she was farther away from the bushes) out so it's a bit busy. The image is also overall a bit soft. I would guess as a result of the slow shutter speed and being shot handheld (only guessing as I am not sure what focal length you selected or if a tripod was used). The softness would not be that much of an issue if the eyes were good and sharp but they are not and could use some dodging to lighten up the eye area to bring in the viewer. Would like to see a bit more space above her head, while I know that the rule of thirds can be broken I found that if you follow it (for most photographs) the composition is much better. Those are my technical things about the photograph. Those combined with just an uninteresting subject I can see why it did not do well.

Ronnie
03/10/2015 12:25:04 PM · #3
Not that it isn't a technically okay picture of a lovely woman, but it simply doesn't have much wow factor. As a female candid, or in some camera t6hemed challenge, it may have done better, but in a Free Study, it simply doesn't reach out and grab you, so it won't score well. As you know, Free Studies are generally judged more harshly since you had a month to produce your best shot of the time period.

Just my opinion, YMMV.....
03/10/2015 12:28:04 PM · #4
First, a 5.3 isn't really that bad.

With that being said: It's a bit soft, the light is meh, the subject isn't really terribly interesting, the image isn't shallow DOF, and the title may have put off other brand users.

Essentially, there was just nothing spectacular about it, and the title didn't help.
03/10/2015 12:28:32 PM · #5
What they are saying; it's "just a picture". Gotta have something more to do well, especially in a Free Study; ephemeral light, a stunning view, a frozen moment of interesting action, and absolutely exquisite composition, a startling slice-of-life, you get the idea.
03/10/2015 12:34:42 PM · #6
Forgot to add the one thing I hate when people ask this kind of question is clicking on the picture and seeing "N/A" in the photographers comments. To really help (other then just a critique of the final outcome) it is nice to have as much information about the technical side of actually taking the photo and any processing steps involved.

Ronnie
03/10/2015 12:41:31 PM · #7
5.3 is a pretty average score.

It takes a lot to impress other photographers sometimes - a solid candid, the technical are covered and all that but the expectations are pretty high for a free study, most voters want something visually exciting. It might have scored a bit better in a candid challenge.

Your votes were just about evenly split between 5 and 6, with a few higher and lower that were probably due to positive or negative opinions of the brand of camera in the shot.

I gave it a 6, but that's pretty much my average. 5 from me would be an average photo lacking something small and technical, or a pretty good photo that didn't meet the challenge (N/A for free study of course). 4 would be for more than one issue combined with an unattractive overall image in my opinion.
03/10/2015 01:26:36 PM · #8
left a comment
03/10/2015 01:28:23 PM · #9
When you have a personal connection to an image, especially if it is a loved one, the score rarely lives up to expectations.
I am particularly poor at "best of" challenges in regard to scoring
03/10/2015 02:46:04 PM · #10
That white band of shirt draws the eye away from the face and leads right out of the picture.
03/10/2015 02:54:57 PM · #11
Thanks everyone for all the comments! I really appreciate it.... I agree with most of what everyone has said...

I will not be be entering portraits of this nature in free studies anymore lol
03/10/2015 03:07:51 PM · #12
Originally posted by bennettjamie:

Thanks everyone for all the comments! I really appreciate it.... I agree with most of what everyone has said...

I will not be be entering portraits of this nature in free studies anymore lol


Just remember that the FS is where everyone enters what they feel is their "best" image of the month. There is such a wide range, and there is nothing "wrong" with entering casual photos. Just that they will be up against more deliberated/planned ones. There are a number of members who prize the spontaneity and honesty of these casual shots over others.
03/10/2015 03:13:04 PM · #13
Originally posted by tanguera:

Originally posted by bennettjamie:

Thanks everyone for all the comments! I really appreciate it.... I agree with most of what everyone has said...

I will not be be entering portraits of this nature in free studies anymore lol


Just remember that the FS is where everyone enters what they feel is their "best" image of the month. There is such a wide range, and there is nothing "wrong" with entering casual photos. Just that they will be up against more deliberated/planned ones. There are a number of members who prize the spontaneity and honesty of these casual shots over others.


I think that is what I am really starting to learn here at DPC the most..
What is important to me is not necessarily important to the rest of the community.
I think I have been using my free studies wrong myself and need to branch out, I think this is where expanding out to new techniques, or playing with different things will come in handy.

It is always a good reminder because I forget it myself especially on my shots :-))
03/10/2015 03:44:08 PM · #14
Originally posted by jgirl57:

Originally posted by tanguera:

Originally posted by bennettjamie:

Thanks everyone for all the comments! I really appreciate it.... I agree with most of what everyone has said...

I will not be be entering portraits of this nature in free studies anymore lol


Just remember that the FS is where everyone enters what they feel is their "best" image of the month. There is such a wide range, and there is nothing "wrong" with entering casual photos. Just that they will be up against more deliberated/planned ones. There are a number of members who prize the spontaneity and honesty of these casual shots over others.


I think that is what I am really starting to learn here at DPC the most..
What is important to me is not necessarily important to the rest of the community.
I think I have been using my free studies wrong myself and need to branch out, I think this is where expanding out to new techniques, or playing with different things will come in handy.

It is always a good reminder because I forget it myself especially on my shots :-))


Keep this beginners mind and you will go a long way, it is more important than technique, composition or even subject, never think you're good and you'll do just great.
03/10/2015 04:30:01 PM · #15
Thanks for starting this thread. I've probably learned more from the comments on your image than I have on my portrait entries.
First, this did not score poorly. An overall score of above 5 means you got folks voting 6 and up on the entry. If you want to see a poor score, go to the last page of Feb FS results, and check out the Brown Ribbon. And I've done worse than that...
Second, keep in mind that dpc'ers have seen it all - including from each other - a collection of extraordinary photographers from around the world. If a shot is going to do well in a FS, it would probably easily win local and maybe regional contests. Different, eye-catching, captivating, technically top notch. Your fellow dpc'ers can seem to be harsh on it because, quite truthfully, they believe they could do it better (and most likely, really could).
For me, your image is very attractive, and is "emergent" - that is, it strongly hints at greatness that could be. It is definitely better than an average and ordinary shot, but not spectacular. I probably would have given it a 6, and think that an overall average of 5.3 is a pretty accurate placement for it.
Do not expect dpc'ers to reward "good enough". Generally, they reserve their acclaim for outstanding.
I'd encourage you to take up the challenge - enter a portrait in the March FS, taking into account the advice you've been given. See if it makes a difference in your score.
The score is not a reflection of you or your subject. It is a measure of one moment in time that you captured and edited.
03/10/2015 05:02:11 PM · #16
If you like portrait photography continue pursuing this genre. Compare your future efforts to this image. That's all we can do.

Hopefully we all see the world differently and striving for consensus can limit your potential.
03/10/2015 06:16:46 PM · #17
Well, everyone else seems to have already given you the feedback on your FS entry that I would have said. I gave it a 6 and the final score ended up in the range I had expected for it.

You already know how to do a unique and attention grabbing portrait. I submit exhibit A, a selfie you posted a few years back. I know it is a memorable shot because I remembered it and went to your portfolio looking for it.



Message edited by author 2015-03-10 18:17:24.
03/10/2015 07:05:25 PM · #18
I just checked the last 4 FS results and portraits such as these below have all ribboned or garnered an HM.
Can you see why these may have registered with the voters more than your entry. I am not comparing them, merely stating that portraits can score well in a FS.


03/11/2015 05:22:49 AM · #19
Originally posted by MichaelC:

I just checked the last 4 FS results and portraits such as these below have all ribboned or garnered an HM.
Can you see why these may have registered with the voters more than your entry. I am not comparing them, merely stating that portraits can score well in a FS.




Also, keep in mind that even within the high scoring portraits there can be differing opinions and low votes. Of the three portraits that Michael has posted above, i, personally, would only score the last one quite high as it is the only one i find interesting even though all three are techically good. I love a lot of portraits by Jen but this one doesn't really click with me as i've seem that studio, hair blowing about type shot so many times before. The second one i dislike a lot for personal and political reasons - i really don't like the 'poor and sad looking brown people photographed by rich white people and entered into online competitions' genre so i tend to dismiss them. As is say, purely personal that. So yes, portraits can score very well on DPC but it is such a wide area that just tecnical ability alone doesn't mean high votes.

Message edited by author 2015-03-11 05:25:00.
03/11/2015 08:19:49 AM · #20
Originally posted by dtremain:

Thanks for starting this thread. I've probably learned more from the comments on your image than I have on my portrait entries.
First, this did not score poorly. An overall score of above 5 means you got folks voting 6 and up on the entry. If you want to see a poor score, go to the last page of Feb FS results, and check out the Brown Ribbon. And I've done worse than that...
Second, keep in mind that dpc'ers have seen it all - including from each other - a collection of extraordinary photographers from around the world. If a shot is going to do well in a FS, it would probably easily win local and maybe regional contests. Different, eye-catching, captivating, technically top notch. Your fellow dpc'ers can seem to be harsh on it because, quite truthfully, they believe they could do it better (and most likely, really could).
For me, your image is very attractive, and is "emergent" - that is, it strongly hints at greatness that could be. It is definitely better than an average and ordinary shot, but not spectacular. I probably would have given it a 6, and think that an overall average of 5.3 is a pretty accurate placement for it.
Do not expect dpc'ers to reward "good enough". Generally, they reserve their acclaim for outstanding.
I'd encourage you to take up the challenge - enter a portrait in the March FS, taking into account the advice you've been given. See if it makes a difference in your score.
The score is not a reflection of you or your subject. It is a measure of one moment in time that you captured and edited.


Your welcome! : ) I too have learned a tremendous amount of what to expect in FS challenges in respect to portrait shots... I have already chosen a shot for the march FS, but might try and do another portrait just to challenge myself it I have time. I def want to do better...
03/11/2015 08:23:15 AM · #21
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

Well, everyone else seems to have already given you the feedback on your FS entry that I would have said. I gave it a 6 and the final score ended up in the range I had expected for it.

You already know how to do a unique and attention grabbing portrait. I submit exhibit A, a selfie you posted a few years back. I know it is a memorable shot because I remembered it and went to your portfolio looking for it.



Thanks Doll! I appreciate that! That was fun doing that self portrait! I need to get back in that place of thinking... however, I have grown so much since then technically, so I know I can do better, especially now that I know what fellow DPC'ers are looking for in portraits in the FS's. I really appreciate all of you helping me, yall are all part of of the reason I have grown here in the DPC world and professionally and I am truly humbled by that. Thank you so much for that!
03/11/2015 08:26:22 AM · #22
Originally posted by rooum:

Originally posted by MichaelC:

I just checked the last 4 FS results and portraits such as these below have all ribboned or garnered an HM.
Can you see why these may have registered with the voters more than your entry. I am not comparing them, merely stating that portraits can score well in a FS.




Also, keep in mind that even within the high scoring portraits there can be differing opinions and low votes. Of the three portraits that Michael has posted above, i, personally, would only score the last one quite high as it is the only one i find interesting even though all three are techically good. I love a lot of portraits by Jen but this one doesn't really click with me as i've seem that studio, hair blowing about type shot so many times before. The second one i dislike a lot for personal and political reasons - i really don't like the 'poor and sad looking brown people photographed by rich white people and entered into online competitions' genre so i tend to dismiss them. As is say, purely personal that. So yes, portraits can score very well on DPC but it is such a wide area that just tecnical ability alone doesn't mean high votes.
\

Yes! I see what you mean, and I agree with you to an extent. All three are great technically and are far more interesting than my portrait lol
Thanks
03/11/2015 08:28:49 AM · #23
Originally posted by jagar:

Originally posted by jgirl57:

Originally posted by tanguera:

Originally posted by bennettjamie:

Thanks everyone for all the comments! I really appreciate it.... I agree with most of what everyone has said...

I will not be be entering portraits of this nature in free studies anymore lol


Just remember that the FS is where everyone enters what they feel is their "best" image of the month. There is such a wide range, and there is nothing "wrong" with entering casual photos. Just that they will be up against more deliberated/planned ones. There are a number of members who prize the spontaneity and honesty of these casual shots over others.


I think that is what I am really starting to learn here at DPC the most..
What is important to me is not necessarily important to the rest of the community.
I think I have been using my free studies wrong myself and need to branch out, I think this is where expanding out to new techniques, or playing with different things will come in handy.

It is always a good reminder because I forget it myself especially on my shots :-))


Keep this beginners mind and you will go a long way, it is more important than technique, composition or even subject, never think you're good and you'll do just great.


Yes! I try and keep this way of thinking always! I know I am not anywhere close to most of the photographers on DPC, but I am learning and growing, and I will get there, but I will always be humble....
03/12/2015 09:35:50 AM · #24

So I edited the photo after learning dodging and burning with curves and this is what I came up with to correct the eye issue. Does this help with bringing out the eyes and with the flat lighting on the face??



Message edited by author 2015-03-12 09:36:03.
03/12/2015 10:19:01 AM · #25
Originally posted by bennettjamie:

Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

Well, everyone else seems to have already given you the feedback on your FS entry that I would have said. I gave it a 6 and the final score ended up in the range I had expected for it.

You already know how to do a unique and attention grabbing portrait. I submit exhibit A, a selfie you posted a few years back. I know it is a memorable shot because I remembered it and went to your portfolio looking for it.



Thanks Doll! I appreciate that! That was fun doing that self portrait! I need to get back in that place of thinking... however, I have grown so much since then technically, so I know I can do better, especially now that I know what fellow DPC'ers are looking for in portraits in the FS's. I really appreciate all of you helping me, yall are all part of of the reason I have grown here in the DPC world and professionally and I am truly humbled by that. Thank you so much for that!


You M'lady are an inspiration to me, these things help all of us and I love hearing about this kind of feedback no matter what an image maybe. We need more of these kind of threads to learn from! :-)) Look forward to your expansion and newer great images to come!

Message edited by author 2015-03-12 10:20:20.
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