Which photos would you choose?
May 6, 2017 21:01:37 #
In August of every year, the town of Monroe, Washington hosts the Evergreen State Fair. I have been entering photos in the open class photography competition for around thirty years. They use the Danish system in awarding ribbons. Each photo is evaluated on its own merit, not in direct competition to the other entries. Thus there can be lots of blue ribbons. In fact, it seems, most entries get blue ribbons. But there are also winners within each class, landscapes, portraits, architecture, etc., and in different skill groups (beginners through professionals). But in all the years I have been entering, I have never won any special award. I don't think it's sour grapes, but I really am puzzled by the photos that do win. Usually, they don't appear any better to me than other average photos, and in some cases, they just don't seem to be very good. A recent best in show was won by a master photographer whose entry was a photo of a stump in his yard. I'm told that photography teachers do the judging, so they must see something different in the winning photos than I do.
I'm going to enter again this year, of course, but I'm thinking that I need to do something a little different. And I'm asking the help of my friends at UHH, who may have more knowledge than I concerning what the judges are really looking for. Each person is allowed three entries, and below I have attached seven of my favorite images from the last year. Some are unprocessed and some have been photo-shopped, but not much. Which three would you choose?
Thanks!
I'm going to enter again this year, of course, but I'm thinking that I need to do something a little different. And I'm asking the help of my friends at UHH, who may have more knowledge than I concerning what the judges are really looking for. Each person is allowed three entries, and below I have attached seven of my favorite images from the last year. Some are unprocessed and some have been photo-shopped, but not much. Which three would you choose?
Thanks!
May 6, 2017 21:23:55 #
1, 5, and 7. Numbers 3 and 6 look way over-processed to my eye. The axe in the one of the man chopping something draws the eye OUT of the image. IMO, the image of the chandelier is just too busy and bright - there is a very distracting glare on the post in the bottom left of the frame. Just my 3 cents! Good luck!
May 6, 2017 21:30:26 #
I know which I'd not choose, 3, 6 and 7. They appear a bit over processed.
--Bob
--Bob
pmsc70d wrote:
In August of every year, the town of Monroe, Washi... (show quote)
May 6, 2017 21:34:04 #
rmalarz wrote:
I know which I'd not choose, 3, 6 and 7. They appear a bit over processed.
--Bob
--Bob
On second look at #7, I agree with Bob. It is over-processed.
May 6, 2017 21:41:34 #
May 6, 2017 22:59:31 #
pmsc70d wrote:
In August of every year, the town of Monroe, Washi... (show quote)
Three and six is the only one I could look at for five or six minutes with out moving on , and most judges would also , don't fret about
Prossing. As every thing here was in the photo , you just brought it out , as any good photographer would ,
May 6, 2017 23:40:57 #
For me it would be #'s 3, 6, and 7. I would award a big blue ribbon to #7 right away.
May 7, 2017 06:22:24 #
I suspect you're not the only one here who thinks his / her work is the best (I'm another) but I often see why a judge picks someone else's work. If we didn't think ours was the best we wouldn't enter competitions.
1) Furry things don't look as sharp as they could be.
2) Just not keen on the stairwell and chandelier shot.
3) I like the bee, something a bit different.
4) Axeman could have done with a few woodchips flying about.
5) The skyscraper. Needs straightening.
6) Flowers look like they're about to die.
7) Backlit leaves, nice silhouette and shadow play.
I would enter 3,5, & 7.
1) Furry things don't look as sharp as they could be.
2) Just not keen on the stairwell and chandelier shot.
3) I like the bee, something a bit different.
4) Axeman could have done with a few woodchips flying about.
5) The skyscraper. Needs straightening.
6) Flowers look like they're about to die.
7) Backlit leaves, nice silhouette and shadow play.
I would enter 3,5, & 7.
May 7, 2017 06:37:41 #
May 7, 2017 08:25:00 #
May 7, 2017 08:32:59 #
May 7, 2017 09:03:43 #
Numbers 1, 3, and 5 appeal the most to me. I used to judge some local shows, so I'm trying to think like a judge here.
There seems to be quite a bit of disagreement among us, so I'd be interested in which ones you finally choose.
There seems to be quite a bit of disagreement among us, so I'd be interested in which ones you finally choose.
May 7, 2017 10:00:29 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
No. 3 just for its definition of subject. You might consider applying some sort of texture screen to make it look more artsy or reduce the processing to make it look more natural. It has a good foundation in composition, rule of thirds, yardage yadda yadda. All the others not so much.
May 7, 2017 11:28:31 #
May 7, 2017 11:35:23 #
#4 the Woodchopper. shows action, not overly processed, human interest. Good luck. 
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