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After talking with 2goldens, I figured a good theme for this month's contest would be misplaced. I figured I would leave it intentionally ambiguous so we could each come up with our own ideas. For example, it could mean something is missing (a lost sneaker/missing wallet), something that doesn't belong (a chess piece on a checker board/beer at a wine bar), or something abstract (lost time).
Misplaced sounds like fun. I guess there are lots of things one could come up with.
Although I agree with some of you here that the point in taking a picture is not just push the button on random objects. Anyhoo, sometimes it's just what makes a picture perfect, to be at the right place at the right time and then you only have the choice of point and shoot or let the moment pass by.
Misplaced sounds like fun. I guess there are lots of things one could come up with.
Although I agree with some of you here that the point in taking a picture is not just push the button on random objects. Anyhoo, sometimes it's just what makes a picture perfect, to be at the right place at the right time and then you only have the choice of point and shoot or let the moment pass by.
Your comments are right on. I enjoy the photos that are "caught as a moment in time", but not those that are staged. I do wish the contests would not permit "staged" shots. There is not as much creativity and challenge in those and. as a result, while the photo may look lovely, it doesn't touch the deeper inner chord of the viewer. At least, I'm not stirred by them, possibly because they feel fabricated and commercial, without the magic of that "Kodak moment" when you are in the right place at the right time and you have to shoot or let the moment pass by.
Although I agree with some of you here that the point in taking a picture is not just push the button on random objects. Anyhoo, sometimes it's just what makes a picture perfect, to be at the right place at the right time and then you only have the choice of point and shoot or let the moment pass by.
I guess my take on assignments and contests is a little different than yours. In my opinion, assignment and contest photos require a little more forethought than trying to capture a moment at the right place and time. For that, I see the "Daily Random Photos" thread (and the dozens of threads) in this forum as a great place to show off your work. I see the assignments and contests as specific scenarios that demand greater practice and execution. Again, in my opinion, we should be shooting to meet specific criteria, and not sorting through our month's photos to see what, if anything, meets the current requirements.
I enjoy the photos that are "caught as a moment in time", but not those that are staged. I do wish the contests would not permit "staged" shots. There is not as much creativity and challenge in those and. as a result, while the photo may look lovely, it doesn't touch the deeper inner chord of the viewer.
Staging and photography go hand in hand. A typical landscape looks best early in the morning or late in the afternoon. So, we all try to stage around this concept, try to frame objects that fit conventional ideas (rule of thirds etc). Very few dare to step out.
While you may be talking about artificially prepared shots, for example, dressing up a pet to take a photo of the pet, we do get to vote based on logic over emotions. But it also leaves room for people to be creative with staging. And even when they aren't, we could still vote based on our perception of quality of the presentation.
In assignment threads, for example, we don't compete for votes. The idea is to try explore specific areas and possibly learn from it. Meson's contribution in "Time Lapse" is a great example. I've seen several pictures using the idea but never tried it myself. So, the idea isn't original, but that it occurred to Meson, that it would fit right in, and that an attempt was made, now prompts me to try it, and possibly learn from it.
EinsteinsGhost, I see what you mean. It does open up the scope to all levels of proficiency, from the beginner with a point and shoot digital camera, to the professional with lots of lenses, filters, and know-how. As a photography forum, it's right that it meets the needs of people at all levels. I totally understand, and support that.
Since June marks the start of summer, how about summer in your hometown?
I didn't read anyone else's comments yet, but I like the idea!
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