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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> Portfolio assasinations
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08/20/2002 11:56:15 AM · #1
Hokie's comments in the Rant section to shortredneck made me wonder about
an idea. How about someone submits say 5 or 6 of their own personal
favourite pictures and we get the chance to comment on what we think
they could do better/ what is great/ what needs work etc ?

This is a little bit more formal than 'here's a picture what do you
think' or we could just use that person's DPC submission 'folio.

What do you think ?
08/20/2002 12:00:34 PM · #2
Works for me -- I'd rather submit photos than use my dpc portfolio -- but whatever is good.
08/20/2002 12:32:13 PM · #3
I'm one of those who seeks comments all the time... always have my link in my signature hoping for validity!
I could use more! ;)
Would it be a "photographer of the day/week" sort of thing? Maybe give the chosen photog' some lead time to prepare (say a week in advance?)

08/20/2002 12:42:11 PM · #4
I hope by your title you aren't saying that a comment made to peoples submissions is an attack?

I just assume that if you submitted photos to this site and you may make a comment in a general "what's up with this" that a few general comments is o.k.?

Am I making a wrong assumption?
08/20/2002 12:44:04 PM · #5
I'm up for it..I also love feed back in any shape or form!!
08/20/2002 12:49:03 PM · #6
I suggested something like this before and was asked who would do the picking as everyone would want it. HEHEh My first reaction here was: Me Me Me ME. I would love such personal and intense feedback. so would most everyone. sigh.
08/20/2002 12:50:08 PM · #7
i'd be interested too.
08/20/2002 12:53:51 PM · #8
Originally posted by hokie:
I hope by your title you aren't saying that a comment made to peoples submissions is an attack?

I just assume that if you submitted photos to this site and you may make a comment in a general "what's up with this" that a few general comments is o.k.?

Am I making a wrong assumption?


The title was more in the spirit of a character assasination, where the
person gets picked appart and considered in minute detail. It would be
a bit more picky than perhaps just a casual commenting made on one
submission. It wouldn't be anonymous so you would have a better idea
of the experience level of the photographer etc.

I'd expect the person who was entering their work for this to expect a
fairly full-on examination of their entries and that they'd provide a
bio of sorts to explain where they are coming from, what each picture
was trying to show, their background etc.

Wasn't meant to imply that it would be an 'attack' as such.


08/20/2002 12:56:37 PM · #9
Originally posted by hokie:
I hope by your title you aren't saying that a comment made to peoples submissions is an attack?

I just assume that if you submitted photos to this site and you may make a comment in a general "what's up with this" that a few general comments is o.k.?

Am I making a wrong assumption?


I don't know... I'm sure there are plenty of people who think assasinating my portfolio would be a great idea.

-Terry
08/20/2002 01:06:14 PM · #10
Originally posted by GordonMcGregor:

The title was more in the spirit of a character assasination, where the
person gets picked appart and considered in minute detail. It would be
a bit more picky than perhaps just a casual commenting made on one
submission. It wouldn't be anonymous so you would have a better idea
of the experience level of the photographer etc.

I'd expect the person who was entering their work for this to expect a
fairly full-on examination of their entries and that they'd provide a
bio of sorts to explain where they are coming from, what each picture
was trying to show, their background etc.

Wasn't meant to imply that it would be an 'attack' as such.


I think everyone who submits here would want this kind of critique.

I feel worse for the folks who may be getting frustrated that even though they are trying their scores (and even more importantly their own goals) don't seem to improve enough.

I personally don't usually worry about an occasional 4.9 whatever (like my last photo). Someone once said you learn the most by the mistakes you make, not the victories you have. So I learn.:-)

If folks who felt they have been really trying and just not getting forward progress would be willing to put their work out here it might help to advance their skills.

However, I find a lot of folks lately are more irritated about others not agreeing with them more than if they might have something to learn. :-)

* This message has been edited by the author on 8/20/2002 1:06:19 PM.
08/20/2002 01:13:50 PM · #11
What I liked about hokie's comment was the fact that he looked for a trend or pattern in her submitted work. I think it would be great to have an objective eye take an overview of dpc submissions to spot things good or bad that seem to be repeated in your work. Just subitting a series of your best work wouldn't have the same effect, IMO.
08/20/2002 01:23:58 PM · #12
Originally posted by kathleenm:
What I liked about hokie's comment was the fact that he looked for a trend or pattern in her submitted work. I think it would be great to have an objective eye take an overview of dpc submissions to spot things good or bad that seem to be repeated in your work. Just subitting a series of your best work wouldn't have the same effect, IMO.

I agree about the submitting best work stuff.

Why not just simply come to the forums and say "Hey guys, Take a look at my DPC submissions and give me some pointers..I want some 6 and 7 averages and a ribbon or two". :-)

Isn't that what we all are really talking about anyway?

Although common courtesy usually gets in the way of direct and frank critique in open forums..nobody wants to be seen as a know it all a-hole.

I'll volunteer!!! WooHooooooo!!!!! I am good at being an a-hole :-P even if I don't know nuttin!!!

08/20/2002 01:33:41 PM · #13
Originally posted by hokie:
Originally posted by kathleenm:
[i]What I liked about hokie's comment was the fact that he looked for a trend or pattern in her submitted work. I think it would be great to have an objective eye take an overview of dpc submissions to spot things good or bad that seem to be repeated in your work. Just subitting a series of your best work wouldn't have the same effect, IMO.


I agree about the submitting best work stuff.

Why not just simply come to the forums and say "Hey guys, Take a look at my DPC submissions and give me some pointers..I want some 6 and 7 averages and a ribbon or two". :-)

Isn't that what we all are really talking about anyway?

Although common courtesy usually gets in the way of direct and frank critique in open forums..nobody wants to be seen as a know it all a-hole.

I'll volunteer!!! WooHooooooo!!!!! I am good at being an a-hole :-P even if I don't know nuttin!!!

[/i]

Okay then a-hole, Take a look at my DPC submissions and give me some pointers..I want some 6 and 7 averages and a ribbon or two

Please ?


I think the distinction that I was trying to make was the request for
open, honest, frank, non-anonymous critique...
08/20/2002 01:34:26 PM · #14
Originally posted by hokie:
Originally posted by kathleenm:
[i]What I liked about hokie's comment was the fact that he looked for a trend or pattern in her submitted work. I think it would be great to have an objective eye take an overview of dpc submissions to spot things good or bad that seem to be repeated in your work. Just subitting a series of your best work wouldn't have the same effect, IMO.


I agree about the submitting best work stuff.

Why not just simply come to the forums and say "Hey guys, Take a look at my DPC submissions and give me some pointers..I want some 6 and 7 averages and a ribbon or two". :-)

Isn't that what we all are really talking about anyway?

Although common courtesy usually gets in the way of direct and frank critique in open forums..nobody wants to be seen as a know it all a-hole.

I'll volunteer!!! WooHooooooo!!!!! I am good at being an a-hole :-P even if I don't know nuttin!!!

[/i]

Oh, oh oh! Please be an a-hole to me!! LOL Seriously, I'd love it if you looked at my past submissions, and be brutally honest. I can take it! Although I did want to reach through my computer screen and throttle the person who just commented that my pic wasn't creative. ;-)
08/20/2002 01:42:48 PM · #15
Originally posted by kathleenm:


Oh, oh oh! Please be an a-hole to me!! LOL Seriously, I'd love it if you looked at my past submissions, and be brutally honest. I can take it! Although I did want to reach through my computer screen and throttle the person who just commented that my pic wasn't creative. ;-)



hehe...Kathleenm...I am the last person to be telling anyone how to shoot photos for Dp Challenge!! My only trip to the ribbons was on a shot my daughter forced me to take of her boyfriend playing baseball (he's the catcher in 'Waiting on the Three Two".) Against my will!!!

Most of my stuff is strictly average. But a panel of the top scorers here would be a cool way for them to give back a little on their greedy ribbon gathering ways ;-D

Really though..a panel of the top 5 or so active scorers would be sorta cool as an added feature!! Submit your portfolio to them for open critique...Maybe a neat little side feature here guys?


08/20/2002 01:57:17 PM · #16
I do like the idea of a panel, but really you're not giving yourself enough credit. I LOVE Abandoned, Tea Time and Evening Star to name a few. Now I sound like an a-hole smoocher. ;-) You have a great eye and a skewed perspective. I like that. :-)
08/20/2002 02:17:47 PM · #17
How about a PBase open house? Don't need to know more about what's wrong with what I've posted here. The faults have been universally hit upon. Indeed my worst falt is that I still have not mastered my camera.


Still my ego wants feed back. Am I on the right track. Will I ever be other than middling fair. Is it me or my camera or psp7 that I can never get real clarity of focus. etc. etc. etc.

John has been very kind and helpful and I am learning from every one. But slowly.

My PBase Portfolioes
08/20/2002 02:22:24 PM · #18
Originally posted by kathleenm:
I do like the idea of a panel, but really you're not giving yourself enough credit. I LOVE Abandoned, Tea Time and Evening Star to name a few. Now I sound like an a-hole smoocher. ;-) You have a great eye and a skewed perspective. I like that. :-)

Thanks for the good words.

You know what is so interesting though. "Evening Star" was my fist submission and I haven't really gotten all that much better since then!! :-P

My photoshop technique is faster. But my camera technique, my "vision" for a photo opportunity and all have not progressed forward.

mci made a statement in the forums a while back that DP Challenge has hurt him more than helped. Many times I read about folks not getting enough feedback or moving forward.

I don't feel the challenge has hurt me but I will admit that the competition here can make you question the validity of your emotional base..what turns you on.

"Evening Star" is one of my favorites, was my first submission and was taken after having my camera only 2 weeks.

"Abandoned" is my personal favorite so far next to the one I have submitted currently. Both represent more of a return to a photojournalistic style. I like set-up shots at times but it seems my lessons learned earlier in my life as a photojournalist (with the Virginia Tech Newspaper and "The Roanoker") have rewarded me with better scores here than anything else.

I have a lot to learn about art photography though and I am trying real hard!!!!!!
08/20/2002 05:13:55 PM · #19
Originally posted by hokie:

You know what is so interesting though. "Evening Star" was my fist submission and I haven't really gotten all that much better since then!! :-P

...

"Abandoned" is my personal favorite so far next to the one I have submitted currently.


Er... Hokie. I was THAT close to emailing you and asking to buy a print of Abandoned. Then I looked round my cluttered walls, and at the piles of paintings and photos which I haven't yet put up yet and realised it wouldn't have a place to shine here. But for me, it's an incredible shot and I do think it's better than your preceding submissions (which I have looked at by clicking on your user name and going to the profile).


* This message has been edited by the author on 8/20/2002 5:13:02 PM.
08/20/2002 06:14:07 PM · #20
Thanks Kavey...

"Abandoned" is a perspective kind of shot I like doing. I have done hundreds of these kinds of shots in the past.
So much so I should carry a set of catchers knee pads.
:-)

But, like most folks..I want to try to expand my abilities...thats why I try so many other things like "Asphalt Mirage" or "C'est La Vie". Those kinds of shots would probably never have been done if not for DP Challenge..so that's a big vote for the site :-)

I hope we all try things outside our comfort zone and don't allow frustration with lower scores or misunderstood comments keep us from experimenting.

08/20/2002 06:17:53 PM · #21
Hokie
LOL
When I was a kid, and already into photography, we'd be on holiday and I'd be clambering into some bush and sometimes almost lying on the floor to get the shot I wanted of the Grand Canyon/ Ruined piece of driftwood on the beach/ interesting building etc.
My parents would smile at me with a look of fond mock despair. My sister would roll her eyes. And the others around us would just look in horror or complete incomprehension.
:)
08/20/2002 06:21:49 PM · #22
It's good to get the new angle or look at things. Half the time thats what makes a shot interesting as much as the subject material.

When I go to ball games (can't WAIT for football season!!!) the other parents look at me laying on the grass or climbing up on the stacks of chairs and say "Don't mind him, thats just 'Hudson' doing his photo thing" >:-D
08/20/2002 06:28:26 PM · #23
I love the perspective shots too. One of my favorites is a "cliche" shot I took on the mountain in Vail with wildflowers in the foreground and mountains in the background.

At the Denver Botanic Gardens I was squatting/kneeling/lying sideways in a vegetable bed to get my submission for last week, and laid flat on my back in the middle of a path to get a shot of a column and flowers...lol. Funny how that doesn't bother me, but I still won't walk up to a stranger and ask to take their picture. :-)
08/20/2002 06:42:16 PM · #24
The one feeling I get looking through all of hokie's DPC entries
is that they are very contrived.

Technically they are almost universally well executed, framed, lit
composed etc. But they feel extremely made. I can see the thought
and creativity that goes into the idea, but I'm not sure I feel life
being brought into the final image. The results are all very entertaining,
but perhaps don't surprise or delight me.

Perhaps spontaneity/ found photography is something you could explore ?

After writing this I'm not entirely surprised to find that I find myself
thinking of the word 'hokey' to describe the entries, although that
would be harsher than I'm meaning to be.
08/20/2002 07:07:24 PM · #25
Originally posted by GordonMcGregor:
The one feeling I get looking through all of hokie's DPC entries
is that they are very contrived.

Technically they are almost universally well executed, framed, lit
composed etc. But they feel extremely made. I can see the thought
and creativity that goes into the idea, but I'm not sure I feel life
being brought into the final image. The results are all very entertaining,
but perhaps don't surprise or delight me.

Perhaps spontaneity/ found photography is something you could explore ?

After writing this I'm not entirely surprised to find that I find myself
thinking of the word 'hokey' to describe the entries, although that
would be harsher than I'm meaning to be.



I may have to agree :-)

But I think when you go for new styles of photography there is a certain amount of training wheel stuff that goes along with it.

There is also the thing about nothing ventured, nothing gained :-)

Lets say all your shots in the past were still lifes (mine were sports and event stuff like concerts and things) then you might only shoot flat sports footage when you start out.

Or most of your shots were big landscapes then a lot of your macros might be uninvolving.

So yes, I think someone like me who goes into a new style of photography might take a while to eventually get that natural 'look like you have been doing it all your life' kinda thing.

But, if you look at my pbase stuff..I usually enter the less sure thing photo anyway..must be a dream the impossible dream thing. :-/

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