I want to give a big tip 'o the hat to Shay Stephens, the mastermind behind our new contest. Shay has long been a big part of the success of this site as a mod, and his recent change of status to Artist in Residence is nothing short of fantastic. This, along with the Workshops with Marc Muench, and so much more that we have coming down the pike... it's all going to make this place better and better. Hang on, it's going to be a wild ride.
I want to give a big tip 'o the hat to Shay Stephens, the mastermind behind our new contest. Shay has long been a big part of the success of this site as a mod, and his recent change of status to Artist in Residence is nothing short of fantastic. This, along with the Workshops with Marc Muench, and so much more that we have coming down the pike... it's all going to make this place better and better. Hang on, it's going to be a wild ride.
Great job, Shay!
I'm all excited! Can't wait for March 5th:-)
(Also - I came to be the Last Judge of the Old Contest system, how cool is that :ivar ;-)
In that spirit, here is a question: Why have themes at all? In order to make the strongest possible case for a no-theme format, I'll paraphrase Shay:
If it isn't too late, I would like to comment on the theme rule. It's really really amatuer. Devising great themes is more than 1/3 of the job, folks!
If somebody devises some uber wowzer new subject that the world has never seen before, I don't want them feeling that it may not fly.
I wouldn't call shooting to a theme ameturish at all. To me, a photographer who can start with a theme and consitantly take a shot which knocks it out of the park is the sign of a true pro.
Without themes, the contest becomes "submit your best shot from the last two weeks" which I find less interesting. Without themes, many of the entrants would be encouraged to stick to their comfort zone rather than stretching their abilities.
I wouldn't call shooting to a theme ameturish at all. To me, a photographer who can start with a theme and consitantly take a shot which knocks it out of the park is the sign of a true pro.
Without themes, the contest becomes "submit your best shot from the last two weeks" which I find less interesting. Without themes, many of the entrants would be encouraged to stick to their comfort zone rather than stretching their abilities.
As I was saying, I was just trying to make a strong case and see how it would fly. What I really think is that the occasional theme-less contest is a breath of fresh air, as it does let everyone show off their very best within their own comfort zone. In the spirit of the new contests:
That's my point. We should have one of these at least every once in a while (every year?)
Each semifinal (4) and the Grand Finale will be open theme. Only the qualifying rounds will have a preselected theme. So at least once a quarter there will be an open theme.
Creator of Dgrin's "Last Photographer Standing" contest
"Failure is feedback. And feedback is the breakfast of champions." - fortune cookie
Each semifinal (4) and the Grand Finale will be open theme. Only the qualifying rounds will have a preselected theme. So at least once a quarter there will be an open theme.
Reading is hard, and I thought only Grand Finale is open theme.
Anyway, it makes the whole thing even more challenging, I like that!
Each semifinal (4) and the Grand Finale will be open theme. Only the qualifying rounds will have a preselected theme. So at least once a quarter there will be an open theme.
Oh, I see, said the blind man. I assumed that the shot that won in the qualifiers would be used in the semis and final. So the qualifiers may (have to?) submit new entries for the second and third rounds and those are open themed?
Cool. Now if I could only be a bride instead of a bridesmaid in one of these things, I could get to compete in an open-themed contest!
Oh, I see, said the blind man. I assumed that the shot that won in the qualifiers would be used in the semis and final. So the qualifiers may (have to?) submit new entries for the second and third rounds and those are open themed?
Cool. Now if I could only be a bride instead of a bridesmaid in one of these things, I could get to compete in an open-themed contest!
Every stage of the contest requires a fresh shot, taken during the contest period.
Oh, and I really don't see any reason why dgrin moderators who are not in the employ of smugmug shouldn't be allowed to enter. Some of them are really tough competitors. I'd really love to see entries from 'Gus, Harry, Gubbs, Sid, &etc. The new format tends to remove them from the process. So why not just exclude all smugmug employees and judges?
--Chief Troublemaker
Thanks rutt however cats & myself will continue doing what ever we want
After further review the notion of "world's best" seems a bit over the top. :D:D
I think that's kind of the point. Tongue firmly planted in cheek. But also realize how much work the Grande Finalist will have put in. This contest runs a year, and requires multiple qualifiers.
I think that's kind of the point. Tongue firmly planted in cheek. But also realize how much work the Grande Finalist will have put in. This contest runs a year, and requires multiple qualifiers.
Oh I know, I was just poking fun. I'm looking forward to watching this progress. It will only help to raise the level of the images here and dgrin's place in the online photo communities even higher. It's good stuff.
I've devoured the rules and all 7 pages of messages from this thread with great enthusiasm. I'm a great fan of contests, and I'm pretty excited to participate in this one.
Are you guys working on a different framework (web pages) for the contest itself? Since a while ago, I participate on the fujimugs (http://www.fujimugs.com) contests instead of here, and I don't even have a fuji camera. The only reason is because I don't like the "thread" format of dgrin's contests, and the webpage features fujimugs use for its contests are great.
I completely support the themed contests. From my experience on participating on the fujimugs contests, you're forced to think on production. Usually, you start with the photo in your mind, and then start planning on how to produce it. (take a look on my latest entry: here)
On a completely different subject, I'll ask something that I think I already have the answer. Besides digital, I'm starting to shoot film 4x5.... big no no? I see the problems with the lack of exif, and also that I'm on Dgrin, and not Fgrin.... but if I'm wrong I'll be happy to know it.
I've devoured the rules and all 7 pages of messages from this thread with great enthusiasm. I'm a great fan of contests, and I'm pretty excited to participate in this one.
glad to hear that
Are you guys working on a different framework (web pages) for the contest itself? ... The only reason is because I don't like the "thread" format of dgrin's contests, and the webpage features fujimugs use for its contests are great.
We will be sticking with threads for now. Keep in mind, we have a volunteer crew, creating online galleries isn't something we can automate in a clean manner. At least, not yet. I can tell you that the topic has definitely been discussed.
On a completely different subject, I'll ask something that I think I already have the answer. Besides digital, I'm starting to shoot film 4x5.... big no no? I see the problems with the lack of exif...
As you might guess, with more at stake, we'll have to be a bit more strict. However, for now, we are hoping that the "cheaters never win" mantra will apply for this competition.
We haven't talked specifically about film... maybe we should. I'll get back to everyone on this.
We will be sticking with threads for now. Keep in mind, we have a volunteer crew, creating online galleries isn't something we can automate in a clean manner. At least, not yet. I can tell you that the topic has definitely been discussed.
Please please pleeeease
I'm a software engineer too, and I'm willing to help doing some code to get away from the thread format.
As you might guess, with more at stake, we'll have to be a bit more strict. However, for now, we are hoping that the "cheaters never win" mantra will apply for this competition.
We haven't talked specifically about film... maybe we should. I'll get back to everyone on this.
It would be very nice. Since I expect to be spending a good time underneath the dark cloth, merging the two things (the challenge and my new personal challenge of learning the view camera) would be excellent.
Reflecting on what you said about cheaters, it's true. I'd rather see fresh film photos where the exif was honestly "manufactured" (exposition data manually - handwritten - recorded) than digital photos with tampered exifs. Sometimes I forget exifs are nothing more than chunks of data attached to image files that could be easily manipulated.
A voting suggestion...
I am a casual photographer. Complete amateur in all senses of the word.
I have neither the time nor the talent to produce the wonderful shots I've seen in these challenges. Now that the kids are grown, virtually the only photography I do is while vacationing -- we love to travel. And perhaps only 1 in 100 of my shots could be worthy of being classified in the same ballpark (correction -- in the same time zone) as the artistic efforts of your challenge entries.
Nonetheless-- I view. I dream. I vote.
But I vote irregularly. Mainly because I forget to come to Dgrin and check out the challenges and I miss the voting period. The stakes are pretty high in this new format and I suspect you'd like to have more voters than fewer.
Since you have all the email addresses of the members, I'm wondering if you'd consider sending out a reminder email to Dgrin members when the voting period opens for each round/stage.
I imagine you might get some negative feedback from some members, but I know I'd certainly welcome a reminder to vote.
SmugMug site => The Bakker Chautauqua
"The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits." (Einstein)
I am a casual photographer. Complete amateur in all senses of the word.
I have neither the time nor the talent to produce the wonderful shots I've seen in these challenges. Now that the kids are grown, virtually the only photography I do is while vacationing -- we love to travel. And perhaps only 1 in 100 of my shots could be worthy of being classified in the same ballpark (correction -- in the same time zone) as the artistic efforts of your challenge entries.
Nonetheless-- I view. I dream. I vote.
But I vote irregularly. Mainly because I forget to come to Dgrin and check out the challenges and I miss the voting period. The stakes are pretty high in this new format and I suspect you'd like to have more voters than fewer.
Since you have all the email addresses of the members, I'm wondering if you'd consider sending out a reminder email to Dgrin members when the voting period opens for each round/stage.
I imagine you might get some negative feedback from some members, but I know I'd certainly welcome a reminder to vote.
I'll add the voting events when they get closer (remember, they'll only be 5 times a year when this happens with the new format.)
This puzzled me until I went back and re-read the rules, where it says that "The panel of judges for each contest may consist of Dgrin moderators, Artists-in-Residence, and specially appointed guest judges."
Now I'm disappointed in the new contest format. I won't get a chance to express my opinion via voting in the Qualifying Contest rounds. : Now I'll have one fewer reason to regularly visit Dgrin. Coming to vote was my main motivation, and now that will only happen 5 times a year.
Don't misunderstand. I think Dgrin has a lot to offer beyond the challenge threads. But for me, the primary motivation to login was to vote. Any other forum or thread visited after I voted was simply icing on the cake.
SmugMug site => The Bakker Chautauqua
"The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits." (Einstein)
But I vote irregularly. Mainly because I forget to come to Dgrin and check out the challenges and I miss the voting period.
...
Now I'm disappointed in the new contest format. I won't get a chance to express my opinion via voting in the Qualifying Contest rounds.
So when you had the voting available on tap so to speak, you couldn't remember to sign in, but now that your ability to vote is limited you miss it and wish you had more. Interesting
Familiarity breeds contempt, and nothing drives desire like scarcity.
Creator of Dgrin's "Last Photographer Standing" contest
"Failure is feedback. And feedback is the breakfast of champions." - fortune cookie
Comments
Great job, Shay!
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
I'm all excited! Can't wait for March 5th:-)
(Also - I came to be the Last Judge of the Old Contest system, how cool is that
you'll go down in history
Moderator of: Location, Location, Location , Mind Your Own Business & Other Cool Shots
I wouldn't call shooting to a theme ameturish at all. To me, a photographer who can start with a theme and consitantly take a shot which knocks it out of the park is the sign of a true pro.
Without themes, the contest becomes "submit your best shot from the last two weeks" which I find less interesting. Without themes, many of the entrants would be encouraged to stick to their comfort zone rather than stretching their abilities.
Portfolio • Workshops • Facebook • Twitter
As I was saying, I was just trying to make a strong case and see how it would fly. What I really think is that the occasional theme-less contest is a breath of fresh air, as it does let everyone show off their very best within their own comfort zone. In the spirit of the new contests:
Open/Closed
I did, with one of these:
Canon 40d | Canon 17-40 f/4L | Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 | Canon 50mm f/1.8 | Canon 70-200mm f/4 L
- Color/BW
- Live/Dead
- Pretty/Ugly
- Fast/Slow
- Strong/Weak
- Far/Near
- Water/Fire
- Hot/Cold
- Volatile/Timeless
- Analog/Digital
- Mac/PC
Man, I can go on and on with these :-):DThat's my point. We should have one of these at least every once in a while (every year?)
"Failure is feedback. And feedback is the breakfast of champions." - fortune cookie
Reading is hard, and I thought only Grand Finale is open theme.
Anyway, it makes the whole thing even more challenging, I like that!
Oh, I see, said the blind man. I assumed that the shot that won in the qualifiers would be used in the semis and final. So the qualifiers may (have to?) submit new entries for the second and third rounds and those are open themed?
Cool. Now if I could only be a bride instead of a bridesmaid in one of these things, I could get to compete in an open-themed contest!
Every stage of the contest requires a fresh shot, taken during the contest period.
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
Yes, no resting on your laurels, as it were ;-)
"Failure is feedback. And feedback is the breakfast of champions." - fortune cookie
Keeps it on your toes the whole year:-)
Galleries here Upcoming Ranch/Horse Workshop
.........except entering the comp :cry
(Oh - and I'm looking forward to participating in the contest, also!)
I think that's kind of the point. Tongue firmly planted in cheek. But also realize how much work the Grande Finalist will have put in. This contest runs a year, and requires multiple qualifiers.
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
Oh I know, I was just poking fun. I'm looking forward to watching this progress. It will only help to raise the level of the images here and dgrin's place in the online photo communities even higher. It's good stuff.
Are you guys working on a different framework (web pages) for the contest itself? Since a while ago, I participate on the fujimugs (http://www.fujimugs.com) contests instead of here, and I don't even have a fuji camera. The only reason is because I don't like the "thread" format of dgrin's contests, and the webpage features fujimugs use for its contests are great.
I completely support the themed contests. From my experience on participating on the fujimugs contests, you're forced to think on production. Usually, you start with the photo in your mind, and then start planning on how to produce it. (take a look on my latest entry: here)
On a completely different subject, I'll ask something that I think I already have the answer. Besides digital, I'm starting to shoot film 4x5.... big no no? I see the problems with the lack of exif, and also that I'm on Dgrin, and not Fgrin.... but if I'm wrong I'll be happy to know it.
http://padu.smugmug.com
www.merlotti.com
Sony dslr A100, Minolta Maxxum 7000, Voighlander Bessa R and Calumet 4x5 View Camera
We will be sticking with threads for now. Keep in mind, we have a volunteer crew, creating online galleries isn't something we can automate in a clean manner. At least, not yet. I can tell you that the topic has definitely been discussed.
As you might guess, with more at stake, we'll have to be a bit more strict. However, for now, we are hoping that the "cheaters never win" mantra will apply for this competition.
We haven't talked specifically about film... maybe we should. I'll get back to everyone on this.
moderator of: The Flea Market [ guidelines ]
Please please pleeeease
I'm a software engineer too, and I'm willing to help doing some code to get away from the thread format.
It would be very nice. Since I expect to be spending a good time underneath the dark cloth, merging the two things (the challenge and my new personal challenge of learning the view camera) would be excellent.
Reflecting on what you said about cheaters, it's true. I'd rather see fresh film photos where the exif was honestly "manufactured" (exposition data manually - handwritten - recorded) than digital photos with tampered exifs. Sometimes I forget exifs are nothing more than chunks of data attached to image files that could be easily manipulated.
http://padu.smugmug.com
www.merlotti.com
Sony dslr A100, Minolta Maxxum 7000, Voighlander Bessa R and Calumet 4x5 View Camera
I am a casual photographer. Complete amateur in all senses of the word.
I have neither the time nor the talent to produce the wonderful shots I've seen in these challenges. Now that the kids are grown, virtually the only photography I do is while vacationing -- we love to travel. And perhaps only 1 in 100 of my shots could be worthy of being classified in the same ballpark (correction -- in the same time zone) as the artistic efforts of your challenge entries.
Nonetheless-- I view. I dream. I vote.
But I vote irregularly. Mainly because I forget to come to Dgrin and check out the challenges and I miss the voting period. The stakes are pretty high in this new format and I suspect you'd like to have more voters than fewer.
Since you have all the email addresses of the members, I'm wondering if you'd consider sending out a reminder email to Dgrin members when the voting period opens for each round/stage.
I imagine you might get some negative feedback from some members, but I know I'd certainly welcome a reminder to vote.
"The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits." (Einstein)
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
calendar:
http://www.dgrin.com/calendar.php
I'll add the voting events when they get closer (remember, they'll only be 5 times a year when this happens with the new format
moderator of: The Flea Market [ guidelines ]
Hmmm. I'll have to check it out, but based on the following I don't know if I'll bother.
This puzzled me until I went back and re-read the rules, where it says that "The panel of judges for each contest may consist of Dgrin moderators, Artists-in-Residence, and specially appointed guest judges."
Now I'm disappointed in the new contest format. I won't get a chance to express my opinion via voting in the Qualifying Contest rounds.
Don't misunderstand. I think Dgrin has a lot to offer beyond the challenge threads. But for me, the primary motivation to login was to vote. Any other forum or thread visited after I voted was simply icing on the cake.
"The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits." (Einstein)
Familiarity breeds contempt, and nothing drives desire like scarcity.
"Failure is feedback. And feedback is the breakfast of champions." - fortune cookie