The unfortunate thing about the monthly challenge...

[sheepie]

The unfortunate thing at the moment is the relative lack of creative pictures being posted. While there are some, back when the photo-a-day challenge was on we were stretching our imagination, and it was interesting to see what everyone had come up with each day.

With the challenge on, especially as we are only allowed to submit once, the creativity doesn't seem what it used to be.

Looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with for the challenge, but I would encourage all to continue posting examples of what they're up to. It's not only useful for the photo taker to get feedback, but assists us all greatly in our learning-curve of how to get the most from our equipment.

Regards,

[sirhc55]

I think you will find Sheepie that because it is monthly those who are contemplating an entry are trying harder to find the right subject - one wants to try their best because, due to Birddogs generosity, there are some fantasic goodies to be won.

I am sure that in the last few days there will be an influx of photos - as you say, some good and some bad.

Cheers

Chris

[bago100]

Hi Sheepie

I've suggested to MHD that early comp entries perhaps should attract a premium. Perhaps extra points should be allocated somehow to reward those who post early.

I've got my pic ready but am hoping like heck to take a better one between now and close of comp. I know I can and feel it in the bones. Recon that's probably what all the contestants are thinking.

Should we throw it open to discussion maybe?

Graham

[sheepie]

Agree - Most will be holding back until the 'right' image comes along (I am certainly in this boat).

What I am asking is that people continue to post examples of their work on the forum as well.

Obviously, you're not going to post a pic you think may end up being your entry, but others would be great. Some are posting examples of their work, and that's great - I'm just encouraging others to join in as well

I, for one, get considerable inspiration from other's work.

[phillipb]

I don't see why you should be rewarded for being first to post a picture. So what if most of the photos go in on the last couple of days, they're available for view permanently after the competition anyway.
In traditional photo competitions, you submit an entry and the photo doesn't even get exibited till the judging is over.
I do agree with Sheepie though, people could post their rejects as long as their final entry isn't obviously similar.

[Flyer]

Hi Sheepie

I've suggested to MHD that early comp entries perhaps should attract a premium. Perhaps extra points should be allocated somehow to reward those who post early.


Graham

I don't agree with this proposal.
There could be many reasons why people submit late. Some will wait for that special time/light/moment; others will wait to see what other members posted before submitting. And there are some people (myself included for this challenge) that might not have the time to shoot/submit early.
The idea is to submit a photo WITHIN nominated time frame. Then the best photos will be selected by all members. To "reward" early submissions might create situation where some members will "rush" their photos in hoping to attract extra points.
My 2 cents worth...

[Greg B]

Sorry Graham, I don't like the early post premium either. It isn't a race. I tend to the view that no entries should be available to view until the competition is closed for entries.

[sirhc55]

I agree with Greg and Flyer

Chris

[bago100]

OK OK!!! - I surrender

I was just trying to see if there was some way to relieve the stress and worry MHD has at the end of the month!

Mind you, he might enjoy the mad end of month rush, but I doubt it.

Sorry to offend

Graham

[Greg B]

OK OK!!! - I surrender

I was just trying to see if there was some way to relieve the stress and worry MHD has at the end of the month!

Mind you, he might enjoy the mad end of month rush, but I doubt it.

Sorry to offend

Graham

Graham, there is no offence by making a suggestion - suggestions bring discussions, it is all good. Given MHD's success in the first comp, maybe that bit of stess will be his handicap

Seriously, one of the strong attributes of this forum is the friendly exchange of ideas and mature differences of opinion.

[phillipb]

Graham,
You're probably right about MHD and the last minute rush but I think that Greg B's solution would be better. Not seeing what other people have put in would be fairer for everyone in my opinion.

[MHD]

Yes I apreciated the suggestion Graham! But I also agree with the above

I do have a good feeling that there are all these people out there looking with an artistic and critical eye all for the comp...

Let me have a thnk for a while and I will come up with an idea for a more fequent comp..
Perhaps somewhat like the image a day comp...

[MHD]

Sorry Graham, I don't like the early post premium either. It isn't a race. I tend to the view that no entries should be available to view until the competition is closed for entries.

hmmm interesting!

[xerubus]

I tend to agree in the not seeing images posted until the comp closes... this would force people to take the time to try and get 'that' shot which is in their mind, rather than trying to out-do another shot....

the purpose of challenges is to challenge yourself, and more importantly to learn. one of the best ways to learn is to try and emulate something which stirs an emotion or thought within yourself. if you find that your shot is not getting the critique you are after, it makes you sit back and absorb what people are saying, and to recognise attributes from other people's photography which could help you improve your own shots.

sorry for the dribble... it's all a learning curve.

[Greg B]

I think it would provide a level playing field MHD. Those couple of entries already posted might get overlooked in the surge towards the end. Most competitions are only available for judging when all entries are in.

[MHD]

Ok I will experiment....

[MHD]

Its kind of hard to do it for this challenge....

What I will do for the next one is leave the submit closed for a long time and only open it up for the week before...

[bago100]

Thanks MHD

That might be the way to go for the moment.

I recon the comp has to be just as much fun for you as it is for us.

Cheers

Graham

[birddog114]

Hi All,

Here's my suggestion:

We will take a break after this challenge No:2 until Feb 05 and can we have the challenge run every month? I'll allocate prize or each challenge as the first ones, and we will have a big challenge like this No2 for July, so it's ready for August 05, The D70 Users forum's anni.

Perhaps there's a big dinner once again!

What do you guy think?

[MHD]

Thanks MHD

That might be the way to go for the moment.

I recon the comp has to be just as much fun for you as it is for us.

Cheers

Graham

It is!!! Believe me!

It is fantastic to have something practical to do with my site!

[Nnnnsic]

I've suggested to MHD that early comp entries perhaps should attract a premium. Perhaps extra points should be allocated somehow to reward those who post early.

I could have sworn that these competitions were for good images, not speed of shooting and post-processing.

[MHD]

I modeled the idea of this comp and some of the rules off another comp (based at the other site)
And when I started I knew there would be a last minute rush! As that is what happens there... 80% of images submitted on the last day...

The only disadvantage in a just in time entry will be if there are any technical issues it may render your photo invalid...

As I said, so far as technical issues it will be all care! That said it should all be smooth sailing, most of the bugs have been worked out, for the feb challenge I might try hacking the code a bit more!

And I might run a critique page for random images where people can leave comments and vote