St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

When this started I thought it would be fun to throw a few oddball challenges out there and see what stuck. I never thought it would last this long and until recently it seems to have self perpetuated itself. Lately though there have been quite a few posts about what is wrong with it and how to make it better. I've been listening...

The problems seem to be -
1) issues with the voting system, and
2) entries that do not follow the theme

Obviously the solutions are to fix these. SO..

1) I have asked ADMIN for a Compare Button to allow you to 'check' the entries you like then click Compare and have only those show. Sort of like the Rating Screen looks now. Ideally, you could keep doing this again and again until you have narrowed your choices down to your Top X then vote. I have been told this will take some time to program and there are other tasks to be be done too so we will wait and see.

2) I have held off on addressing this hoping the voters would take care of it, but with a site limit of 250 entries it has been suggested I take a harder stance with those that do not follow the weekly themes.

It takes more time than necessary to track down those who do not add a title or statement to their entries, but if agreed I will add another layer of warning PMs for non-compliance then pull the obvious ones. Entries on the edge will be left to the voters.

I typically like to wait a day or two for the Untitled entries before I try again, but of course the ones entered late Wednesday are always a problem. Now it seems I am to play god...

I will also make more of an effort to educate when the topic dictates. Like the DIY Challenge I assume everyone knows what Do It Yourself means, but maybe DIY was construed as Shoot It Yourself. Never assume right?

What I am asking then is in one post for your approval to take what was meant to be fun for all and make it more restrictive to the rules and or for any other suggestions to that work for everyone. This is your voice so let it be heard!

And as always, thank you to everyone! Steve

ted45 Loc: Delaware

I really do not see what you propose as being more restrictive.

Personally, the only thing I could complain about are the entries that do not comply with the theme. Since you can only accomodate 250 entries it makes sense to drop those that do not comply with the theme thereby giving someone else an opportunity. A more complete explanation of the theme could possibly correct the situation.

In general I think the contests are fun, interesting and well run.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

To get a feel for how this would work I looked over the DIY Photos and would have deleted 26 for non-compliance to the theme (to include 1 untilted out of 9), and questioned 14 to ask for some semblance as to why they qualify. In other words, I would have removed 22% after a warning PM and questioned another 10%.

Are the rules not obvious? Is there a better way to write them?

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I appreciate your comments.

demarlow Loc: Broken Arrow, Ok

I am fairly new to UHH. But, I have read and I understand the rules. They are not complicated. There are those that don't care about rules and just want other people to see what they have done. I think you should follow your rules. If the photos do not clearly meet the contest rules, remove them. Any questions, reread the contest rules.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I agree, but then I get the people new to the site or the ones that are so excited to enter their first 'contest' that they forget. I am revising the rules now and will see how it goes.

Thank you for your comments and thank you for joining us!

CardinalLady Loc: Hoosier

This is real fun! The challenge is great, gets you out to shoot and gives you up to 250 photos to take a good look at to see how to improve your own. I agree with taking ones out that do not meet criteria. Sometimes interpretation of the theme is what makes it interesting, this week I saw hobbies of our members, strangers DIY, etc. when I started to vote I had to remind myself that first and foremost it is about the photo, did it meet criteria,was the shot creative, perspective, balance then taking a good look when I narrowed down to look at the quality, sharpness, etc. in other words, it's up to the voters if the criteria is met. Lets be responsible and chose quality and originality. It would be nice to be able to make comments as we vote to say why we chose the one we did. Maybe a post that has a check list of what makes a great photo. We could use it as a guide to vote and shoot.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Love the idea and look forward to anyone who would like to offer a check-list. Thank you!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Here is one from a Google search:

Below are the 12 elements that the Photographic Exhibitions Committee (PEC) of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) provides as guidelines to print-competition entrants. Based on fundamental precepts for judging a photograph or other piece of fine art, these guidelines are meant simply to give entrants a basic understanding of what constitutes a good image.

Impact is the sense one gets upon viewing an image for the first time. Compelling images evoke laughter, sadness, anger, pride, wonder or another intense emotion.
Creativity is the external expression of the imagination of the maker by using the medium to convey an idea, message or thought.
Style is defined in a number of ways. It might be defined by a specific genre or simply be recognizable as the characteristics of how a specific artist applies light to a subject. It can impact an image in a positive manner when the subject matter and the style are appropriate for each other, or it can have a negative effect when they are at odds.
Composition is important to the design of an image, bringing all of the visual elements together in concert to express the purpose of the image. Proper composition holds the viewer in the image and prompts the viewer to look where the creator intends. Effective composition can be pleasing or disturbing, depending on the intent of the image maker.
Print Presentation affects an image by giving it a finished look. The mats and borders used should support and enhance the image, not distract from it.
Center of Interest is the point or points on the image where the imagemaker wants the viewer to stop as they view the image. There can be primary and secondary centers of interest. Occasionally there will be no specific center of interest and the entire scene collectively serves as the center of interest.
Lighting (the use and control of light) refers to how dimension, shape and roundness are defined in an image. Whether the light applied to an image is manmade or natural, proper use of lighting should enhance an image.
Subject Matter should always be appropriate to the story being told in an image.
Color Balance supplies harmony to an image. An image in which the tones work together effectively supporting the image, can enhance its emotional appeal. Color balance is not always harmonious and can be used to evoke diverse feelings for effect.
Technical Excellence is the print quality of the image itself as it is presented for viewing. Sharpness, exposure, printing, mounting, and correct color all speak to the qualities of the physical print.
Technique is the approach used to create the image. Printing, lighting, posing, paper selection and other elements are part of the technique applied to an image.
Storytelling refers to the ability of the image to evoke imagination. One beautiful thing about art is that each viewer might collect his own message or read her own story in an image.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Here is another:
1. How Technically Correct is the Photo? (20)
Are the following the best they can be? Focus, Sharpness, detail, depth of field, colour, brightness, contrast, saturation, usage of light.

2. Subject Matter / Content (20)
How well does it fall within the brief/assignment?
Creativity.

3. Composition (20)
Does the photograph tell a story?
Where is our eye led to in the photograph?
Is the photograph balanced, if not, is it creating the visual impact it should?

4. Do I like this photograph? (All Else Aside) (40)
Like all art this is dependent on our own tastes, likes, dislikes and the way we see the world and experience it. It has nothing to do with how experienced photographer is.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

THANK YOU!!!

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I like the simplicity of this one. What does everyone else think?

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I'm very sorry to see St3v3M burdened with more work - eliminating non-compliant entries - but I want to add:

if the theme is ambiguous at all, please allow for creative interpretation with titles that "explain" the image. Examples of recent themes that, to me, allow for creative interpretation: eyes, church, feet. Ones that could be held to stricter standards (with a bit of added definition): rule of thirds, low angle.

Just having "DYI - Do it yourself" allows for some creativity in interpretation, I think, as long as, like I suggested, the title or description explains the photographer's intent.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Agree!

larrywilk Loc: Palm Harbor, FL

I'm for the changes. When I played pool I would often say I would play by anyone's rules...as long as we all played by them. By allowing some to string out their interpretation of the theme, is really not fair to others who enter.

My opinion and my wife said I could answer.