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05/31/2009 07:02:21 PM · #1 |
Are you new here?
Have you been here a while and loosing your mojo?
Are you feeling jaded about photography or DPC?
Did the cold/hot season see you hibinate your camera?
Have you got older images sitting on your hard drives waiting to be touched?
Do you want to get to know more DPC folk?
Are you lusting after comments?
Do you want to find like-minded people at DPC?
If you've answered YES to any or all of the above - perhaps it's time for you to visit the Sweet Spots of DPC and sign up for a side challenge!
If you've never done one before and have no idea what the point is - let me enlighten you.
Side Challenges are usually a set topic to photograph for a set period of time... for example - Black & White for August or Self Portraits for November.
The cool thing about MOST Side Challenges (well the ones I start - GRIN!) are that the rules are 'very loose' (or in my case non-existant) and you participate when and how you can. It's a self discipline thing - I usually try to upload every day, but have a low success rate with that - SMILE!
Editing is open - so you can let yourself free with layers, text, and other cool things that 'real' challenges don't generally allow.
They are incredibly friendly, positive gatherings where you find kindred spirits and people very generous about sharing their tips, techniques and comments.
In any month there's at least one if not more Side Challenges going.
Just for June we currently have:
Fade to Black
Where I Live
Paintshop Pro
There are also some ongoing threads from previous challenges:
Taking it to the Streets
Blur - part deux
Lensbaby
You may want to browse through some of the more recent completed Side Challenges - they will not only inspire you but show how positive Side Challenges are!
May Overlays
Topaz
The Unconventional Side Challenge
So consider this an invite to explore the areas of Side Challenges here at DPC.
OR you could start your own side challenge - come up with a theme and invite folks - you may be surprised just how many people want to take images of the same thing you do (Belly Button Lint Fluff Side Challenge - for instance!)
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05/31/2009 07:53:02 PM · #2 |
| Great idea to post this list. Sometimes new members don't reealize what a side challenge really is. The word "challenge" can be misleading. I do need to point out one that you missed for the upcoming month: Serious Street Photography |
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06/01/2009 12:34:06 PM · #3 |
| I spent almost a year here before I really came to appreciate the real joy of side challenges... and they're what took DPC from being a great site, to being a brilliant community. |
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06/01/2009 05:39:51 PM · #4 |
Also currently running .
Highest ISO |
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06/01/2009 05:53:13 PM · #5 |
How could you possibly overlook the Godzilla Side Challenge
:- )
Message edited by author 2009-06-01 17:53:36. |
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06/01/2009 08:33:08 PM · #6 |
I find the side challenges to be a little TOOO much 'pat-on-the-back' and not enough 'we're here to REALLY work and improve', if you know what I mean.
Maybe that's great for most of the people in them, I dunno.
I just find when I try and take part, it's all "This is fantastic!" "Love your work!" "Wonderful job here!" and never "You know, I don't really like this because..." or "What I get out of this is..." or any of that kind of jazz.
I need more of that kind of jazz.
Where do I get more of THAT kind of jazz!? |
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06/01/2009 08:40:27 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by K10DGuy:
I find the side challenges to be a little TOOO much 'pat-on-the-back' and not enough 'we're here to REALLY work and improve', if you know what I mean.
Maybe that's great for most of the people in them, I dunno.
I just find when I try and take part, it's all "This is fantastic!" "Love your work!" "Wonderful job here!" and never "You know, I don't really like this because..." or "What I get out of this is..." or any of that kind of jazz.
I need more of that kind of jazz.
Where do I get more of THAT kind of jazz!? |
Run your own side challenge and call it the "grumpy comments only" side. LOL! Just kidding with you, so don't yell at me! But seriously, if that's what you're after, run it and put it in "da rules". |
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06/01/2009 09:11:49 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by K10DGuy:
I just find when I try and take part, it's all "This is fantastic!" "Love your work!" "Wonderful job here!" and never "You know, I don't really like this because..." or "What I get out of this is..." or any of that kind of jazz.
I need more of that kind of jazz.
Where do I get more of THAT kind of jazz!? |
That's somewhat true, but to some extent, people are recognizing the creative effort, even if they would only give it a 4 or 5 in a challenge. Perhaps it is a little like Flickr, in that getting your post ignored also constitutes a form of feedback. Side challenge posts are also experimental in nature sometimes. I've posted some that might be good for a low 4 in a voted challenge, but I succeeded in doing whatever it was I was after. This pic for instance, which I am now posting into the PaintShop Pro side challenge:
It's not fantastic photography, but I accomplished something new to me.
I agree that it is easier to give those comments when you don't have to vote. And to be fair, my side challenge postings have gotten a reasonable amount of critique.
It may also be easier to critique when you don't know who it is behind the entry.
Tell you what, I will make sure to severely critique any posting you put up in a side challenge. :-}
Message edited by author 2009-06-01 21:13:02. |
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06/03/2009 09:31:50 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by K10DGuy:
I find the side challenges to be a little TOOO much 'pat-on-the-back' and not enough 'we're here to REALLY work and improve', if you know what I mean.
Maybe that's great for most of the people in them, I dunno.
I just find when I try and take part, it's all "This is fantastic!" "Love your work!" "Wonderful job here!" and never "You know, I don't really like this because..." or "What I get out of this is..." or any of that kind of jazz.
I need more of that kind of jazz.
Where do I get more of THAT kind of jazz!? |
When you participate in a side challenge and post an image, put a note in the photographer's comments that you want constructive feedback. That you want to know if something works, or doesn't work. That you want to know if the viewer dislikes the photograph, and if at all possible, why. The more you ask for, the more you'll get. |
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06/03/2009 09:41:08 AM · #10 |
| My major issue with side challenges is my total lack of ability to commit to a month long thing. I can never keep myself dedicated to it all month long, are their any suggestions on keeping yourself dedicated to the challenge? |
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06/03/2009 11:17:55 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by Hot_Pixel:
My major issue with side challenges is my total lack of ability to commit to a month long thing. I can never keep myself dedicated to it all month long, are their any suggestions on keeping yourself dedicated to the challenge? |
Actually, this is my REAL major issue too. |
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06/03/2009 11:19:09 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by Kelli:
Originally posted by K10DGuy:
I find the side challenges to be a little TOOO much 'pat-on-the-back' and not enough 'we're here to REALLY work and improve', if you know what I mean.
Maybe that's great for most of the people in them, I dunno.
I just find when I try and take part, it's all "This is fantastic!" "Love your work!" "Wonderful job here!" and never "You know, I don't really like this because..." or "What I get out of this is..." or any of that kind of jazz.
I need more of that kind of jazz.
Where do I get more of THAT kind of jazz!? |
Run your own side challenge and call it the "grumpy comments only" side. LOL! Just kidding with you, so don't yell at me! But seriously, if that's what you're after, run it and put it in "da rules". |
I actually did try that once. Well, I didn't start the challenge, but I tried to work with the originator, and we had the details put in place, but the challenge went no-where. Might have been the topic, who knows. I believe it was a Selective Desat side-challenge. |
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06/03/2009 11:20:14 AM · #13 |
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:
Originally posted by K10DGuy:
I just find when I try and take part, it's all "This is fantastic!" "Love your work!" "Wonderful job here!" and never "You know, I don't really like this because..." or "What I get out of this is..." or any of that kind of jazz.
I need more of that kind of jazz.
Where do I get more of THAT kind of jazz!? |
That's somewhat true, but to some extent, people are recognizing the creative effort, even if they would only give it a 4 or 5 in a challenge. Perhaps it is a little like Flickr, in that getting your post ignored also constitutes a form of feedback. Side challenge posts are also experimental in nature sometimes. I've posted some that might be good for a low 4 in a voted challenge, but I succeeded in doing whatever it was I was after. This pic for instance, which I am now posting into the PaintShop Pro side challenge:
It's not fantastic photography, but I accomplished something new to me.
I agree that it is easier to give those comments when you don't have to vote. And to be fair, my side challenge postings have gotten a reasonable amount of critique.
It may also be easier to critique when you don't know who it is behind the entry.
Tell you what, I will make sure to severely critique any posting you put up in a side challenge. :-} |
Promise!?
glee! |
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06/03/2009 11:34:58 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by K10DGuy:
Promise!?
glee! |
Glad I could make your day. Now go slap together a cheesy Godzilla pic or something. |
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06/03/2009 11:35:55 AM · #15 |
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:
Originally posted by K10DGuy:
Promise!?
glee! |
Glad I could make your day. Now go slap together a cheesy Godzilla pic or something. |
I do have some things that could use a little Godzilla-ing, but it'll have to wait until after work. |
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06/08/2009 06:17:44 PM · #16 |
You forgot to mention the High(est) ISO side challenge--the images challenge which is going a little slowly.
I haven't really ventured into the side challenges before, but it is fun. The difference I've found is I don't have to worry about picking one good shot for an entry I can explore with the freedom of not worrying about competition. For example, here's a shot I would have never thought of taking (never really seriously thought of cranking my ISO so high for a "real shot") little lone entered into a real challenge, but I liked the result:
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06/08/2009 06:45:59 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by Hot_Pixel:
My major issue with side challenges is my total lack of ability to commit to a month long thing. I can never keep myself dedicated to it all month long, are their any suggestions on keeping yourself dedicated to the challenge? |
Actually, it's quite simple. Don't think about it, just do it. I've committed myself for a year (thread). When I would think about that, I probably quit at once :) |
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06/08/2009 06:53:09 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by hajeka:
Originally posted by Hot_Pixel:
My major issue with side challenges is my total lack of ability to commit to a month long thing. I can never keep myself dedicated to it all month long, are their any suggestions on keeping yourself dedicated to the challenge? |
Actually, it's quite simple. Don't think about it, just do it. I've committed myself for a year (thread). When I would think about that, I probably quit at once :) |
My issue is that I just really cant keep myself motivated and dedicated to go out and take photos. I have had great ideas(percieved, read as 5.5ers) for challenges, that I havent done because I was like eh, nevermind. I signed up to do the picture a week achive challenge, and made it maybe 2 weeks. I just cannot keep dedicated to anything really. Dont know what the problem is either, used to be able to do these things. |
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