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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> What can I do to help "up" my challenge scores ?
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 04/11/2006 05:19:46 PM · #1
You can check out my portfolio here. Someone tell me what I'm doing so wrong please.

I don't have the time to get out to shoot for Chrome or the other one ending today, but would like to attempt the colour portrait one.
 04/11/2006 05:31:48 PM · #2
Someone have the link the Scalvert's excellent essay on the subject?
 04/11/2006 05:34:53 PM · #3
Sure, here it is:

//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=156130&page=3
 04/11/2006 05:35:04 PM · #4
I'm one to talk, but maybe your biggest issue is "settling". I read your comment about the lint on the black background of your "Hands" entry, and in response to others' remarks, you said you did the best you could to reduce it, and the Basic rules prevented you from spot-editing more out. Yet, you entered the picture as-is, instead of reshooting against some other material, or entering something different altogether.

I'd consider trying very different kinds of shoots from the ones you seem to have entered so far. All but one look as though they were taken in your house, with materials at-hand. Try looking at challenges from a different perspective. Like your "Hands" entry, think differently, but don't settle if you think you can do better. Be critical of the pictures coming out of your camera, as critical as though you hadn't taken the shot yourself. Look at your pictures with the eye of someone viewing them for the first time. It's hard, but it can be done.
 04/11/2006 05:37:00 PM · #5
Originally posted by Louis:
I'm one to talk, but maybe your biggest issue is "settling". I read your comment about the lint on the black background of your "Hands" entry, and in response to others' remarks, you said you did the best you could to reduce it, and the Basic rules prevented you from spot-editing more out. Yet, you entered the picture as-is, instead of reshooting against some other material, or entering something different altogether.

I'd consider trying very different kinds of shoots from the ones you seem to have entered so far. All but one look as though they were taken in your house, with materials at-hand. Try looking at challenges from a different perspective. Like your "Hands" entry, think differently, but don't settle if you think you can do better. Be critical of the pictures coming out of your camera, as critical as though you hadn't taken the shot yourself. Look at your pictures with the eye of someone viewing them for the first time. It's hard, but it can be done.


Well, I will be the first to admit that that is exactly what they are. Shot at home, with what I have.

I'm a stay-at-home mother, with 2 very young children and no vehicle. Getting out to shoot "locations" just isn't in the cards.
 04/11/2006 05:39:08 PM · #6
Hi Lea

I had a look at your profile and the first thing I'd say to improve your score is to stop taking photos (For Challenges) of your Cat's in particular and the kids.

While there are some great Pet and my kid type shots most of them are only great in the eyes of related people.

I suppose the rest is about idea's and experience.

Your Clock hand and the lint. You must have known the lint was a problem as you tried hard to remove it before the photo was taken, but it was still there so you have a choice, it will remain a distraction in the photo and your scores wil reflect that (people won't score it higher just because you tried hard to get rid of it) OR you need to do something to remove it photographically.

You could have in this instance had your hand raised off the black cloth, with it raised the cloth would have become out-of-focus and the lint would not have been seen even though its there. I'd bet you would have gotten a full extra point in your score just for doing that.

Anyway just my two cents worth, I hope it helps.
 04/11/2006 05:43:10 PM · #7
Originally posted by Node:
Hi Lea

I had a look at your profile and the first thing I'd say to improve your score is to stop taking photos (For Challenges) of your Cat's in particular and the kids.


FWIW - the cat photos were not taken for a challenge.
 04/11/2006 05:44:35 PM · #8
Originally posted by Node:
(people won't score it higher just because you tried hard to get rid of it)


Okay - I'm laughing at myself here - because this is SO true !
 04/11/2006 05:44:48 PM · #9
This Linky is an amazing well-thought-out, well-written post that should help tremendously. It helped me!
 04/11/2006 05:45:55 PM · #10
C'mon, Lea. I wouldn't say that you would do anything wrong. It's just that you are at the beginning, tasting the world of photography. Open your mind and eyes, because I think it's even more difficult to see the subject than learning the technics. That's the spirit, the secret. Try as may times as possible, in the beginning, I took 100-300 shots until I reached what I wanted.

I understand your situation, because I live quite far from anything interesting. No children yet, but no car either. In this case I suggest looking around in the galleries of still lives, indoor portraits, macro shots... I know how annoying it is to be surrounded by boundaries. I feelt something similar before I bought my current camera.

I used to photograph what I could. Now I photograph what I want. I can't tell you what a great feeling this freedom is.
 04/11/2006 05:47:02 PM · #11
And, most important: Good luck, and believe you can make it. :-)
 04/11/2006 05:48:00 PM · #12
Originally posted by idnic:
This Linky is an amazing well-thought-out, well-written post that should help tremendously. It helped me!


That linky was posted above.
 04/11/2006 05:57:25 PM · #13
There needs to be a disclaimer on this site before you post a thread, saying something to the effect of :

"If you are newly pregnant, or otherwise exceptionally hormonal for any reason, do not seek criticism until you are in a stabler state of mind"

*LOL*

Nah - if I had to adhere to that, I would not be able to post for the next year !
 04/11/2006 06:03:32 PM · #14
You don't really need anything "interesting" around you to have fun with photography and to take pictures of different things. My self portrait 30in30 gallery proves that. They may not be the best pics int he world, but they have all helped me learn new things (like lighting setups) which will help my photography eventually down the road. Just try and be creative and have fun.

Message edited by author 2006-04-11 18:04:53.
 04/11/2006 06:04:56 PM · #15
One other thing I would recommend is challenging yourself to critique other photos. I know it's difficult with lack of time.

Personally, I've found that by looking through pictures as I vote and justifying my vote with a comment, I learn a lot. You don't even have to leave the comment, necesarily, but it will make you look at your own pictures with a more critical eye, and can help you improve.

Edit to add after seeing jaywalks comment: A Photo a day project can also be a great learning challenge...

Message edited by author 2006-04-11 18:05:53.
 04/11/2006 07:02:49 PM · #16
IMO you need to quit using your flash. It makes harsh shadows and overexposes parts of the photo. If the exposure time is too long you may think about getting a tripod. IME my tripod is one of the best purchases I have made (bogen 3030 is what I use). Couple photos this is very apprent in is your education submition and your submition to Deja Vu II. Also your diper photo for yellow III. I think this change over anything else will help.

p.s. if for some reason you are not using your flash then you need to reposition your lighting so it is more perpendicular to your lens.
 04/11/2006 07:15:08 PM · #17
I'm leaning towards composition. Working on the "rule of thirds" or the "golden ratio".

I didn't think much about this when I first started taking pictures but after looking at lots of photos that do well and lots of reading (plus lots of picture taking) I find myself thinking about these composition rules (and others) when setting up a photo.

04/11/2006 07:16:34 PM · #18
First off, keep in mind that you are competing and being critiqued by many experienced and professional photographers. You have some stiff competition, but also the opportunity to learn from some of the best.

Secondly, if you really want to be a good photographer (and I believe this goes for everyone), buy an SLR camera. An old used film camera with a 50mm lens is perfect. Learn how to use it on manual, forget full auto. You won't learn anything shooting in auto all the time. Buy a good book for beginners. And read the posts here, they are really helpful. The idea is to learn the principles of photography, those are universal. While digital does have it's own nuances, the principles remain the same. Your A85 has full manual control, so start using it, so whatever you learn from your SLR is directly transferrable.

The Key To Any Good Photograph Is Pushing The Button. Shane.
 04/12/2006 07:19:18 AM · #19
I keep my eyes out for a film SLR all the time, but so far haven't found one. I can't afford to buy one new.

Thank you all for your comments, it's giving me some things to think about at least.
 04/12/2006 07:43:43 AM · #20
Probably the most important thing is "Have Fun".

I'm not the best and I don't get the best scores but I have a ball trying stuff and even when it dosen't work I put it in the challenge.
 04/12/2006 08:56:24 AM · #21
Actually, I believe you should take more photographs of your children. Pay attention to the background and lighting. Use a tripod.

If you have access to a library look for books about Imogen Cunningham. While at home raising her children, she photographed what was available - still lifes, her garden, and her children.
 04/12/2006 09:08:54 AM · #22
i'd say 90% of my images are at home / tabletop photos
it is mostly lighting & taking lots &lots of images till you get one thats right ;)
 04/12/2006 09:58:26 AM · #23
Exotic locations and fancy lighting equipment are not required. The only real trick (and probably 70% of your score) is to shoot something that others would find interesting... the other 30% is based on the technical aspect. Meeting the challenge is merely your ticket to enter and doesn't really "count" towards the score in many cases: if your challenge connection is obvious, then the entry will be scored as described above. An ordinary scene shot in an ordinary way is the kiss of death in a photo contest.

With that in mind, take advantage of whatever you have available to make your shot interesting and unique. Nobody really wants to see a picture of someone else's kid, BUT if you can get the kid to "open up" and you take advantage of late day light, it can make a big difference.

Your Hand of Time was a good idea, but the lighting and background killed it. Every part of the concept has to work together to achieve success (if you're not with me, you're against me). The black felt background doesn't fit a clock concept and even if you had achived all-black, the background wouldn't have added to the concept IMO. Something that vaguely relates to time, like beach sand or a piece of driftwood, might have been a better choice. The lighting seems flat- apparently taken indoors with a lamp. Try shooting by a window at sunset or bounce your light off a sheet of colored paper just outside the scene. You'll get more contrast for B&W, and you'll have the option of interesting color, too. For extra credit, you might try an elderly hand for the texture and character and a better sense of time.

Just keep playing, keep trying and comment as much as you can. Mark a bunch of photos you like as favorites and then think about what makes them special to you. Then experiment and try to mimic those special aspects. Good luck!

Message edited by author 2006-04-12 09:58:38.
 04/12/2006 11:15:03 AM · #24
Most of us shoot what is around us. Just try to think outside the box a it...try a different perspective, or crop. Read the tutorials, they are so helpful! Just shoot a ton of pics, this is the best way to learn.

I have to agree with the stay away from kids and cats, tho. I have a cat and have shot her a billion times for practise on lighting etc. But I dont enter her, or even post her in my profile ( even tho I know she is the most beautiful cat on DPC!) (aside from 1 challenge)
When I see kids or cats, unless they are Outstanding images( see scalverts example), I just think the photog has gotten a little lazy creatively, and I do make creativity a factor in scoring challenges.
This , of course, is only IMHO :)

Message edited by author 2006-04-12 11:15:52.
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