Well, Venser liked it... - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

10/15/2012 08:29:13 AM · #1

I really thought this would do better. I actually planned for this picture, and stalked this octopus for hours trying to get a decent shot in the dark with the enormous crowds that day. I was really happy with how it turned out and I'm not worried about the score. I was especially thrilled to get the face reflection right where I wanted it. I just want to know what turned people off about it.

Apple iPhone 5

10/15/2012 08:45:57 AM · #2

Technically, the shot isn't bad. It doesn't have that DPC colour pop to it; you know, keep pushing up that PS slider until the octopus is luminous cartoon orange.. :)

The face reflection isn't noticable in the thumbnail, and takes searching for in the main image. 99% of voters aren't going to inspect the image that closely, and I'd bet nobody actually did see the reflection (not having access to the notes during voting) - You could have left that out and saved yourself some effort.

On the subject of effort. You know that you spent hours on the shot, but nobody else does. As far as the voter is concerned, you were in an aquarium, spotted the octopus, and took a shot. Sometimes it works out like that (shots that you spent the most effort on don't look like you spent any effort on them, and vice versa)

Alex_Petrini

Sony Alpha a7R III

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

10/15/2012 09:06:28 AM · #3

I don't like this shot very much. The light is off and there's no composition - the octopus fills the frame. It fits the challenge but it's not enough to make it a good shot. Sorry for being so straightforward :)

bohemka

Nikon D700

Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX Aspherical DG HSM for Nikon

10/15/2012 09:10:30 AM · #4

I thought "Well, Venser liked it..." referred to some annoying illeism phase he went through in high school.

Either way it should be added to your profile page.

10/15/2012 09:13:45 AM · #5

Originally posted by bohemka:

I thought "Well, Venser liked it..." referred to some annoying illeism phase he went through in high school.

Either way it should be added to your profile page.

Where's the freaking like button when you need it? ;D

pixelpig

Sony Alpha a55

Sony DT 1.8/50mm SAM

10/15/2012 09:18:19 AM · #6

Hi Kelli. My eye was caught by the 3 vertical elements, especially noticeable in the thumbnail. I'm still wondering what is that vertical tree-like thing in the FG? I never saw the person. Just now I looked for what seemed like a long time until I found it.

mrchhas

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

10/15/2012 09:23:24 AM · #7

I gave it a 5 for the composition and the light... It's risky shooting an octopus you can't control... So for a smacking score either buy one or steal one and light it yourself! :)

10/15/2012 09:27:48 AM · #8

Originally posted by pixelpig:

That's his garden! LOL! I'm really not sure what it's called. Most things aren't identified there for some reason. It's probably a type of coral or something.

10/15/2012 09:36:59 AM · #9

And here I was thinking I'd enter this thread and it'd be a beer or restaurant recommendation. I don't think I'm a very good litmus test for what the masses perceive as good photography around here.

I just like to reward people who either take cool photos (anything I haven't seen a million times before, "Here Comes The Sun" in this challenge) or people who take chances.

10/15/2012 09:44:56 AM · #10

Originally posted by Venser:

I was just being silly. Hopefully, I didn't offend you. ;D

Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra

10/15/2012 09:52:22 AM · #11

Originally posted by Kelli:

I was just being silly. Hopefully, I didn't offend you. ;D

I won't be offended by anything on an internet forum. You have nothing to worry about when I visit Jersey next, which is hopefully never.

Bear_Music

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

10/15/2012 10:06:11 AM · #12

Originally posted by Venser:

I just like to reward people who either take cool photos (anything I haven't seen a million times before, "Here Comes The Sun" in this challenge) or people who take chances.

Hey, I resemble that remark! :-)

10/15/2012 08:07:45 PM · #13

Originally posted by Kelli:

Well it did better than my "walrus" which Venser seemed to like as well, so...

I do know this: My walrus could easily defeat your octopus in a battle near Tokyo.

10/15/2012 08:38:11 PM · #14

Originally posted by ArtRoflmao:

Well it did better than my "walrus" which Venser seemed to like as well, so...

Originally posted by Venser:

I don't think I'm a very good litmus test for what the masses perceive as good photography around here.

I did like the Godzillarus. Clever and different.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

10/15/2012 09:20:50 PM · #15

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

Originally posted by Kelli:

Well it did better than my "walrus" which Venser seemed to like as well, so...

I do know this: My walrus could easily defeat your octopus in a battle near Tokyo.

ROFL! I think my octopus would pull up that palm tree thingy and whack your Godzillarus over the noggin!

tanguera

Nikon D750

10/15/2012 10:44:31 PM · #16

I think it's a very cool shot, and know how tough both octopus and aquarium shots can be. It's an awesome choice for a Beatles challenge, though!

Technically, for me the lighting is too even overall, as if taken with a flash, and yet of course it wasn't because there's no reflection. It also seems harsh somehow, rather than emphasizing the creature's soft, oozy qualities. But most of all, it's all too mushed together, so it's hard to tell he's in a garden, much less enjoying it :-)

Neat

Canon Canon 1d x Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

10/15/2012 11:51:45 PM · #17

I gave it a 6 Kelli. To me it was just too busy, I like simplicity, but I did find it interesting~

Apple iPhone 5

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

10/16/2012 11:59:11 AM · #18

That octopus seriously needs some gardening tips if one orange tree is the best he can do.

10/18/2012 02:26:32 PM · #19

Just so you know, and in case anyone is still interested, I sent a copy of the image to the aquarium back when this thread was started asking them what the "tree" looking thing was. I received a reply today. "Just got confirmation from our husbandry department. The "tree" looking thing is actually an animal (who'd have guessed?!): an Invertebrate called a frilled anemone."

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

10/18/2012 04:05:45 PM · #20

If I was an anemone, I would be frilled.

Apple iPhone 5

10/18/2012 04:27:34 PM · #21

Interesting. Then I call DNMC, where's the garden? ;-)

10/18/2012 04:45:27 PM · #22

I hate the title of this thread. I have to keep checking what it was I liked.

Now I wish I had given this a 1 so I wouldn't keep checking over and over.

10/18/2012 04:49:40 PM · #23

From now on, all my threads will have "Venser" in the title.

10/18/2012 04:56:16 PM · #24

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

From now on, all my threads will have "Venser" in the title.

Sweet. Remind people who rules the roost around here.