Aesthetics. I like the warm color temp. Very "summer day picnic." POV-style shot is interesting. Crumbs are a nice touch.
Justiceiro,
Thanks for providing thoughtful feedback on my submission. I picked that tablecloth because I was trying to go for the old-time ice cream shop look, but now that you mention it, it does remind me more of a picnic setting, heh.
I think the best advice everyone could do is to do the exact opposite of my suggestions, because it is clear that the judges and I are operating on completely different wavelengths.
O contraire! We should all listen to Justi's critiques and decide for ourselves if we want to include them in our array. Then we go forward doing our thing. Eventually, the random selection of judges will coincide with our own art, and of course eventually also with Justi's opinions. Imagine if, when the random selection of judges did actually agree with Justi, we all had in that round decided to do the exact opposite, the judges would have to throw out all of the entries!
Seriously now, I suspect that when we see how the individual judges voted, it will be like all other rounds. There will likely be around 5 clear choices the are in each list, and then each list will diverge. What would be of interest would be to study the "5" for what sets them apart. I thing you will see clearly fine photography there.
But comparing Justi's top 10 with the entire scoring list, Justi' comment that the judges don't agree with him carries significance, as ony 3 of his top 10 were selected as top 10, another one made it into the top 15, and then only another into the top 20. If we all took a look at our own top picks, there would be a similar progression, some more, some less!
well, I don't enter anything to win - if I did that - ewww (couldn't think of anything witty at near 1am)
I enjoyed the feedback from this round. No image is ever perfect and feedback is something you can take on board or ignore. It is nice that you also provide positives with your down sides, which, in my case, have added more depth and possibility!
Competitions are inspiration - not a near-death experience. However, I think waiting for your comments today almost felt like one lol and I don't know how many times I thanked myself for changing images as you would have torn the first one apart technically - and rightly so I must add - as I was doing that myself!!!
I don't like to ask for opinions on a shot as people come and go and you must learn to trust your own judgement and personal taste to some extent. Let's face it - it's your wall the image will hang on - or album etc etc. SO whilst I won't ask for opinion before I enter - I really dug this element of the whole challenge.
At this point I think I will not be doing this next round. I wish I had finished this before the semi-finalists were posted, because the wind has gone out of my sails a bit. I think the best advice everyone could do is to do the exact opposite of my suggestions, because it is clear that the judges and I are operating on completely different wavelengths.
However, having started, it would not be fair not to finish.
Also, if people stick their necks out, they should get some feedback. If not from the judges, at least from their peers.
I totally feel yah, cuz I'm in "awe" at the judgement outcome...a couple of the winners were definently in my winners list....and that is all I'm going to say.
I liked the "It all started innocently" photo....but in my minds eye...I saw a bit of a different composition...I saw wedding band or if the lighting had been a bit more, a tan line of the wedding band....maybe some subdued color'd lights in the background (club effect) or some females standing in the distance.....
I didn't think too much about the "ice" in the glass..cuz unfortunately I have done the ultimate sin of putting ice in my wine..(don't kill me...lol) Heck I like Heineken Beer with Ice...The Ultimate Sin....my taste palette does not like the "twang" when it is "warm"...but I love it when it is super cold....(Ok Kill me now).
If anything, at least with this thread, it is a great thing, to see so many varied "visions" of what people actually interpret what they get from a composition..
Take Care and Warmest Regards,
Donna
You're only as good as your next photo....
One day, I started writing, not knowing that I had chained myself for life to a noble but merciless master. When God hands you a gift, he also hands you a whip; and the whip is intended solely for self-flagellation...I'm here alone in my dark madness, all by myself with my deck of cards --- and, of course, the whip God gave me." Truman Capote
I don't like to ask for opinions on a shot as people come and go and you must learn to trust your own judgement and personal taste to some extent. Let's face it - it's your wall the image will hang on - or album etc etc. SO whilst I won't ask for opinion before I enter - I really dug this element of the whole challenge.
Tah!
Totally understand where your coming from,
and I add, "Afterall this is a competition and who in their right mind enters a competition and wants to loose??" ("Not I" sayeth the blindman) Call it distrusting if you please, but how can you really "trust" a critique that is given on your photo, when they who are critiquing are also contestants?? (DISCLAIMER: I'm not saying anyone here has done that, but hey you never know lol)
I, a couple of times, have submitted photos for critique, perhaps to be a "team player" and then I realized..Wait, this is NOT a Team (no offense) this is a competition and these are my competitors...if I was out in the Real World, I would NOT be asking my advertising competition for advice on a job I was trying to land?
Egads, I know that sounds terrible, and I really don't mean to sound that way, as I do have a few photograhic peers that I speak with here and if they asked me in "private" what I thought of their photo, I would w/o a doubt give them my honest opinion....You know as a lawyers would say..."Strictly Off The Record"...lol
I will say that I like the "After Glow"....once the winners have been selected then the post conversation of critique, who were your favorites and why, because this is the After Glow, and your pre-advice, pre-notions, had no influence on the winning selections..
I say..it is GREAT that many say..."I didn't enter the competition to Win, I just want to learn", well if you JUST want that, then there are MANY threads in DGRIN that help that area....my philosphy if you enter a competition you enter with a pre-conceived notion, "Maybe I am Just Good Enough to Win"...That is what competitions are about..and in the words of JUSTICIERO (which I agree with)..."You are placing your work up against others to see just how good you are, for the Thrill of it all"..(sorry if I misquoted..lol)
throw my best work up against other people's best work, with limited time frames, and then sweat it all out in the mix
His actual words...lol
OK Kill Me or Hate Me NoW.........
You're only as good as your next photo....
One day, I started writing, not knowing that I had chained myself for life to a noble but merciless master. When God hands you a gift, he also hands you a whip; and the whip is intended solely for self-flagellation...I'm here alone in my dark madness, all by myself with my deck of cards --- and, of course, the whip God gave me." Truman Capote
Aesthetics: There is a lot I dig about this. The red cast is a good choice. The DOF keeps you wondering about the contents of that screen. The wedding ring, classic. This is a good shot. But for god's sake man, isn't it time to upgrade that Mac?
Thanks for taking the time to critique. And of course, for liking the shot! As for the mac - either my husband gets a new mac, or I get a lens.
Also, for the record - he's not left handed, would probably die before using a one-button mouse, and he uses the internet for looking at model helicopters. Which is a bit more expensive than porn.
Aesthetics: I really can't comment on this, because I don't typically like this type of photograph. That is purely a reflection of personal taste, however, and does not reflect on the technical aspects of this shot, which are impressive. You can't ask a Vegan how to smoke good pork.
That being said, light-writing is difficult, and usually unbearably cheesy. This is not cheesy at all, and is quite well done. The letters actually look to be in the right proportion, and that's an acomplishment, since you are basically waving a glowstick in the dark. This is a good result of what is obviously a great deal fo effort.
Thanks for the critique, Justiceiro. I knew I was taking a risk by not portraying an illustration of a virtue or vice and just spelled it out. I actually wanted to drive an hour to our old church which does an Adopt A Block program on Saturdays and gives out massive amounts of food in LA's inner city. But... as my husband works Saturdays, I'd have to heft my 3 little boys with me. And there's really no focusing on photography while managing my 3 little men!
"Just because no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist."
Theme: The title connects it to sin, but I wonder if it doesn't cross over a bit too much into horror.
Aesthetics: Damn, this is an ugly photo (which is, I assume, the intended effect). Very scary. For some reason, it reminds me of Red Skull from the old Captain America comics. I also like the vignetting on the bottom (too bad it is sort of lost in the shadows on the top.) Makes it look more comic book like, which is a nice effect for this shot.
The connection to sin, however, is a bit too tenuous to hold up against some other very stiff competition, which is why It didn't make my top 10. Still, its good stuff.
Thanks for the critique Justi. I have to admit, I think this is without a doubt the worst shot I've ever publicly displayed...glad you dug it!
Theme: I think pure can be in theme, if it deals with purity in a moral or ethical sense. This seems a more aesthetic purity, so I am on the fence about it. Is it virtue? Hmmm...
Aesthetics: The tech aspects are good (focus, etc.) The colors are striking. I would have cropped either tighter or looser. Is the subject the flower, or the stamen?
Thank you for your well balanced critique and reply. It was exciting just entering our first contest . It has been a learning experience and that's what we're here for. We shall try again one day.
Thanks for the critique Justi. I have to admit, I think this is without a doubt the worst shot I've ever publicly displayed...glad you dug it!
Yep! It's a great revolting work. It had the same effect on me as Invidia. I got the message loud and clear of the effects of sin. Awesome job! It was completely different from your usual, beautiful, good feelings inspiring artistry. I think that was brave of you since I'm still stuck on the "I want to make only beautiful things" stage of development.
"Just because no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist."
Thanks
Thanks for the little mini critique. This was my first post ever to DGrin and second to a contest. It's definitely a learning process. I noticed my heart in my mouth, as well as my stomach, waiting to see any critique (I don't take it well, but have been learning to separate "me" from "my photo".) At least my photo got some points in the finalist ranking. I was pleased and actually able to reframe it as "At least you're not on the bottom!"
As to comp, I actually don't even know what fill flash is (still a very baby photographer, can't even use Photoshop yet!). But I get your drift from the description you wrote.
The photo was not posed so I wasn't thinking about lighting and such. I always shoot on manual and rarely if ever use a flash (way beginner here and actually dislike the way flash makes things look in most circumstances, likely since I'm coming over from Black & White film to very newly, digital). I was thinking about the #12 subject and thought about the difference between love and lust. If you're laying there after a loving moment, you're likely to be looking at your partner. If after lust (especially empty types of lust), you might be considering that lamp or plant or whatever across the room. So the thought I did put into it was that I wanted the distance to be in focus rather than the hands.
I will try messing around with the flash technique you described and see what the results look like.
Aesthetics: good idea, but I would prefer something a bit more, in your face. Without the title, the reference to sin is a little less than obvious. Then again, I am something of a voyuer.
You need some fill flash here. Force fire your flash with a diffusor, and you'll get a lot more detail out of the hands. the natural light here just isn't enough.[/quote]
I say..it is GREAT that many say..."I didn't enter the competition to Win, I just want to learn", well if you JUST want that, then there are MANY threads in DGRIN that help that area....my philosphy if you enter a competition you enter with a pre-conceived notion, "Maybe I am Just Good Enough to Win"...That is what competitions are about..and in the words of JUSTICIERO (which I agree with)..."You are placing your work up against others to see just how good you are, for the Thrill of it all"..(sorry if I misquoted..lol)
Exactly!!!!! It 'is' a learning experience, but mostly about personal taste. I like that though, as it creates more ideas and possibilities, when you get feedback at any rate. For me, it isn't so much a trust issue, but I do agree with you there, just an easily confused issue. Too much noise or opinion clouds my own judgement and I find myself then creating an image for someone else, to make them happy. So, I just stick my neck out and hope for the best. The reason I don't expect to win is mostly my attitude because I just take what I like, and lacking PS knowledge. I have learned the basics and that's it, so I appreciate that that is one area I will always be second best. the enhancements. I do like the 'thrill' of competition, more than posting a pic for comment. If I wanted advice on a technical improvement, I wouldn't hesitate to post in a thread though. I guess I enter for the fun of it and yeah, put your 'best' out there and see what happens.
I was pleased and actually able to reframe it as "At least you're not on the bottom!"
Well, you beat me, so you must be doing something right!
As to comp, I actually don't even know what fill flash is (still a very baby photographer, can't even use Photoshop yet!). But I get your drift from the description you wrote.
Fill flash is when you use flash to fill in the dark areas of a subject that is backlit. It is the most useful non-obvious thing I have ever learned in photography, right up there with discovering how aperture works. There are a lot of tutorials on Dgrin that will explain how to use it better than I can.
I always shied away from flash for the reasons you mentioned- unmodified flash usually washes out subjects and makes them look like crap. A diffusor really helps that. I use the Gary Fong lightsphere myself, but again, there are lots of great discussions on this forum with good info. I mine them for ideas and techniques all the time.
Remember, all the other crap can be learned, but if you have the eye, you are already most of the way there.
Theme: Wow. This is so in theme. There couldn't be a more in theme photo than this one.
Aesthetics: Outstanding work. No detractions from me here. The lighting is perfect, particularly on the wood grain. The photo is stock still, but it screams of violence. It is a sad photo full of loathing, guilt, fear, and pain. Very, very powerful. I like that the subject is unknown. I feel like the subject of the photo has always been invisible, and that is how she ended up here. Damn.
Wow, Once again I have to say I am humbled to be included in peoples picks and thankful for the critiques received. I feel like I have learned so much over the past few months but still I have a long way to go to reach my destination. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and experiment with what I love doing. Now if only I could get paid to do it..................
Aesthetics: This one is really hard to judge. It straight up portrait that is essentially about the character of the person (that is to say, a real "portrait" as opposed to an image of a person) is an interestign choice for this contest, and its interesting to attempt to decipher it.
This portrait is really well done. The techs are all good, but beyond that, you have done an excellent job of capturing, to my mind, the depth of this person's character. I see resolution, doubt, strength, and weariness all together in this person's face. It also conveys this in an extremely understated way, and in a way that imbues the subject with a certain nobility. The more I look at this photo, the more I like it.
Considering the title of this thread uses the word Abrasive I am quite pleased you derived so much insight and enjoyment from my entry.
Thanks for your time and thoughts on not only my image but all the others
each critique is a great insight and very enjoyable.
Comments
Justiceiro,
Thanks for providing thoughtful feedback on my submission. I picked that tablecloth because I was trying to go for the old-time ice cream shop look, but now that you mention it, it does remind me more of a picnic setting, heh.
O contraire! We should all listen to Justi's critiques and decide for ourselves if we want to include them in our array. Then we go forward doing our thing. Eventually, the random selection of judges will coincide with our own art, and of course eventually also with Justi's opinions. Imagine if, when the random selection of judges did actually agree with Justi, we all had in that round decided to do the exact opposite, the judges would have to throw out all of the entries!
Seriously now, I suspect that when we see how the individual judges voted, it will be like all other rounds. There will likely be around 5 clear choices the are in each list, and then each list will diverge. What would be of interest would be to study the "5" for what sets them apart. I thing you will see clearly fine photography there.
But comparing Justi's top 10 with the entire scoring list, Justi' comment that the judges don't agree with him carries significance, as ony 3 of his top 10 were selected as top 10, another one made it into the top 15, and then only another into the top 20. If we all took a look at our own top picks, there would be a similar progression, some more, some less!
www.HoofClix.com / Personal Facebook / Facebook Page
and I do believe its true.. that there are roads left in both of our shoes..
I enjoyed the feedback from this round. No image is ever perfect and feedback is something you can take on board or ignore. It is nice that you also provide positives with your down sides, which, in my case, have added more depth and possibility!
Competitions are inspiration - not a near-death experience. However, I think waiting for your comments today almost felt like one lol and I don't know how many times I thanked myself for changing images as you would have torn the first one apart technically - and rightly so I must add - as I was doing that myself!!!
I don't like to ask for opinions on a shot as people come and go and you must learn to trust your own judgement and personal taste to some extent. Let's face it - it's your wall the image will hang on - or album etc etc. SO whilst I won't ask for opinion before I enter - I really dug this element of the whole challenge.
Tah!
I totally feel yah, cuz I'm in "awe" at the judgement outcome...a couple of the winners were definently in my winners list....and that is all I'm going to say.
I liked the "It all started innocently" photo....but in my minds eye...I saw a bit of a different composition...I saw wedding band or if the lighting had been a bit more, a tan line of the wedding band....maybe some subdued color'd lights in the background (club effect) or some females standing in the distance.....
I didn't think too much about the "ice" in the glass..cuz unfortunately I have done the ultimate sin of putting ice in my wine..(don't kill me...lol) Heck I like Heineken Beer with Ice...The Ultimate Sin....my taste palette does not like the "twang" when it is "warm"...but I love it when it is super cold....(Ok Kill me now).
If anything, at least with this thread, it is a great thing, to see so many varied "visions" of what people actually interpret what they get from a composition..
Take Care and Warmest Regards,
Donna
Totally understand where your coming from,
and I add, "Afterall this is a competition and who in their right mind enters a competition and wants to loose??" ("Not I" sayeth the blindman) Call it distrusting if you please, but how can you really "trust" a critique that is given on your photo, when they who are critiquing are also contestants?? (DISCLAIMER: I'm not saying anyone here has done that, but hey you never know lol)
I, a couple of times, have submitted photos for critique, perhaps to be a "team player" and then I realized..Wait, this is NOT a Team (no offense) this is a competition and these are my competitors...if I was out in the Real World, I would NOT be asking my advertising competition for advice on a job I was trying to land?
Egads, I know that sounds terrible, and I really don't mean to sound that way, as I do have a few photograhic peers that I speak with here and if they asked me in "private" what I thought of their photo, I would w/o a doubt give them my honest opinion....You know as a lawyers would say..."Strictly Off The Record"...lol
I will say that I like the "After Glow"....once the winners have been selected then the post conversation of critique, who were your favorites and why, because this is the After Glow, and your pre-advice, pre-notions, had no influence on the winning selections..
I say..it is GREAT that many say..."I didn't enter the competition to Win, I just want to learn", well if you JUST want that, then there are MANY threads in DGRIN that help that area....my philosphy if you enter a competition you enter with a pre-conceived notion, "Maybe I am Just Good Enough to Win"...That is what competitions are about..and in the words of JUSTICIERO (which I agree with)..."You are placing your work up against others to see just how good you are, for the Thrill of it all"..(sorry if I misquoted..lol)
His actual words...lol
OK Kill Me
Oooohhhh, you like Heineken? Now that is a sin - at least for FL girls, even if they are northern transplants......:D
My Images | My Lessons Learned and Other Adventures
Thanks for taking the time to critique. And of course, for liking the shot! As for the mac - either my husband gets a new mac, or I get a lens.
Also, for the record - he's not left handed, would probably die before using a one-button mouse, and he uses the internet for looking at model helicopters. Which is a bit more expensive than porn.
I have definitely been there.
Thanks for the critique, Justiceiro. I knew I was taking a risk by not portraying an illustration of a virtue or vice and just spelled it out. I actually wanted to drive an hour to our old church which does an Adopt A Block program on Saturdays and gives out massive amounts of food in LA's inner city. But... as my husband works Saturdays, I'd have to heft my 3 little boys with me. And there's really no focusing on photography while managing my 3 little men!
www.feliciabphotography.com
Thanks for the critique Justi. I have to admit, I think this is without a doubt the worst shot I've ever publicly displayed...glad you dug it!
#10 Pure by Banjon
Thank you for your well balanced critique and reply. It was exciting just entering our first contest
Regards,
Rich and Barb (Canucks).
www.feliciabphotography.com
Thanks for the little mini critique. This was my first post ever to DGrin and second to a contest. It's definitely a learning process. I noticed my heart in my mouth, as well as my stomach, waiting to see any critique (I don't take it well, but have been learning to separate "me" from "my photo".) At least my photo got some points in the finalist ranking. I was pleased and actually able to reframe it as "At least you're not on the bottom!"
As to comp, I actually don't even know what fill flash is (still a very baby photographer, can't even use Photoshop yet!). But I get your drift from the description you wrote.
The photo was not posed so I wasn't thinking about lighting and such. I always shoot on manual and rarely if ever use a flash (way beginner here and actually dislike the way flash makes things look in most circumstances, likely since I'm coming over from Black & White film to very newly, digital). I was thinking about the #12 subject and thought about the difference between love and lust. If you're laying there after a loving moment, you're likely to be looking at your partner. If after lust (especially empty types of lust), you might be considering that lamp or plant or whatever across the room. So the thought I did put into it was that I wanted the distance to be in focus rather than the hands.
I will try messing around with the flash technique you described and see what the results look like.
Thanks again!
Heather
http://shutterflies.smugmug.com
**********************************
#35 Heather U-K- After Lust
Theme: it fits
Aesthetics: good idea, but I would prefer something a bit more, in your face. Without the title, the reference to sin is a little less than obvious. Then again, I am something of a voyuer.
You need some fill flash here. Force fire your flash with a diffusor, and you'll get a lot more detail out of the hands. the natural light here just isn't enough.[/quote]
Well, you beat me, so you must be doing something right
Fill flash is when you use flash to fill in the dark areas of a subject that is backlit. It is the most useful non-obvious thing I have ever learned in photography, right up there with discovering how aperture works. There are a lot of tutorials on Dgrin that will explain how to use it better than I can.
I always shied away from flash for the reasons you mentioned- unmodified flash usually washes out subjects and makes them look like crap. A diffusor really helps that. I use the Gary Fong lightsphere myself, but again, there are lots of great discussions on this forum with good info. I mine them for ideas and techniques all the time.
Remember, all the other crap can be learned, but if you have the eye, you are already most of the way there.
Good luck!
Yep! This was another of my faves! Good stuff!
Theme: Wow. This is so in theme. There couldn't be a more in theme photo than this one.
Aesthetics: Outstanding work. No detractions from me here. The lighting is perfect, particularly on the wood grain. The photo is stock still, but it screams of violence. It is a sad photo full of loathing, guilt, fear, and pain. Very, very powerful. I like that the subject is unknown. I feel like the subject of the photo has always been invisible, and that is how she ended up here. Damn.
Wow, Once again I have to say I am humbled to be included in peoples picks and thankful for the critiques received. I feel like I have learned so much over the past few months but still I have a long way to go to reach my destination. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and experiment with what I love doing. Now if only I could get paid to do it..................
Thanks again
Joe
Thanks for your time and thoughts on not only my image but all the others
each critique is a great insight and very enjoyable.