Being relatively new here & newer to the challenges, excuse my ignorance, but what are the differences between the DSS & LPS?
Also, on the subject of challenge etiquette, it would be nice to have a sticky setting out what's cool & what's not. Not rules - just suggestions, recommendations or guidelines for participating in the challenges. You can't not do what you don't know.* Reasons behind them would be really nice (if it's not obvious - like apparently fish photo etiquette is that you are only supposed to display the left side of a fish, unless it is asymetrical - but I have no idea why & I'm pretty sure I need to go flip some of my photos to comply - flipping is okay). For me, it's easier to remember a guideline if I know the reason for it.
*Sorry for the grammar, but it seemed appropriate.
Being relatively new here & newer to the challenges, excuse my ignorance, but what are the differences between the DSS & LPS?
There are many similarities between both. LPS was a 1 year long challenge that had photographers competing for the top 40 spots available at the very end to shoot it out for the top big prize. SmugMug, being very generous had put up some amazing prizes. One of the prizes that I personally was after was the lifetime Pro SmugMug membership. I was ecstatic when it was decided that in DSS (the new incarnation of LPS), each quarter there would be a Lifetime SmugMug membership available to be won.
We were very lucky to have been given a second chance as there were several things that happened during LPS that gave the volunteer organizers a feeling of distaste. The new DSS was devised to be similar and has now evolved into what you see today, largely community driven, with the guidance of a moderator.
... Also, on the subject of challenge etiquette, it would be nice to have a sticky setting out what's cool & what's not. Not rules - just suggestions, recommendations or guidelines for participating in the challenges.
There is such a thread located as a sticky called: The DGRIN SHARP SHOOTERS (DSS) Challenges (Quick links to all things official)
Here you will find many tidbits of information and guidelines, as well as the rules. You can also search The Dgrin Challenges forum for years of drama and discussion on almost all of the subjects that come up on a regular basis. Things such as captions, voting for yourself, composites etc.
I have updated the rules to include this guideline. (not a rule)
Under number 10. Name Your Entry: (Please try to be imaginative with your choice of caption. It is suggested not to use any of the words from a theme in your caption, to give it some spice and individuality. You should also keep your title as short as possible, if you can enhance your image with one to three words it will leave a lasting impression on the person viewing your work.)
.............(Please try to be imaginative with your choice of caption. It is suggested not to use any of the words from a theme in your caption, to give it some spice and individuality. You should also keep your title as short as possible, if you can enhance your image with one to three words it will leave a lasting impression on the person viewing your work.)
Thanks Sean! Of course it's there - this forum is very nicely organized, I just forget to look at what's in front of me sometimes - I do remember reading those months ago! (& I'm glad I looked back at this thread before posting this, cuz I had typed the question Would it be possible ... & you must have read my mind!) Thanks again
I believe that I am proof that the voting is not a popularity contest.
I have been a member for less than a month and placed 1st and 4th in the two I have entered. (although I am still surprised with all the amazing images that get entered that I place at all)
In the limited time I have spent here every person seems to be genuinely interested in the art that photography is.
When they see something they love they let you know. When they feel they can help you make it better they give advice. The direct advice and lurking I have done here the last month has truly improved my enjoyment and skill in all areas of photography.
I love this place! The challenges are just icing on the cake for me. They really get my mind going in different directions and the advice here is invaluable.
I never thought about having the subject in the title till now. I had it in both my entries but for me it just seemed to fit. But I can understand how that can take away from the photo and plan to think a little harder on the title next time around
Thank you again Sean for taking the time to run these challenges. Great job!
sapphire73Registered Users, Super ModeratorsPosts: 1,976moderator
edited May 30, 2011
I remember seeing a thread about the optimum dimensions for entries - to avoid compression - but can't find it now. If I have an image that is currently 5,074 pixels high and 3,039 wide, what should I be aiming for? I usually upload my entries and let Smug Mug handle the rest, but this image has unusual proportions.... Thanks!
I remember seeing a thread about the optimum dimensions for entries - to avoid compression - but can't find it now. If I have an image that is currently 5,074 pixels high and 3,039 wide, what should I be aiming for? I usually upload my entries and let Smug Mug handle the rest, but this image has unusual proportions.... Thanks!
Gretchen
The gallery is set to display XL which is 1024x768. If you resize to 1024 wide and let the height be whatever the value works out to (in this case 613 pixel high), you will be set.
Edit: oops I see now your image is the opposite. So that means... All you can get it 768 pixels high by 460 wide. Smug Mug will still handle it for you without a problem.
sapphire73Registered Users, Super ModeratorsPosts: 1,976moderator
edited May 30, 2011
Preferred Pixel Dimensions for Challenge Entries
Should I be downsizing my images a bit before uploading entries to dgrin challenges? I remember seeing two threads about this kind of thing and searched to see if I could find them. I found that XL or 1024 by 768 pixels is the maximum size of the entries. Also, that someone uploaded an image that was less than 768 pixels in height and it was then displayed in the entry gallery as a L image, 800 by 600 pixels. I seem to remember Sean talking about this recently and distinguishing between vertical and horizontal orientations. To cut it short, if I was starting with a huge file (ball park 5,000 high by 3,000 wide), what should I aim for when resizing to upload to the entry gallery? I guess smug mug takes care of the large files and restricts the size to XL, but it would be good to know what the protocol is.
Should I be downsizing my images a bit before uploading entries to dgrin challenges? I remember seeing two threads about this kind of thing and searched to see if I could find them. I found that XL or 1024 by 768 pixels is the maximum size of the entries. Also, that someone uploaded an image that was less than 768 pixels in height and it was then displayed in the entry gallery as a L image, 800 by 600 pixels. I seem to remember Sean talking about this recently and distinguishing between vertical and horizontal orientations. To cut it short, if I was starting with a huge file (ball park 5,000 high by 3,000 wide), what should I aim for when resizing to upload to the entry gallery? I guess smug mug takes care of the large files and restricts the size to XL, but it would be good to know what the protocol is.
Thanks,
Gretchen
You can worry about it on your own and resize before uploading or... You can let SmugMug take care of it. The only advantage you will get resizing on your own is if you have a better way to resize than the standard.
You can worry about it on your own and resize before uploading or... You can let SmugMug take care of it. The only advantage you will get resizing on your own is if you have a better way to resize than the standard.
There are many ways one can resize an image - 10% Stair Step, all at once, varying the sharpness settings in your software or using a stand alone software package such as this one. Each method will give you varying results.
There are many ways one can resize an image - 10% Stair Step, all at once, varying the sharpness settings in your software or using a stand alone software package such as this one. Each method will give you varying results.
I have LR3 and PSE at home and saw that LR gives you the option to set the pixel dimensions when you export. The stand alone (free) program that you mentioned, looks like another good option.
There are many ways one can resize an image - 10% Stair Step, all at once, varying the sharpness settings in your software or using a stand alone software package such as this one. Each method will give you varying results.
FYI - I tested the stand alone program and it looks like it gives a slightly brighter result with my Open Door image. It appears to have a tad more definition than downsizing in Photoshop Elements - all at once. Hard to compare with what Smug Mug does but the stand alone might have the edge.
I used to call the stair step 10% way of resizing, my "secret weapon", but I have since shared the the technique with several other photographers. The stand alone application you just tried out looks like it may even be better than the stair step technique. Thanks for letting us know how it works.
I used to call the stair step 10% way of resizing, my "secret weapon", but I have since shared the the technique with several other photographers. The stand alone application you just tried out looks like it may even be better than the stair step technique. Thanks for letting us know how it works.
I haven't ever tried the stair step 10% technique, and it might work better. I'd be interested in learning about the technique sometime. While looking up reviews of the stand alone, I read that photographers tend to guard their technique for resizing one step at a time. I also saw some favorable comments about the stand alone as to the results, not necessarily the user interface.
Btw, I didn't upload the result of the stand alone downsizing to the gallery as Smug Mug has seemed to do OK in the past and I have other tasks calling, but I'll continue exploring this.
Gretchen
Edit: I uploaded 3 test images to a Smug Mug album (PSE, the stand alone, and XL saved from Smug Mug). All three files said they had the same dimension re pixels but Smug Mug would/could only display the image generated by the stand alone resizing program as L rather than XL. The other 2 could be viewed as XL. So I'm glad I didn't race to upload the image that I resized with this program. Clearly needs further exploration.
I have a question regarding EXIF.
Since I will be submitting an IR related photo, I do a lot of hue saturation adjustment, and to do that without degrading image quality too much, I need to go to TIFF flow, which unfortunately strips out the EXIF in my tools (Rawtherapee+GIMP)
I have the direct raw conversion of the same picture with EXIF, but colors will be different.
IS it possible for me to upload the "EXIF intact verison" to my gallery, and link the exif from there in the comments for the photo I finally upload.
I have a question regarding EXIF.
Since I will be submitting an IR related photo, I do a lot of hue saturation adjustment, and to do that without degrading image quality too much, I need to go to TIFF flow, which unfortunately strips out the EXIF in my tools (Rawtherapee+GIMP)
I have the direct raw conversion of the same picture with EXIF, but colors will be different.
IS it possible for me to upload the "EXIF intact verison" to my gallery, and link the exif from there in the comments for the photo I finally upload.
Sure, this is what we always do.
Here for example is my entry on the mega, with the link to the original images:
Big Update to the Winners Gallery!
Some of you may be noticing some new images popping up in the second square thumbnail on the header of the forum. It has been a little while since I updated the gallery with all of the amazing winners.
Thanks to a recent update from SmugMug I have started using the "collect photo" function giving automated links to the original gallery. The Virtual gallery collect photo function has been around for quite some time but recently the ability to arrange those collected photos within the virtual gallery was added. This makes things much easier and hopefully it will allow me to stay on top of keeping the gallery updated.
I know it is cool to see your own photo on the header so keep an eye out for your winning images up there.
Some of you may be noticing some new images popping up in the second square thumbnail on the header of the forum. It has been a little while since I updated the gallery with all of the amazing winners.
Thanks to a recent update from SmugMug I have started using the "collect photo" function giving automated links to the original gallery. The Virtual gallery collect photo function has been around for quite some time but recently the ability to arrange those collected photos within the virtual gallery was added. This makes things much easier and hopefully it will allow me to stay on top of keeping the gallery updated.
I know it is cool to see your own photo on the header so keep an eye out for your winning images up there.
Very cool Sean, thank you for doing this - it looks good
BTW: I started to browse a little the gallery and noticed a very weird comment under my entry on this gallery:
Comments
Ahhh, thanks...
I really enjoy playing even if my stuff doesn't get in to the top ten. It's good fun and I learn a lot.
Not at all - but I wondered where you were coming from with it.
BTW I too totally disagree with your evaluation of your contend-ability.
Also, on the subject of challenge etiquette, it would be nice to have a sticky setting out what's cool & what's not. Not rules - just suggestions, recommendations or guidelines for participating in the challenges. You can't not do what you don't know.* Reasons behind them would be really nice (if it's not obvious - like apparently fish photo etiquette is that you are only supposed to display the left side of a fish, unless it is asymetrical - but I have no idea why & I'm pretty sure I need to go flip some of my photos to comply - flipping is okay). For me, it's easier to remember a guideline if I know the reason for it.
*Sorry for the grammar, but it seemed appropriate.
A photograph is an artistic expression of life, captured one moment at a time . . .
http://bartlettphotoart.smugmug.com/
There are many similarities between both. LPS was a 1 year long challenge that had photographers competing for the top 40 spots available at the very end to shoot it out for the top big prize. SmugMug, being very generous had put up some amazing prizes. One of the prizes that I personally was after was the lifetime Pro SmugMug membership. I was ecstatic when it was decided that in DSS (the new incarnation of LPS), each quarter there would be a Lifetime SmugMug membership available to be won.
We were very lucky to have been given a second chance as there were several things that happened during LPS that gave the volunteer organizers a feeling of distaste. The new DSS was devised to be similar and has now evolved into what you see today, largely community driven, with the guidance of a moderator.
There is such a thread located as a sticky called: The DGRIN SHARP SHOOTERS (DSS) Challenges (Quick links to all things official)
Here you will find many tidbits of information and guidelines, as well as the rules. You can also search The Dgrin Challenges forum for years of drama and discussion on almost all of the subjects that come up on a regular basis. Things such as captions, voting for yourself, composites etc.
Agreed!
**I love 'a good title' because it's sometimes the additional moment of discovery. The ah-ha moment.
Under number 10. Name Your Entry:
(Please try to be imaginative with your choice of caption. It is suggested not to use any of the words from a theme in your caption, to give it some spice and individuality. You should also keep your title as short as possible, if you can enhance your image with one to three words it will leave a lasting impression on the person viewing your work.)
the mark of 'a good title'.......
A photograph is an artistic expression of life, captured one moment at a time . . .
http://bartlettphotoart.smugmug.com/
I believe that I am proof that the voting is not a popularity contest.
I have been a member for less than a month and placed 1st and 4th in the two I have entered. (although I am still surprised with all the amazing images that get entered that I place at all)
In the limited time I have spent here every person seems to be genuinely interested in the art that photography is.
When they see something they love they let you know. When they feel they can help you make it better they give advice. The direct advice and lurking I have done here the last month has truly improved my enjoyment and skill in all areas of photography.
I love this place! The challenges are just icing on the cake for me. They really get my mind going in different directions and the advice here is invaluable.
I never thought about having the subject in the title till now. I had it in both my entries but for me it just seemed to fit. But I can understand how that can take away from the photo and plan to think a little harder on the title next time around
Thank you again Sean for taking the time to run these challenges. Great job!
http://snaptx.smugmug.com/
Light is everything in life and photography.
Gretchen
My SmugMug Galleries
The gallery is set to display XL which is 1024x768. If you resize to 1024 wide and let the height be whatever the value works out to (in this case 613 pixel high), you will be set.
Edit: oops I see now your image is the opposite. So that means... All you can get it 768 pixels high by 460 wide. Smug Mug will still handle it for you without a problem.
Should I be downsizing my images a bit before uploading entries to dgrin challenges? I remember seeing two threads about this kind of thing and searched to see if I could find them. I found that XL or 1024 by 768 pixels is the maximum size of the entries. Also, that someone uploaded an image that was less than 768 pixels in height and it was then displayed in the entry gallery as a L image, 800 by 600 pixels. I seem to remember Sean talking about this recently and distinguishing between vertical and horizontal orientations. To cut it short, if I was starting with a huge file (ball park 5,000 high by 3,000 wide), what should I aim for when resizing to upload to the entry gallery?
Thanks,
Gretchen
My SmugMug Galleries
You can worry about it on your own and resize before uploading or... You can let SmugMug take care of it. The only advantage you will get resizing on your own is if you have a better way to resize than the standard.
Good to know. Thanks!
My SmugMug Galleries
I have LR3 and PSE at home and saw that LR gives you the option to set the pixel dimensions when you export. The stand alone (free) program that you mentioned, looks like another good option.
Many thanks,
Gretchen
My SmugMug Galleries
FYI - I tested the stand alone program and it looks like it gives a slightly brighter result with my Open Door image. It appears to have a tad more definition than downsizing in Photoshop Elements - all at once. Hard to compare with what Smug Mug does but the stand alone might have the edge.
My SmugMug Galleries
I haven't ever tried the stair step 10% technique, and it might work better. I'd be interested in learning about the technique sometime. While looking up reviews of the stand alone, I read that photographers tend to guard their technique for resizing one step at a time. I also saw some favorable comments about the stand alone as to the results, not necessarily the user interface.
Btw, I didn't upload the result of the stand alone downsizing to the gallery as Smug Mug has seemed to do OK in the past and I have other tasks calling, but I'll continue exploring this.
Gretchen
Edit: I uploaded 3 test images to a Smug Mug album (PSE, the stand alone, and XL saved from Smug Mug). All three files said they had the same dimension re pixels but Smug Mug would/could only display the image generated by the stand alone resizing program as L rather than XL. The other 2 could be viewed as XL. So I'm glad I didn't race to upload the image that I resized with this program. Clearly needs further exploration.
My SmugMug Galleries
Since I will be submitting an IR related photo, I do a lot of hue saturation adjustment, and to do that without degrading image quality too much, I need to go to TIFF flow, which unfortunately strips out the EXIF in my tools (Rawtherapee+GIMP)
I have the direct raw conversion of the same picture with EXIF, but colors will be different.
IS it possible for me to upload the "EXIF intact verison" to my gallery, and link the exif from there in the comments for the photo I finally upload.
FB:https://www.facebook.com/TanveersPhotography
Site :http://www.tanveer.in
Blog :http://tsk1979.livejournal.com
Sure, this is what we always do.
Here for example is my entry on the mega, with the link to the original images:
http://challenges.smugmug.com/Other/DSS-MC-12/17090587_4JpjPH#1300563167_JGK4TFr
TravelwaysPhotos.com ...... Facebook
VegasGreatAttractions.com
Travelways.com
FB:https://www.facebook.com/TanveersPhotography
Site :http://www.tanveer.in
Blog :http://tsk1979.livejournal.com
No, under the title, like I did at the link I gave above - did you take a look?
TravelwaysPhotos.com ...... Facebook
VegasGreatAttractions.com
Travelways.com
FB:https://www.facebook.com/TanveersPhotography
Site :http://www.tanveer.in
Blog :http://tsk1979.livejournal.com
Some of you may be noticing some new images popping up in the second square thumbnail on the header of the forum. It has been a little while since I updated the gallery with all of the amazing winners.
Thanks to a recent update from SmugMug I have started using the "collect photo" function giving automated links to the original gallery. The Virtual gallery collect photo function has been around for quite some time but recently the ability to arrange those collected photos within the virtual gallery was added. This makes things much easier and hopefully it will allow me to stay on top of keeping the gallery updated.
I know it is cool to see your own photo on the header so keep an eye out for your winning images up there.
Very cool Sean, thank you for doing this - it looks good
BTW: I started to browse a little the gallery and noticed a very weird comment under my entry on this gallery:
http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/167709#1250483131_MtFLU
It's the las comment, after my thanks. Can you please help me and delete it? I don't want such a thing there.
I hope you will help. Thank you in advance,
TravelwaysPhotos.com ...... Facebook
VegasGreatAttractions.com
Travelways.com
Actually the comment is on the entire gallery of all entries
TravelwaysPhotos.com ...... Facebook
VegasGreatAttractions.com
Travelways.com
Thank you, I missed it when doing the updates and we certainly do not want such spam type comments. It has been deleted