Photo Competitions - Expansion

Discussion in 'Photo Competitions' started by Fat Controller, Jan 20, 2018.

  1. Sheal

    Sheal Total Gardener

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    It's good to see the Photo Competition threads are to have a little make over. And I like the re-introduction of the winners thread now known as 'Champion of Champions'. :)

    I'm probably one of those who has won competitions on a number of occasions but that is down to my own ability (however it's judged) with a camera. I haven't taken any courses and am self taught as with all my hobbies. I started out with a point and shoot camera, so the type of camera used has nothing to do with an image being good or bad. As @ARMANDII mentioned some people have an 'eye' for a good shot but that doesn't mean they've gained that from any form of training, it's just a natural ability. Competitions are won by voting, the person who wins is not responsible for any bias towards - or against them.

    I agreed with your opinion on this at the time "M" and still do. But I accepted that Wiseowl's and Admin's decision is final.

    Exactly!

    Many members have different photographic skills where as others don't have any at all. So the choice has to be made between what some see as a well taken image, and others as an image they like. Either way we may wonder why a member made a particular choice and we have to assume that there is no personal bias involved.

    Although I have been known to query certain aspects of the competitions along the way, I have accepted Admin's decisions as final and appreciate it's not always easy to make those decisions.
     
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      Last edited: Jan 21, 2018
    • shiney

      shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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      I'm a little lost here! :scratch:

      Members post their pictures, members cast their vote. Simples :noidea:

      Individuals are bound to have their own biases as to what they think constitutes fitting the criteria of the competition. Therefore it will, obviously, appear to some members that others think totally differently from them. This will be a personal bias. I don't think it matters much whether a particular photo fits the brief as all the members (that bother to vote) are the judges. The members are entitled to have their own individual biases but the more members that vote the less effect biases will have.

      Whether the members may have been on courses or not is irrelevant. That is up to them.

      From my point of view, I have had professional training but have not used that training in over 20 years. My camera that I used to use has been in the back of the cupboard for longer than that time. It required training, of sorts, to use as it was a totally manual camera (don't think they make them like that any more). I stopped using it, although I loved it, because it and its lenses were getting too heavy for me to lug around.

      I bought myself a simple point and shoot digital and was pleasantly surprised with the results. When that finally gave up the ghost I bought a digital 'bridge' camera. This has a number (too many) of manual settings but a fixed lens. I've had it for over ten years and never used any of the settings and it remains on 'Auto'. So, although I have the training I do exactly what most members do and just take snaps.

      I admit that I have the skill to notice that when I'm taking a picture of somebody in the street I make sure they don't have a lamppost sticking out of their head or a dustbin in the background. :heehee:

      Please, just enter the competitions and also vote. :blue thumb: Accept that some members may be biased (for good or bad) and ignore any you don't like. I try to enter most of the monthly competitions but admit that I struggle sometimes to find a shot that fits the brief (and can't be bothered, or lack the time, to go out looking for something to fit it). The competitions are there to b enjoyed and if it's not 'your thing' then don't take part. :)
       
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      • Phil A

        Phil A Guest

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        No training and point and shoot camera here too :scratch:
         
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        • Fat Controller

          Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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          No training and a camera on a phone here.

          EDIT - no skill either :heehee:
           
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            Last edited: Jan 21, 2018
          • Gail_68

            Gail_68 Guest

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            @Fat Controller That's all I use is a phone :heehee:
             
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            • wiseowl

              wiseowl FRIENDLY ADMIN Staff Member

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              @"M" I was always taught that if I couldn't say anything good about something then I should not say anything at all,I consider yours views on the Monthly Photo Comp,negative and demoralising to me as I have always tried to be fair and honest in running the Photo Comp.
               
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              • Jiffy

                Jiffy The Match is on Fire

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                All my pic's are from a self taught persons, any thing that i have learnt is from taking pic's and asking some questions on GC, must of mine are just luck, i use a point and shoot, bridge camera and a acution camera if out walking and see something, as for voting i look at all pictures and then vote for what i think is the best pictures
                 
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                • alana

                  alana Super Gardener

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                  I guess I'm the member this is aimed at :smile: No offence was intended but it has struck a nerve because it's still being brought up many weeks later.

                  Perhaps a solution to the disgruntled non winner/s of the competition would be to hold a "novices" section for those whose who've not won in the past. Maybe some of the more experienced photographers on the site could help with advice.

                  Regarding the running of the competition - I have always found it fun, friendly and informative. I'm grateful and appreciative to the admin team who give up their time to run this site.
                   
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                  • "M"

                    "M" Total Gardener

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                    I offer you my most sincere apologies, woo. I can see why you feel that way, although that was not my intention when my fingers were hitting the keyboard. I am truly sorry to have demoralised you with negative comments.
                     
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                    • wiseowl

                      wiseowl FRIENDLY ADMIN Staff Member

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                      Hi @"M" my friend no worries you hit a weak spot,I shall have to get a thicker skin;):blue thumb:
                       
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                      • Jack McHammocklashing

                        Jack McHammocklashing Sludgemariner

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                        Well "M" your post has certainly brought the competition to peoples attention :-) so well done

                        Next I can not agree on your view of the same people winning, Maybe it is because it is the same four people who actually take part in every comp, so are bound to be the most frequent winners

                        I like the competition only this past year has been really bad for me and I have been unable to put my heart into it, though I will be back

                        Thanks "M" for your opinion

                        Thank you Woo for all the hard work you put in and I look forward to be able to enter into the photo spirit more in the near future
                         
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                        • "M"

                          "M" Total Gardener

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                          Good point, Jack, and well presented; thank you.
                          I know how challenging this past year has been for you :grphg: I'll be delighted to see you posting in the photo comp once again :thumbsup:
                           
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                          • Fat Controller

                            Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                            And I am sure that everyone, bar none, would welcome your contributions too @"M" - - I believe that there should be no doubt, but in case there is.... your contributions are as welcomed, and enjoyed by all, and I for one would seek to encourage you to continue to contribute. A forum is nothing without its members, and for it to be truly successful, participation is needed,

                            Or, in laymans terms - better to be inside peeing out, than to be outside peeing in.
                             
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                            • Sheal

                              Sheal Total Gardener

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                              @wiseowl your ability to manage the competitions has never been in question. You do and always have managed them excellently. :dbgrtmb:
                               
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                              • Fat Controller

                                Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                                I could not agree more - from a purely technical perspective, our @wiseowl does a remarkable job, and makes sure that the posting, voting and subsequent winners are stated and posted as appropriate; the rest of the staff team don't have to worry about it, as he does such a superb job - and no-one, literally no-one, could overestimate the respect that we all have for @wiseowl.

                                If one single thing falls out from this exercise, I would wish it to be that the photo comps get the attention they deserve, based on the hard work that @wiseowl does every month.
                                 
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