Once in a blue moon I'll get an image into the final round, possibly because the judges are blind.
Usually when that happens I'll get somewhere between 0 and one vote. But it's nice to know that, when the latter happens, It isn't my vote! In other words, someone besides me looked at my image and felt it was the best in the group. And that's kind of a good feeling, actually.
Once in a blue moon I'll get an image into the final round, possibly because the judges are blind.
Usually when that happens I'll get somewhere between 0 and one vote. But it's nice to know that, when the latter happens, It isn't my vote! In other words, someone besides me looked at my image and felt it was the best in the group. And that's kind of a good feeling, actually.
RE: DQs this round. Much advice and instructions were given in this thread on how to avoid the date modified EXIF changing when going from camera to gallery. I even offered a "get out of DQ free" card. Very likely I won't run another SOOC round as it seems to take the focus away from fun and just adds stress about EXIF, and we have enough stress about EXIF.
RE: voting for yourself. It just isn't cool. Emily advised on it much better than I. In short, the practice isn't appreciated here. But we're all free-thinking adults and I'm never going to tell you how you can or cannot vote, because I find that equally uncool.
Very likely I won't run another SOOC round as it seems to take the focus away from fun and just adds stress about EXIF, and we have enough stress about EXIF.
Well if something does compel you to change your mind, may I suggest just make it a very strict rule. - Shoot JPG and submit that.
no quasi SOOC Raw converting concerns. For those that feel they are going to lose out if they shoot in JPG - shoot both
Yes even this suggestion would likely create a slew of questions. like - "but last time RAW was aloud why cant we do it this time?"
So I am betting it will take a lot to convince you otherwise.
Well if something does compel you to change your mind, may I suggest just make it a very strict rule. - Shoot JPG and submit that.
no quasi SOOC Raw converting concerns. For those that feel they are going to lose out if they shoot in JPG - shoot both
Yes even this suggestion would likely create a slew of questions. like - "but last time RAW was aloud why cant we do it this time?"
So I am betting it will take a lot to convince you otherwise.
If a noobs suggestion is worth anything, SOOC is nice just because it puts (at least me) on a more even playing field as I don't have all the fancy computer programs to doctor my work. It was also nice to see what people are capable of doing SOOC.
If a noobs suggestion is worth anything, SOOC is nice just because it puts (at least me) on a more even playing field as I don't have all the fancy computer programs to doctor my work. It was also nice to see what people are capable of doing SOOC.
That's exactly why I enjoyed the SOOC rounds. I always see an increase in new participants, so they are great for that. Finding a way to assuage the EXIF trickiness will be key to any future attempts, I think.
If a noobs suggestion is worth anything, SOOC is nice just because it puts (at least me) on a more even playing field as I don't have all the fancy computer programs to doctor my work. It was also nice to see what people are capable of doing SOOC.
I wish it were that easy for me to be on an even field... some of these guys are just fantastic. I, clearly, am not.
I wish it were that easy for me to be on an even field... some of these guys are just fantastic. I, clearly, am not.
/whine off
But the great thing though, is that no matter what stage you are at, there is always something to learn. Some of us just have that bigger curve to get there! Believe me, I look at some of the work that is posted in the challenges and I think, wow, I have a long way to go.
That's exactly why I enjoyed the SOOC rounds. I always see an increase in new participants, so they are great for that. Finding a way to assuage the EXIF trickiness will be key to any future attempts, I think.
I think it's a lot of fun too. I agree that the key is to have a strict rule. Just shoot in JPEG with whatever settings your camera provides PRIOR to shooting. No in camera editing, no importing through lightroom...just drag the JPEG off the card and upload it.
RE: DQs this round. Much advice and instructions were given in this thread on how to avoid the date modified EXIF changing when going from camera to gallery. I even offered a "get out of DQ free" card. Very likely I won't run another SOOC round as it seems to take the focus away from fun and just adds stress about EXIF, and we have enough stress about EXIF.
RE: voting for yourself. It just isn't cool. Emily advised on it much better than I. In short, the practice isn't appreciated here. But we're all free-thinking adults and I'm never going to tell you how you can or cannot vote, because I find that equally uncool.
Lilly,
My image was DQ'd for this very reason. I would hate if you stopped doing SOOC. As I said, it was my own fault for not reading the posts. I shoot in RAW all the time but I can easily switch to JPG specifically for future SOOC. The image I submitted was taken during my trip to Cuba so I didn't even know about the SOOC challenge until I returned.
Again, no worries about the DQ'd. Not your fault and I really wish you reconsider doing more SOOC challenges. I think they are a lot of fun.
But the great thing though, is that no matter what stage you are at, there is always something to learn. Some of us just have that bigger curve to get there! Believe me, I look at some of the work that is posted in the challenges and I think, wow, I have a long way to go.
Just convinced me not to bother competing anymore. If I can't even get on the voting list with sooc, how will I ever make it with the massive amount of post-processing, professional lighting, and years of experience ahead of me?
I'll still lurk, a lot, and maybe put up something in one of the non-compete forums, but I'm done here. It's clearly a pro's forum.
Just convinced me not to bother competing anymore. If I can't even get on the voting list with sooc, how will I ever make it with the massive amount of post-processing, professional lighting, and years of experience ahead of me?
I'll still lurk, a lot, and maybe put up something in one of the non-compete forums, but I'm done here. It's clearly a pro's forum.
Bluh...huh? Many of the shots created here rely on MacGyver-like ingenuity using cardboard, tape, paperclips, and cleverly placed house lamps. Nothing fancy, just a bit of creative thinking. Maybe a speedlight here or there.
The processing, I grant you, it's tough. But there are many books, a great forum here called Finishing School, and many other resources to help you pick up tips. Not to mention the behind-the-scenes posts that pop up in this forum and many participants willing to answer questions about how they accomplished a shot. Stop lurking and start asking!
This is a place to learn and challenge yourself, and I encourage you to dive in a little longer and get to know the folks here more. They have a lot to share, and I'm betting many will say they also have a lot to learn.
Nice, except that thousands of dollars in cameras and lenses do make a difference, as does expensive post-processing software. It's a pro forum, and I'm fine with that, but calling something like this "open to everyone" is just a bit dishonest, don't you think? Even one of the judges said he has to set his screen just right to avoid knowing whos photo he's looking at, and slanting the contest.
I don't walk around with a 5D2, have huge glass, or all day with this as my job/pro hobby to invest in. I'm just a guy who likes nice pictures, is always looking for "that moment", and trying to get it with what I've got... which is still more than most people.
I'm not arguing for my limitations, I'm deciding that I don't have $5-10k to buy my way out of them.
Just convinced me not to bother competing anymore. If I can't even get on the voting list with sooc, how will I ever make it with the massive amount of post-processing, professional lighting, and years of experience ahead of me?
I'll still lurk, a lot, and maybe put up something in one of the non-compete forums, but I'm done here. It's clearly a pro's forum.
I am not a pro, but an enthusiast. Just working on getting better. Nor do I have the fancy post processing, pro lighting, or even years of exerience, unless you count photography as a hobby for over 15 years. Yea, I can somewhat say I have an eye for it, but obviously what I think is good, others might think is bad. While what I think wha? for a photo others rave about it. I too did not make it into the finals of the SOOC compitition, however, that isn't going to stop me from trying and getting out there and shooting. It is the only thing that will make me a better photographer.
Stick around.
Bluh...huh? Many of the shots created here rely on MacGyver-like ingenuity using cardboard, tape, paperclips, and cleverly placed house lamps. Nothing fancy, just a bit of creative thinking. Maybe a speedlight here or there.
The processing, I grant you, it's tough. But there are many books, a great forum here called Finishing School, and many other resources to help you pick up tips. Not to mention the behind-the-scenes posts that pop up in this forum and many participants willing to answer questions about how they accomplished a shot. Stop lurking and start asking!
This is a place to learn and challenge yourself, and I encourage you to dive in a little longer and get to know the folks here more. They have a lot to share, and I'm betting many will say they also have a lot to learn.
I appreciate your concern and encouragement. I'd love to meet you sometime when I get home at the end of the year, and talk about all these things.
Just convinced me not to bother competing anymore. If I can't even get on the voting list with sooc, how will I ever make it with the massive amount of post-processing, professional lighting, and years of experience ahead of me?
I'll still lurk, a lot, and maybe put up something in one of the non-compete forums, but I'm done here. It's clearly a pro's forum.
BWAAAHHHHAAAHHHAAA!! Ok, forgive me, but seriously? NO. NO. NO. NO. Sure, there are some pros here (who are, not at all by the way, very generous with their expertise and experience) but many (most?) here are enthusiasts just like yourself. A year ago, I was still a longtime lurker who hadn't yet made the jump from "quite likes taking photographs" to "completely smitten and determined to come to grips with technique". I had no lighting of any kind, mediocre(at best) lenses, and had never even heard of layer masks, curves and channel blending, much less had any idea how those were used!
Thanks to achambers and jeffreaux2 who encouraged me to try the challenges, I have made that jump and more.... simply by DOING. Not through fancy equipment (my first challenge effort relied on a piece of black cardboard and a booklight propped up in a dishwasher basket as a holder - it stank, but I learned a TON by following it through to completion), but through interest and trial-and-error learning. And every moment of it has been AWESOME. The people who have helped me are too numerous to mention (and if I try to list them I'm sure I'd leave somebody out in error, so I won't disgrace myself by attempting it ), but each and every one of them has nudged me along the path in a way I didn't think possible.
Seriously, the people here are about as encouraging as it's possible to get. Let them help you the way others helped them!! If you're interested in how somebody achieved something... ask them! More than likely they'll be happy to share, and equally happy to help you along too. Try it and see
I would hate if you stopped doing SOOC. As I said, it was my own fault for not reading the posts. I shoot in RAW all the time but I can easily switch to JPG specifically for future SOOC. The image I submitted was taken during my trip to Cuba so I didn't even know about the SOOC challenge until I returned.
Again, no worries about the DQ'd. Not your fault and I really wish you reconsider doing more SOOC challenges. I think they are a lot of fun.
Thanks for stating the case eloquently, Cuban - I too would hate to see these disappear, as they really make one get back to basics (in a good way).
One last thing Smithy, I showed my husband your photo, and told him how you got the photo. First he said, nice bike (he is an Adv'er) then, no way are you ever going to convince me to take you out and do that to your camera gear. Really, your picture is very (for the lack of a better word) ballsy. It is something that I would not be willing to do.
... Even one of the judges said he has to set his screen just right to avoid knowing whos photo he's looking at, and slanting the contest.
...
I'm arguing for my limitations, I'm deciding that I don't have $5-10k to buy my way out of them.
I am saddened greatly by reading this. Smithy, I see you are newer to Dgrin at least in the posting part and I want to welcome you! Personally I feel that you are limiting yourself not by your gear but your ability to keep an open mind. I do not agree that you need fancy gear to make a great photo and this last round proved that. One of my absolute favorite shots was shot with a Canon PowerShot S3 IS - and IS was not even needed! I think this round was participated in by many new participants and there were some really cool images.
I would like to address why I informed everyone that I block the names of the photographer. It is because I truly want to be as unbiased as possible. I have been participating in these challenges for over 2 years and in the process have made many new friends. I do not want to be accused of voting for favorites or alternatively not voting for someone because I know them, so for me it is extra important that everyone understands that I am as fair and impartial as possible. Even if I did not block the name I still would vote for the image not the photographer. I only take the extra steps so that I can say I do.
In regards to processing and software - again you do not need Photoshop to process an image you can use tools that are cheaper or even free that do just as good a job it just may take you a bit longer. Some of the participants use tools such as Picasa.
There is a place that starts with G on the internet that gives you access to billions of bits of information all related to learning how to be a better photographer.
First off though I would hope that you have fun with your photography, if participating in a challenge takes away that fun for you because you feel outclassed then maybe just do it for yourself and ignore all the rest. Because lets face it in the end it is you that you need to please, not us!
BTW I really did like your image it just did not speak the theme to me as loudly as some of the others.
EDIT: let me clarify, when I say do it for yourself I mean still participate here but do not worry about what everyone else posts. I have tried to push myself to participate in almost every one of these challenges since the start of LPS and when it changed over into DSS. I have not always been capable of doing so and some of them I even had to judge so couldn't participate. When I am participating I do it for the sheer love of photography and use the challenges as a way to push myself to shoot at least every two weeks and also push to make the best possible image I can make. I started out without any lights except desk lamps but my passion for it has turned into an obsession, so yes I have collected a few more things since the beginning.
Just convinced me not to bother competing anymore. If I can't even get on the voting list with sooc, how will I ever make it with the massive amount of post-processing, professional lighting, and years of experience ahead of me?
I'll still lurk, a lot, and maybe put up something in one of the non-compete forums, but I'm done here. It's clearly a pro's forum.
I very, very, very disagree with this logic. I am very new and green as a photographer, and if you take a look at my entries of past challenges, they are all simple photos. But as i go along and learn from the 'pros', i'm adding a little of this and a little of that. And after just a few months, I've finally made it to the top 10 with pretty much one of the simplest photos I've ever done.
Thank you to the judges by the way. I am very appreciative for the opportunity to have my name on the list for the judging. I am not here specifically to win 'challenges', but more for the skills and critique from people i can learn from.....but i can't say that it doesn't feel good to finally get to the top ten.
I am soooooo far from being a pro, but, I can honestly say that I see an
improvement in my skills/images, and I owe that to all these guys here that
are so willing to help us noobs along. Stick around Smithy, it can be fun!
Karin
"Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Love like you've never been hurt and live like it's heaven on Earth." — Mark Twain
I am not a pro, but an enthusiast. Just working on getting better. Nor do I have the fancy post processing, pro lighting, or even years of exerience, unless you count photography as a hobby for over 15 years. Yea, I can somewhat say I have an eye for it, but obviously what I think is good, others might think is bad. While what I think wha? for a photo others rave about it. I too did not make it into the finals of the SOOC compitition, however, that isn't going to stop me from trying and getting out there and shooting. It is the only thing that will make me a better photographer.
Stick around.
+1 all of this!
and Smithy may I add:
(this is a DSS joke you need to learn)
all judges are Blind! unless they pick your own shot ofcourse... then thats when we call them Brilliant!
shoot for your own happiness... learn something new, and do It again the next round...
If it makes anyone feel better, I voted and would never have voted for my own, even if someone else had taken it. There are far better pictures here than what I'm currently capable of.
When I bought this camera a month ago, I spent weeks researching it, and others, before laying down cash. Now that I have it, I have discovered how precious little I know about how to use it. And yes, I know that's going to take time and effort on my part, and I don't expect instant gratification.
I guess I'm just frustrated that every little thing I need to learn, everyone here's learned already. I'll never be as good, or talented, as the cream of this crop. I am humbled that some of you are encouraging me to stick around and keep trying... so I will try to open my mind a bit more.
Thank you all for your kind words.
---
Part of me wants to have a conversation about the value of certain techniques used in this contest, but I don't think this thread is the place for them. I've mucked the joint up enough as it is, and I'm sorry for that. Some of my frustration comes from a couple pics in the final poll that just give me a headache, seem ill-conceived, don't show the subject at all imho, and still beat mine. I don't get it. But let's do that elsewhere. PM is fine, too.
---
And Netter, "ballsy" is a good word for it. "Frickin Nuts" would work equally as well. 2 bungies have never had more faith put into them than that day.
I guess I'm just frustrated that every little thing I need to learn, everyone here's learned already.
Only because we've been at it for more than a month...
I'll never be as good, or talented, as the cream of this crop. I am humbled that some of you are encouraging me to stick around and keep trying... so I will try to open my mind a bit more.
Frustrating? You bet it is. If I tell you that I shot something like 1500 frames for the last SOOC challenge to get what I wanted (it might have been more - don't remember, and the files are now archived so I can't check right now), does that make you feel better? You are SO not alone in your frustration... and hopefully your quest to learn. We've all been there (or are still there!!!). Of course..... getting there is half the fun, and once you learn to love the process as well as the results, even getting it wrong can be productive.
Stick around - I think you'll be glad you did (and anybody who's willing to try getting a shot the way you did is going to go far - no doubt about that!!!)
Brother, I am a total noob. I've been shooting for about a year and a half now. I can honestly say that participating in the challenges has dramatically reduced the learning curve for me. I have learned so much and I can honestly see dramatic improvement in my photography. I look at some of my first shots and the stuff I am producing now and I am amazed. More than anything else, it has been the challenges that have pushed me out of my comfort zone, really got me to try new things. Also, there is no other forum on Dgrin that has such a close and helpful group of people. I often post pics for tips on how to improve and it's never long before I have several constructive critiques on how to better the image.
I never enter expecting to win or even make it to the voting round. For me, it's enough just to be able to compete amongst the great talent that exists on this forum. I have been surprisingly amazed that several of my photos have made it to the final round and once I came in second place. Pretty cool indeed.
Don't get discouraged bro. Learn from these guys and gals. It's freaking free! I have friends that have paid good money to take formal classes and workshops and they haven't learned half the stuff I have by participating in the challenges and engaging in threads with the fine people on this forum. I can say that everyone here has been nothing but helpful to me. '
Now... I want to see a submission from you in the new Challenge or you're going to be saying hello to my little freng!
Comments
Your right Jeff.
Once in a blue moon I'll get an image into the final round, possibly because the judges are blind
Usually when that happens I'll get somewhere between 0 and one vote. But it's nice to know that, when the latter happens, It isn't my vote! In other words, someone besides me looked at my image and felt it was the best in the group. And that's kind of a good feeling, actually.
RE: voting for yourself. It just isn't cool. Emily advised on it much better than I. In short, the practice isn't appreciated here. But we're all free-thinking adults and I'm never going to tell you how you can or cannot vote, because I find that equally uncool.
Well if something does compel you to change your mind, may I suggest just make it a very strict rule. - Shoot JPG and submit that.
no quasi SOOC Raw converting concerns. For those that feel they are going to lose out if they shoot in JPG - shoot both
Yes even this suggestion would likely create a slew of questions. like - "but last time RAW was aloud why cant we do it this time?"
So I am betting it will take a lot to convince you otherwise.
If a noobs suggestion is worth anything, SOOC is nice just because it puts (at least me) on a more even playing field as I don't have all the fancy computer programs to doctor my work. It was also nice to see what people are capable of doing SOOC.
twobassets.smugmug.com
That's exactly why I enjoyed the SOOC rounds. I always see an increase in new participants, so they are great for that.
I wish it were that easy for me to be on an even field... some of these guys are just fantastic. I, clearly, am not.
/whine off
Fujifilm Finepix S100fs
and my other hobby... tidewaterforge.com
But the great thing though, is that no matter what stage you are at, there is always something to learn. Some of us just have that bigger curve to get there!
twobassets.smugmug.com
I think it's a lot of fun too. I agree that the key is to have a strict rule. Just shoot in JPEG with whatever settings your camera provides PRIOR to shooting. No in camera editing, no importing through lightroom...just drag the JPEG off the card and upload it.
My Photographic Adventures
Nikon D7000 | 10-20 | 50 | 55-200
Lilly,
My image was DQ'd for this very reason. I would hate if you stopped doing SOOC. As I said, it was my own fault for not reading the posts. I shoot in RAW all the time but I can easily switch to JPG specifically for future SOOC. The image I submitted was taken during my trip to Cuba so I didn't even know about the SOOC challenge until I returned.
Again, no worries about the DQ'd. Not your fault and I really wish you reconsider doing more SOOC challenges. I think they are a lot of fun.
Moderator of the People and Go Figure forums
My Smug Site
Just convinced me not to bother competing anymore. If I can't even get on the voting list with sooc, how will I ever make it with the massive amount of post-processing, professional lighting, and years of experience ahead of me?
I'll still lurk, a lot, and maybe put up something in one of the non-compete forums, but I'm done here. It's clearly a pro's forum.
Fujifilm Finepix S100fs
and my other hobby... tidewaterforge.com
Bluh...huh?
The processing, I grant you, it's tough. But there are many books, a great forum here called Finishing School, and many other resources to help you pick up tips. Not to mention the behind-the-scenes posts that pop up in this forum and many participants willing to answer questions about how they accomplished a shot. Stop lurking and start asking!
This is a place to learn and challenge yourself, and I encourage you to dive in a little longer and get to know the folks here more. They have a lot to share, and I'm betting many will say they also have a lot to learn.
Congrats everyone
http://danielplumer.com/
Facebook Fan Page
I enter contest. Check in on wednesday for voting. Check for results on thurs. Work on new entry sunday night before end of contest. Repeat.
Nice, except that thousands of dollars in cameras and lenses do make a difference, as does expensive post-processing software. It's a pro forum, and I'm fine with that, but calling something like this "open to everyone" is just a bit dishonest, don't you think? Even one of the judges said he has to set his screen just right to avoid knowing whos photo he's looking at, and slanting the contest.
I don't walk around with a 5D2, have huge glass, or all day with this as my job/pro hobby to invest in. I'm just a guy who likes nice pictures, is always looking for "that moment", and trying to get it with what I've got... which is still more than most people.
I'm not arguing for my limitations, I'm deciding that I don't have $5-10k to buy my way out of them.
Fujifilm Finepix S100fs
and my other hobby... tidewaterforge.com
I am not a pro, but an enthusiast.
Stick around.
twobassets.smugmug.com
I appreciate your concern and encouragement. I'd love to meet you sometime when I get home at the end of the year, and talk about all these things.
Fujifilm Finepix S100fs
and my other hobby... tidewaterforge.com
I'll take any excuse to go out and shoot and chat. Give me a holler.
BWAAAHHHHAAAHHHAAA!! Ok, forgive me, but seriously? NO. NO. NO. NO. Sure, there are some pros here (who are, not at all by the way, very generous with their expertise and experience) but many (most?) here are enthusiasts just like yourself. A year ago, I was still a longtime lurker who hadn't yet made the jump from "quite likes taking photographs" to "completely smitten and determined to come to grips with technique". I had no lighting of any kind, mediocre(at best) lenses, and had never even heard of layer masks, curves and channel blending, much less had any idea how those were used!
Thanks to achambers and jeffreaux2 who encouraged me to try the challenges, I have made that jump and more.... simply by DOING. Not through fancy equipment (my first challenge effort relied on a piece of black cardboard and a booklight propped up in a dishwasher basket as a holder - it stank, but I learned a TON by following it through to completion), but through interest and trial-and-error learning. And every moment of it has been AWESOME. The people who have helped me are too numerous to mention (and if I try to list them I'm sure I'd leave somebody out in error, so I won't disgrace myself by attempting it
Seriously, the people here are about as encouraging as it's possible to get. Let them help you the way others helped them!!
Thanks for stating the case eloquently, Cuban - I too would hate to see these disappear, as they really make one get back to basics (in a good way).
twobassets.smugmug.com
I am saddened greatly by reading this. Smithy, I see you are newer to Dgrin at least in the posting part and I want to welcome you! Personally I feel that you are limiting yourself not by your gear but your ability to keep an open mind. I do not agree that you need fancy gear to make a great photo and this last round proved that. One of my absolute favorite shots was shot with a Canon PowerShot S3 IS - and IS was not even needed! I think this round was participated in by many new participants and there were some really cool images.
I would like to address why I informed everyone that I block the names of the photographer. It is because I truly want to be as unbiased as possible. I have been participating in these challenges for over 2 years and in the process have made many new friends. I do not want to be accused of voting for favorites or alternatively not voting for someone because I know them, so for me it is extra important that everyone understands that I am as fair and impartial as possible. Even if I did not block the name I still would vote for the image not the photographer. I only take the extra steps so that I can say I do.
In regards to processing and software - again you do not need Photoshop to process an image you can use tools that are cheaper or even free that do just as good a job it just may take you a bit longer. Some of the participants use tools such as Picasa.
There is a place that starts with G on the internet that gives you access to billions of bits of information all related to learning how to be a better photographer.
First off though I would hope that you have fun with your photography, if participating in a challenge takes away that fun for you because you feel outclassed then maybe just do it for yourself and ignore all the rest. Because lets face it in the end it is you that you need to please, not us!
BTW I really did like your image it just did not speak the theme to me as loudly as some of the others.
EDIT: let me clarify, when I say do it for yourself I mean still participate here but do not worry about what everyone else posts. I have tried to push myself to participate in almost every one of these challenges since the start of LPS and when it changed over into DSS. I have not always been capable of doing so and some of them I even had to judge so couldn't participate. When I am participating I do it for the sheer love of photography and use the challenges as a way to push myself to shoot at least every two weeks and also push to make the best possible image I can make. I started out without any lights except desk lamps but my passion for it has turned into an obsession, so yes I have collected a few more things since the beginning.
I very, very, very disagree with this logic. I am very new and green as a photographer, and if you take a look at my entries of past challenges, they are all simple photos. But as i go along and learn from the 'pros', i'm adding a little of this and a little of that. And after just a few months, I've finally made it to the top 10 with pretty much one of the simplest photos I've ever done.
Thank you to the judges by the way. I am very appreciative for the opportunity to have my name on the list for the judging. I am not here specifically to win 'challenges', but more for the skills and critique from people i can learn from.....but i can't say that it doesn't feel good to finally get to the top ten.
Nelson.
Nelson Lehner
Dreamin' of a resolution!:D
improvement in my skills/images, and I owe that to all these guys here that
are so willing to help us noobs along. Stick around Smithy, it can be fun!
"Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Love like you've never been hurt and live like it's heaven on Earth." — Mark Twain
+1 all of this!
and Smithy may I add:
(this is a DSS joke you need to learn)
all judges are Blind! unless they pick your own shot ofcourse... then thats when we call them Brilliant!
shoot for your own happiness... learn something new, and do It again the next round...
When I bought this camera a month ago, I spent weeks researching it, and others, before laying down cash. Now that I have it, I have discovered how precious little I know about how to use it. And yes, I know that's going to take time and effort on my part, and I don't expect instant gratification.
I guess I'm just frustrated that every little thing I need to learn, everyone here's learned already. I'll never be as good, or talented, as the cream of this crop. I am humbled that some of you are encouraging me to stick around and keep trying... so I will try to open my mind a bit more.
Thank you all for your kind words.
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Part of me wants to have a conversation about the value of certain techniques used in this contest, but I don't think this thread is the place for them. I've mucked the joint up enough as it is, and I'm sorry for that. Some of my frustration comes from a couple pics in the final poll that just give me a headache, seem ill-conceived, don't show the subject at all imho, and still beat mine. I don't get it. But let's do that elsewhere. PM is fine, too.
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And Netter, "ballsy" is a good word for it. "Frickin Nuts" would work equally as well. 2 bungies have never had more faith put into them than that day.
Fujifilm Finepix S100fs
and my other hobby... tidewaterforge.com
Only because we've been at it for more than a month...
Frustrating? You bet it is. If I tell you that I shot something like 1500 frames for the last SOOC challenge to get what I wanted (it might have been more - don't remember, and the files are now archived so I can't check right now), does that make you feel better?
Stick around - I think you'll be glad you did
Brother, I am a total noob. I've been shooting for about a year and a half now. I can honestly say that participating in the challenges has dramatically reduced the learning curve for me. I have learned so much and I can honestly see dramatic improvement in my photography. I look at some of my first shots and the stuff I am producing now and I am amazed. More than anything else, it has been the challenges that have pushed me out of my comfort zone, really got me to try new things. Also, there is no other forum on Dgrin that has such a close and helpful group of people. I often post pics for tips on how to improve and it's never long before I have several constructive critiques on how to better the image.
I never enter expecting to win or even make it to the voting round. For me, it's enough just to be able to compete amongst the great talent that exists on this forum. I have been surprisingly amazed that several of my photos have made it to the final round and once I came in second place. Pretty cool indeed.
Don't get discouraged bro. Learn from these guys and gals. It's freaking free! I have friends that have paid good money to take formal classes and workshops and they haven't learned half the stuff I have by participating in the challenges and engaging in threads with the fine people on this forum. I can say that everyone here has been nothing but helpful to me. '
Now... I want to see a submission from you in the new Challenge or you're going to be saying hello to my little freng!
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