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Our Place By The Sea
Our Place By The Sea
Nuzzer


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: 47 Steps (Advanced Editing VII)
Camera: Canon EOS-7D
Lens: Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
Location: Piha, New Zealand
Date: Nov 8, 2009
Aperture: f/9
ISO: 100
Shutter: 1/500
Galleries: Seascapes, High Dynamic Range (HDR)
Date Uploaded: Nov 8, 2009

 So this is nowhere near where I live but if you didn't know that until you read this then it doesn't really matter does it? ;)

This was taken during the Auckland GTG:


Editing Steps:
Convert single exposure from RAW in 0.5 steps from -2 to +2
HDR and Tone Map
Curves
Contrast +31
Levels 0, 0.61, 255 on sky
Levels 0, 1.06, 255
Rotate
Crop
Flatten
Resize
USM
Add Border

Post Challenge:
Well, I expected some feedback after the challenge but not the abuse and name calling in the comments and also this thread. Not a single DPC rule was broken with the submission of this image but many people decided that because I explicity didn't follow the challenge description (which isn't part of the challenge rules) that I should be branded a liar, a cheat, and a d**k in one case.

I thank those of you who could enter the debate with some civility. I remind those of you who did not that the site rules state "you may not...offer slanderous, rude, profane or inflammatory comments."

Statistics
Place: 5 out of 135
Avg (all users): 6.8355
Avg (commenters): 7.3684
Avg (participants): 6.6207
Avg (non-participants): 6.9681
Views since voting: 5277
Votes: 152
Comments: 74
Favorites: 3 (view)

Please log in or register to add your comments!

AuthorThread
 05/21/2010 08:22:35 PM
Nice shot.
You did not break the rules, so folks need to just get over it (they probably are by now :-). I think you handled it very well.
Best,
B
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/08/2010 09:22:09 PM
I just came across this again and was just reading back through the comments in amazement at the vast amount of outage.

Love the fact you marked them all as helpful though!

Nice shot, didn't belong in the challenge, but hey, what can you do, I would imagine there were many more other than yours in the exact same situation, only difference is that you pointed it out!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/30/2010 02:26:02 PM
cool! it must be great to live 'so close' to such a wonderful spot Gerry :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/19/2009 02:00:50 PM
Nice shot.
You put it in a lot more effort than all the other lazy sods who only went 47 steps :)

Message edited by author 2009-11-19 14:30:27.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/18/2009 11:27:51 PM
Originally posted by steve100:
I think people on DPC are far too kind , you should be DQ'd , end of story, what I do not understand is that someone with obvious talent is so shallow as to cheat in the hope of a ribbon.I would like to post a small challenge directly to you in the hope that you can redeem yourself , post a picture using the rules as stated for this challenge and prove what a good photographer you are, I have looked at your portfolio and am pretty sure you can come up with something. Good Luck


I agree. Pretty disgusting. Wish I could withdraw my vote. Good to see people are upset about this cheap behavior, though.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/18/2009 02:23:05 PM
Originally posted by joynim:
LOL Gerry I dont think they get kiwi humour!!!!!!


Oh...is that what it was?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/18/2009 09:16:49 AM
I'm not a fan of people breaking the spirit of the challenge. I think it's kind of sad really - it defeats the purpose of this kind of challenge.

Having said that, I think you're being singled out pretty unfairly considering how many times this has happened in the past without the incredible backlash I see here.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/18/2009 05:55:53 AM
I gave you a 9 in good faith. You might keep your place but you definitely don't deserve it, and I consider you to be a cheat because the instructions were so specific, and you so flagrantly thumbed your nose at them, that that is the only conclusion to be drawn IMO.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/18/2009 04:27:49 AM
I gave you a high vote and you gave me dishonesty.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/18/2009 02:29:59 AM
My word, I have to say I am a little taken aback by the hostility here - at least you were spared a ribbon, you'd have been crucified (photo opoportunity for 'religion'?). We all knew that there was potential for people to actually shoot wherever they wanted. There are a whole bunch of images that could've been taken anywhere; what mattered in this challenge was whether the photographer made an interesting image from what was in front of them - I think you did an OK job with a great scene, nothing amazing or unique but competent.

Come on people no one died and I read the notes as written with a clear and cheeky sense of humour, nothing malicious at all (can that be said for all of the comments?). You really think misjudging an audience and deploying a poorly received bit of jokery warrants this degree of abuse?

We see DNMC all of the time. Is this really so different?

For me, the most important thing is that we all had a legitimate opportunity to ask ourselves if Nuzzer made the most of this scene - did you take yours? Or were you seduced by the scenery?

If people continue to score on the quality of the eye candy rather than scoring photographic interpretation and vision, then this is an inevitable consequence... and perhaps even a useful reminder.

[edited for punctuation - initially composed on my iPhone]

Message edited by author 2009-11-18 08:26:00.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/18/2009 01:12:23 AM
Holy cow.. .I've never seen comments like this and they bum me out for you...actually, I'm shocked.. I'm sorry and I hope you don't let it get you down.. I'm not sure why it's not ok to do what you did, but it is ok for this public lashing.. one reason this site really sucks sometimes is the nasty words left for others.... No matter to me as I don't care about following the "rules" in this context... Your image didn't break any rule THIS SITE has implemented..It's a nice shot and it deserved the spot the voters gave it..
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/18/2009 12:20:18 AM
Well as one of the "beach crowd" I have to say that is one sweet shot. I wish mine came out that well on the day
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/18/2009 12:05:09 AM
Nice photo, by the way!
Hang in there, this tempest-in-a-teapot should pass soon.
Peace from NYC,
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/17/2009 07:59:52 PM
Originally posted by Judi:
There was a challenge a couple of years ago where you had to submit a 2 second shutter speed. One of the ribbon winners was clearly not within the guidelines and he copped about as much flack as you are right now. His image is still one of utter amazement but he will still be remembered for his cheating'. Sometimes we get remembered more for the negative things, but the fact remains, that you have a beautiful image and that is something to be proud of. You are not going to be able to change how people choose to see this image...so concentrate on the positive. At least you admitted that this is not 47 steps from your house. How many others in this challenge are within the same boat but won't admit it without being confronted.

Take the fame of your image and do with it what you will....but don't let it get you down.


This coming from someone else who did the same thing? Come on!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/17/2009 06:10:03 PM
Does it matter? Absolutely. We trusted you to follow the rules. Purposely breaking the Challenge rules without even a hint of it being legitimate is really low.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/17/2009 09:43:52 AM
I see a similar scene 47 steps from my weekend sand castle.



Message edited by author 2012-04-01 00:23:38.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/17/2009 08:29:41 AM
Should have saved this for the Free Study. Very unsporting.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/17/2009 08:29:26 AM
weird.

I agree with the others. I mean you could easily have entered this in a free study. I mean they happen often enough right?

I would say that the attitude is even a step beyond childish. Arrogant is suitable and I don't think it would be a stretch to say it's quite rude to everyone else who entered in the spirit of the challenge.

I mean what's the point? You just wanted to win? Why not enter yourself in the kiddie foot races at your local elementary school? You'd be guaranteed a win. OK, so that's a pretty silly example, but is it any more childish? Or would it be more anal for the rulekeepers to DQ you from such a race on the grounds that you aren't in the same class?

I'd say that it's a no-brainer, but whatever. Best choice at this point would be a self-DQ. But the gall that you showed in entering in knowing disregard for the guidelines for this challenge is quite offensive.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/17/2009 04:33:11 AM
LOL Gerry I dont think they get kiwi humour!!!!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 08:03:46 PM
Funny stuff reading the comments and the thread. Nice pic and +1 for giving a lot of people something really important to take a stand about...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 07:11:41 PM
Nice shot, shame about the attitude
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 06:46:43 PM
>>>
So this is nowhere near where I live but if you didn't know that until you read this then it doesn't really matter does it? ;)
<<<

A step too far. Nice shot and all that but a bloody dissapointing attitude.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 05:29:01 PM
This just cheapens DPC and encourages others to cheat. It is a real bad message for new comers. I have to say that if most people on this forum had the chance to shoot that same scene they would do it as well, or much better. So, what have you proven? The setting is spectacular, but I honestly do not see that you have done anything more than capture it as a snap shot and gotten to the front page by cheating.

The editing is actual quite poor with a sloppy selection between land and sea. I encourage others to look closer.

I challenge you to have some balls and DQ yourself.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 04:13:11 PM
Originally posted by Steef:
wow, you sure are under heavy fire of abuse... and clearly taking it all in stride. i like how you're marking all these comments as helpful :)


Yup, he is consistant in his arrogance.

Lovely shot, but well, you know the rest...

  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 04:11:02 PM
Congratulations on your beautiful photo and 5th place!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 03:52:56 PM
There was a challenge a couple of years ago where you had to submit a 2 second shutter speed. One of the ribbon winners was clearly not within the guidelines and he copped about as much flack as you are right now. His image is still one of utter amazement but he will still be remembered for his cheating'. Sometimes we get remembered more for the negative things, but the fact remains, that you have a beautiful image and that is something to be proud of. You are not going to be able to change how people choose to see this image...so concentrate on the positive. At least you admitted that this is not 47 steps from your house. How many others in this challenge are within the same boat but won't admit it without being confronted.

Take the fame of your image and do with it what you will....but don't let it get you down.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 03:46:12 PM
Great shot Gerry - was one of my fav's. Congratulations on the HM.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 03:44:43 PM
wow, you sure are under heavy fire of abuse... and clearly taking it all in stride. i like how you're marking all these comments as helpful :)

i gave you a 10. this shot is awesome. grats on your honorable mention!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 02:44:08 PM
I think people on DPC are far too kind , you should be DQ'd , end of story, what I do not understand is that someone with obvious talent is so shallow as to cheat in the hope of a ribbon.I would like to post a small challenge directly to you in the hope that you can redeem yourself , post a picture using the rules as stated for this challenge and prove what a good photographer you are, I have looked at your portfolio and am pretty sure you can come up with something. Good Luck
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 02:43:00 PM
Sad - even my youngest kids know that cheating to win is not okay at all.

And I'm guessing you're older than two years old, therefore really SHOULD know better.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 02:17:59 PM
I'd like to see every entrant submit video taped evidence of their 47 step walk. Then we'd really see just how many are bs, lol.

Congrats on 5th Gerry!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 01:38:43 PM
What fun is a challenge if you cheat to get a score? I'm pretty sure I'm happier with my personal best score than you are with your placement. why, because I followed the rules and made it obvious. Hope you enjoy not having any dignity!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 01:27:59 PM
i don't care if you lived there or not! im sure many more people didn't meet the challenge criteria, they just didnt say anything about it! still deserved 5th place!! great shot! :]
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 01:26:31 PM
I gave this a LOW vote because I knew it wasn't 47 steps and I was right. :P
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 01:25:51 PM
I take everything back nuzzer. Sorry for calling you a liar.

Did you take other shots apart from this one? If so, do as many say, enter it in a FS. What if you win it? LOL

Message edited by author 2009-11-18 15:31:06.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 12:57:29 PM
Funny that it got an "Honorable" Mention. Kinda ironic. Good example of why these sorts of challenges should be gotten rid of, some people will handicap themselves by limiting themselves to the challenge wording.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 12:52:38 PM
Boooooooooooo!!!!!!

Whatever happened to honour... :-(
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 12:37:28 PM
Very tacky. I hope you enjoy your undeserved 5th, and are proud of yourself for pushing down those who actually made an honest effort to meet the challenge.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 12:26:24 PM
you should have come in last... i knew some people would lie about it... after all theres really no way to regulate it. i wish the mods would DQ you... you dont deserve 5th place
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 12:14:07 PM
A pox on you and your camera!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 11:56:14 AM
Lame. It does matter if lying and morality mean anything. How ironic that this is a "honorable" mention.

  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 11:39:25 AM
Definitely not in the spirit of the challenge. I guess you weren't up to it. Super shot but DNMC.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 11:18:43 AM
So this is nowhere near where I live but if you didn't know that until you read this then it doesn't really matter does it? ;)

I guess it doesn't if you don't have a conscience, and I would have to say in the spirit of this challenge that you don't. Shame too because its a beautiful photo, but will always have an * next to it in many peoples book.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 11:13:35 AM
Why just the other morning I woke up, took 47 steps out my back door and dived into the Atlantic for a refreshing dip.

Coastal erosion must be a concern...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 11:13:34 AM
:) Ok. I don't have to hate you then :) I'm happy to see this with at least an honorable mention, even tho it is soooo ribbon-worthy!

  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 10:39:20 AM
I don't think this is in the spirit of the challenge either..
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 09:48:59 AM
lots of gullible people here =)
Great shot. I was considering cheating too but something like this would have been way too many steps to do without taking the week off.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 08:38:04 AM
This is a nice shot and all, but even though you fooled the voters, I don't think it's in the spirit of the challenge to just go out and shoot a nice landscape, regardless of the challenge description.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/16/2009 07:00:35 AM
Congrats on the HM. Super shot
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
11/15/2009 10:48:41 PM
Stunning
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/15/2009 09:04:10 PM
Oh wow. Blown away.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/15/2009 07:21:36 PM
Beautiful place, lucky you.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/15/2009 04:46:56 PM
cripes, just when you think you've seen it all.... nicely taken too
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/15/2009 03:02:14 PM
great application of HDR (whether true or faux)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/15/2009 07:38:45 AM
Stunning
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/14/2009 05:00:21 PM
Beautiful!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/14/2009 03:40:24 PM
amazing
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/14/2009 12:13:05 PM
breath-taking 8
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/12/2009 09:11:30 PM
I know where this is........ROFLMFAO!!!! Good shot Mr or Mrs Kiwi!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/12/2009 05:19:07 PM
Ohhhh, I think I'm going to have to hate you. Jealousy is swallowing me whole :). But this is perfection -- so jealous or no -- it gets a 10 from me! You are BLESSED!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/12/2009 05:12:18 PM
talk about living the life .. its a fantastic shot and a great process ... the sky and the sea are amazing .. i'm not voting yet ..:)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/11/2009 01:16:21 PM
you cannot make me believe this is 47 steps away from your house
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/10/2009 11:09:53 PM
beautiful and i'm a little jealous you have such a lovely view :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/10/2009 10:49:22 PM
Excellent! 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/10/2009 12:55:16 PM
Nice location, good shot!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/10/2009 10:10:21 AM
great sense of space and movement
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/09/2009 10:24:18 PM
Wow, must be nice! I like the ring of water. The sky really creates a dramatic effect.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/09/2009 08:21:31 PM
I am REALLY jealous. What a beautiful spot. Great sky and the circular wave shape really works. No vote, just commenting.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/09/2009 03:11:19 PM
You must be really lucky to be living here.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/09/2009 12:51:09 PM
Great view...Good job on the shot..
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/09/2009 04:46:25 AM
Wow - what beautiful scenery right out your back door.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/09/2009 02:48:15 AM
I'm not buying it. Do you live on a rock sir? Besides, this is a shocker. It's over-sharpened, too much neat image and HDR isn't even real photography. Did you photoshop the clouds too? Bleh, back in my day....

p.s. you forgot the dust bunnies in the top right corner.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/09/2009 12:30:10 AM
If only we all could be so lucky to have this 47 steps away! Beautiful contrast. This is one of my top 3. Nice work!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/09/2009 12:21:17 AM
yummy place...8
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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