DanShell wrote: I do have a thing for the photo to have to match the actual subject it was entered for
DanShell wrote: It may or may not have the best composition or lighting or post processing but its always the most appealing to ME.
DanShell wrote:I do have a thing for the photo to have to match the actual subject it was entered for and I will at time shy away from a pic that was taken by a professional photographer (ei, watermark on pic!) although they all are at times worthy of coming from a professional photographers camera
Kainas wrote:DanShell wrote:I do have a thing for the photo to have to match the actual subject it was entered for and I will at time shy away from a pic that was taken by a professional photographer (ei, watermark on pic!) although they all are at times worthy of coming from a professional photographers camera
I do the same on both counts.
Kainas wrote:Generally I look for:
Quality (all the low quality, under-exposed, over-processed shots become eliminated - kind of like I would when I delete photos on my computer)
Composition (By far the most important aspect). This is what separates a photo album shots from one that should be framed.
Appeal (Would I hang this on my wall? - the emphasis being on me. Sometimes I see a really good photo, but it bores me because I have seen it a thousand times. I generally like stuff that sets my imagination running.)
from a pic that was taken by a professional photographer (ei, watermark on pic!)
gayet wrote:from a pic that was taken by a professional photographer (ei, watermark on pic!)
The watermark is not only used by professionals. I use one sometimes and I am a long way from professional.
stepbystep wrote:gayet wrote:from a pic that was taken by a professional photographer (ei, watermark on pic!)
The watermark is not only used by professionals. I use one sometimes and I am a long way from professional.
I watermark my images for the simple reason that they get pinched. A blogger that uses this site stole some of my pics inserted them in their blog and never asked or credited me. A watermark simply makes people stop and think before they pilfer. This has happened quite a lot. I call myself a hobbyist photographer but I have been paid a few times, exhibit occasionally and have sold a few prints. Hardly professional! I literally know scores of photographers that watermark for the same reason.
I like interesting composition(this is really subjective) and a nice balance in exposure. I also like interesting and remote locations. If you enter a shot of the Dove Lake boat shed it's unlikely to get my vote, this is a bushwalking photo comp, if you can drive to the location it doesn't pass muster imho.
MickyB wrote:I totally understand why you would watermark your photos stepbystep but the photos you enter into the competitions are not watermarked are they?
stepbystep wrote:MickyB wrote:I totally understand why you would watermark your photos stepbystep but the photos you enter into the competitions are not watermarked are they?
Nope, that'd make the voting system a bit dodgy if they were ID'd. I'm not obsessive over it but image theft is getting pretty bad. I've got no drama with people downloading pics they like, but to use them and pass them off as their own is not on.
MickyB wrote:If you want to stop people downloading your pictures then just do what I do - take crappy photos.
Kainas wrote:I have no problems with post-processing, as long as it enhances the picture in a natural way. Basically if it can be done in lightroom then it is okay by me, as long as it doesn't become cartoonish.
stepbystep wrote:Kainas wrote:I have no problems with post-processing, as long as it enhances the picture in a natural way. Basically if it can be done in lightroom then it is okay by me, as long as it doesn't become cartoonish.
Correct. The simple fact is, many shots can't look natural without some manipulation. I basically underexpose the shot a touch in the field then knock back highlights and boost shadows, straighten the horizon, push the clarity/contrast and vibrance if necessary, and perhaps crop. HDR is an acquired taste, I'm not a fan, but have seen it used in a way I do like. Focus stacking is something I'm interested in exploring more, done well it makes the shot far more realistic than normal shooting.
icefest wrote:Personally, the reason I have little issue with PP is that this:
Didn't look at all like this when I was there.
This is a much better representation of what it was like:
walkon wrote:What's sad with pp is that it takes away from the skill in knowing how to control and use the camera effectively. From what I've seen most pp work done wouldn't be needed if the user knew how to operate the camera. Talk of shutter speed, aperture, iso is lost on some people yet they can tell you how to fix it on the computer. If they just spent a bit more time learning how to actually use the camera they would be a far better photographer and save themselves time on the computer.
icefest wrote:This is a much better representation of what it was like:
walkon wrote:I guess my preference in music and photography are similar, I prefer it live and not over produced
walkon wrote:What's sad with pp is that it takes away from the skill in knowing how to control and use the camera effectively. From what I've seen most pp work done wouldn't be needed if the user knew how to operate the camera. Talk of shutter speed, aperture, iso is lost on some people yet they can tell you how to fix it on the computer. If they just spent a bit more time learning how to actually use the camera they would be a far better photographer and save themselves time on the computer.
tom_brennan wrote:I usually start by short-listing the ones that catch my eye as I'm scrolling through. This tends to be due to a superficial combination of lighting and composition.
Then of those, I'll eliminate any that have technical issues. The most common fault (from my perspective) seems to be blown highlights. Also, overly aggressive post processing. I'm comfortable with PP, but just don't push it too far. That usually leaves 2 or 3 (though sometimes just 1, in which case it's easy). At that point I'll go back and see which of the ones that’s left catches my fancy. Not always easy, as they're usually all good photos. Sometimes it's just a toss of a coin.
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I'm also picky about Landscapes in the Non-Landscape comp – there seem to be a few each month, and I rule them out straight away.
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