Picture of the Week - 17 July

[Greg B]

Sorry, but I didn't find anything which inspired me for Picture of the Week
this week.

No offence intended to those who contributed images over the past
week or so, but although I enjoyed looking at a number of them, none
grabbed me in that special PotW way.

So that's it. No PotW this week.

If you saw something you liked, post a link to the thread here and tell us why.

[Alpha_7]

I'm surprise Greg, I thought there was plenty of nice images this week.

[Killakoala]

Actually I think the picture you have posted there on the main page is a fantastic example of minimalism and shows that you do in fact have a keen eye. It's a masterpiece. The symbology of the words NOPE encased by white boundaries is pure genius. Simple and brilliant. You could so easily have picked NONE or NON or even NOT THIS WEEK, but with your mastery of the English language, you have chosen something completely unexpected and 'slangular'.

Great pick.

[macka]

Greg, you weren't trying hard enough!

My Nominations:

Wendell - Gorgeous light:


Craig - Spectacular subject, well exposed and composed (and taken at 11pm in the pouring rain, Katie tells us!):


Dviv - Another image making use of great light:


Sirch55 - I love IR, and love the minimalism and mood it has produced here:


I could keep going, but there's a limit of four images per post.

[Alpha_7]

I do like the minimalism, and Steve is right "nope" is an unexpected turn of phrase from our resident grammar pendant.

[radar]

grammar pendant.

Good slip of the fingers Craig

I certainly second the ones Kris suggested but a minimilist look it is for the week.

Cheers,

André

[BT*ist]

Personally, I thought the potw had to be a photo taken during the week in question. Since the 'nope' image does not meet that criteria, it is ineligible

I have opinions as to what the PotW might/should have been, but the point is that the moderator in their absolute discretion and for whatever reason must decide.

All that said, I would have preferred to see a picture rather than none... the moderator in their discretion could have decided it by a series of coin tosses.

[sheepie]

I have opinions as to what the PotW might/should have been, but the point is that the moderator in their absolute discretion and for whatever reason must decide.

Exactly right - the POTW on this site is not about showing the "best" picture posted in the week. It is a picture which grabbed the particular Mod's attention more than others.
There are many reasons a picture might claim POTW - ranging from technical brilliance, through wow factor with timing, improvement shown by a particular member, or just something different. It's not a competition (we have challenges for that), it's about the Mod showing a little of what they liked about the week. If nothing stands out from the pack, it doesn't matter how good or bad the pack is, nothing stands out.

[agriffiths]

This crappy Melbourne weather must be getting to you Greg I would have thought there'd be a few contenders.

[Alpha_7]

May I also add that previously it hasn't had to have been an image from the week either, usually it is, but there is atleast one instance if not more where the image wasn't posted 7 days leading up to it being chosen as POTW, again up to the Moderators discretion.
While it isn't a competition persa, there is a percieved prestige to having a POTW (or more then one for some), and it also means you have a chance for POTY which often has a prize attached.

/aimless ramble over

[Greg B]

Just for reference, from the PotW sticky......

The selection criteria are very simple: whatever takes that moderator's fancy.

There are no restrictions including the posting or shooting date. Although the PotW tends to be one which
has been posted during the preceding seven days as a matter of convention.

Good nominations Macka, by the way.

[Cre8tivepixels]

Well what a joke (i know i am blacklisted -not that i give two hoots-from ever for being chosen again after my run ins with the top brass) but thats a really silly view to take and a kick in the guts for everyone else who has posted this last week..........MY VOTE FOR WENDELL as well!!!

[Reschsmooth]

Well what a joke (i know i am blacklisted -not that i give two hoots-from ever for being chosen again after my run ins with the top brass) but thats a really silly view to take and a kick in the guts for everyone else who has posted this last week..........MY VOTE FOR WENDELL as well!!!

I don't understand what the problem is:

1. This is not a popularity contest for everyone to vote.
2. It is obviously or presumably Greg B's turn to pick his preference.
3. Given Greg's opinion, none of the photos this week rocked Greg's world (this is my understanding of what Greg said).

This does not mean that there were no excellent photos posted this week (which there were). And, I fail to see how anyone could be offended for Greg's decision. I know I am not.

If you like Wendell's photo (which is a great photo), comment in the relevant thread (which you may have done).

Sometimes it seems people get very worked up over things, which, in the grand scheme of things (life or this forum ) aren't really that important!

Anyway, that's my rant worth as much as the value you want to place on it

[jamesw]

Wendell's photo set was awesome...

[Greg B]

Patrick, thank you for your calm and rational remarks.

Dan, sorry that I upset you so much, but this is simply not worth that much angst.

[macka]

C'mon people, lighten up.

I took this as an opportunity to choose my own POTW and I came up with 4.

Less whining, more discussion re: photos.

[jamesw]

the kfc i'm eating is awesome

[Alpha_7]

Your making me hungry James!

and Macka I feel honoured to make your shortlist.

[jamesw]

and Macka I feel honoured to make your shortlist.

you should feel honoured but not surprised. it's a great shot! maybe even awesome

[methd]

To me, there were a number of candidates for POTW, and I think the option chosen by Geoff was a tad unfair to them as they were brilliant shots.

I'd really appreciate if one could be chosen in the future, rather than having none at all.

Only my 2cents.

[the foto fanatic]

C'mon people, lighten up.

I took this as an opportunity to choose my own POTW and I came up with 4.

Less whining, more discussion re: photos.

Macka is right on the money.

Why not use this as your opportunity to select a PotW and tell us why?

Should make some interesting reading.

And, BTW, Greg was completely up front about what he did and why he did it.

It's a pity that there seem to be some members with paranoia who think that it is all some sort of a conspiracy.

I wish that they would take their bat and ball and go home. This place would be better without whinging, whining comments about how poorly they are treated.

[PiroStitch]

yeesh lighten up people. So everybody else is entitled to an opinion but Greg isn't? I thought it was April when I saw that Nope image then read Greg's justification for not choosing one. Once again, photography is subjective. If something doesn't leap out at who ever is choosing the POTW, then let it be. It's not as if there's a prize for getting POTW...

I'd like to see what happens if "NOPE" appears for POTY

[jamesw]

heres my nomination for POTW, i call it:

all i want for christmas is...



just jokes. in case you missed the joke, thats a self portrait i posted earlier this week, i think.

i really liked this one though:



http://www.dslrusers.com/viewtopic.php?t=27409

[olrac]

This one
Just for the Hair.....



Oh and the composition is good

Just get a decent looking subject hahahahaha

[BT*ist]

In my opinion this is just a beautiful shot:


... and with honourable mentions to Alpha7's magical Mont Saint Michel in the rain, Wendellt's clever first image from the same series as the above, and Khalil for his striking UTS building shot.

[gstark]

I have opinions as to what the PotW might/should have been, but the point is that the moderator in their absolute discretion and for whatever reason must decide.

Exactly right - the POTW on this site is not about showing the "best" picture posted in the week. It is a picture which grabbed the particular Mod's attention more than others.
There are many reasons a picture might claim POTW - ranging from technical brilliance, through wow factor with timing, improvement shown by a particular member, or just something different. It's not a competition (we have challenges for that), it's about the Mod showing a little of what they liked about the week. If nothing stands out from the pack, it doesn't matter how good or bad the pack is, nothing stands out.

Let me please add to Leon's words of wisdom.

I fully support Greg's decision, and what's more, I think that withholding the award actually adds value to the concept. We are not - Greg is certainly not - going to lower his standards just because some of you might have different opinions from Greg.

That you have a different opinion from him is great, and needs to be celebrated, but please, permit Greg to retain his opinion, and his integrity, and his belief that nothing, in the last week or so, grabbed his attention to the point that he wanted to award it PotW.

In the past, I too have come very close to withholding this award, and Greg is to be commended for having the courage of his convictions and the personal integrity to make this decision.

[gstark]

Well what a joke (i know i am blacklisted -not that i give two hoots-from ever for being chosen again after my run ins with the top brass)

Boy oh boy ....

If you think that we are that narrow minded .... you really haven't a clue about those of us who run this forum, Dan.

It's really very simple .... post something that grabs the attention of whomever is the mod who's up next.

And for that, I'd probably start with making sure I have the basics down pat.

[dawesy]

It's not as if there's a prize for getting POTW...

As I understand it, PoTY is chosen from the PoTWs that have been chosen over the year and there is a prize for that.

If the PoTW is such an apparently random selection at the whim of the person who happens to be choosing that week, perhaps the process for what is essentially the highest accolade the site bestows, the PoTY, needs to be examined.

[Cre8tivepixels]

And for that, I'd probably start with making sure I have the basics down pat.

Ah yeah ok, whatever...........

Let me just say i have other more important things on my books than POTW !

[big pix]

......... did someone book a barber......

[Cre8tivepixels]

......... did someone book a barber......

I'll pay that.......very good

No making some serious money for the first time since taking this path and keeping my growing clientel happy.......Thankfully my 'clients' dont know about my "not knowing the basics down pat"

[Cre8tivepixels]

Double post sorry

[wendellt]

oh i just rwad this now

when i first read gregs remarks i thought it wa some sort of wity post
as Steve pointed out i took it at that

if anything it generates discussion forum is on fire again

thanks people for considerign my image

[smac]

Whislt I respect Greg's position, I feel that I have been robbed of a weekly ritual.

I loved Wendell's image as well and, in the absence of a formal POTW, I will be making his image my "personal" POTW.

And for what its worth, if Cre8tivepixels images lack the basics then perhaps the basics have to be reviewed. I love his images and, for a forum that promotes constructive criticism, it is disappointing to see destructive comments such as this.

Stuart

[phillipb]

I don't have a problem with Greg's decision, but I do have a problem with the fundamental Idea of choosing a POTW from a Image review and critique section.
We have debated in the past the fact that some people post photos to showcase rather then get critique on how the photo can be improved, and the general consensus has been that this section is not for showcasing.
If this is the case, by selecting POTW, aren't we really selecting the best out of a bad lot? (Comparatively speaking).

[big pix]

I don't have a problem with Greg's decision, but I do have a problem with the fundamental Idea of choosing a POTW from a Image review and critique section.
We have debated in the past the fact that some people post photos to showcase rather then get critique on how the photo can be improved, and the general consensus has been that this section is not for showcasing.
If this is the case, by selecting POTW, aren't we really selecting the best out of a bad lot? (Comparatively speaking).

Yes there is a lot of show casing Images by many members and this also includes myself....... as we do not have a show case gallery, where are they to be posted. is there room for such a gallery. A lot of members do not post images anymore, pity, as I enjoy seeing the work of other members, and have seen a lot go from average to very good photographers. Maybe it is time for a very minor update...... what you say Gary

[jamesw]

Whislt I respect Greg's position, I feel that I have been robbed of a weekly ritual.

I loved Wendell's image as well and, in the absence of a formal POTW, I will be making his image my "personal" POTW.

And for what its worth, if Cre8tivepixels images lack the basics then perhaps the basics have to be reviewed. I love his images and, for a forum that promotes constructive criticism, it is disappointing to see destructive comments such as this.

Stuart

i refuse to touch that with a 40 foot pole.

[sirhc55]

In my opinion the image that has been posted this week is a very graphic representation of ”choice”. In the future I would love to see further symbols such as ”rubbish”, ”absolute crap” and in the extreme ”What a load of bollocks”

[big pix]

In my opinion the image that has been posted this week is a very graphic representation of ”choice”. In the future I would love to see further symbols such as ”rubbish”, ”absolute crap” and in the extreme ”What a load of bollocks”

the best thing about life...... choice....... everyone does it

[ATJ]

And all this time I thought POTW was Prisoner of the War.

[gstark]

Hi Stuart,

Whislt I respect Greg's position, I feel that I have been robbed of a weekly ritual.

Sorry about that, but I'm glad that you, and others, are able to deal with this in a sensible and mature manner.

The bottom line though is that the mods have a totally free reign in terms of their PotW selection, with an absolute guarantee of full support from me for their decision.

And their decision will always be of a personal nature, and let's face it, if a photo doesn't move you, personally, then you should just move on ... to the next image.

What they're (and I'm including myself in this) doing is looking at the images (again) and looking for one that just grabs them ... for whatever reason.

In many cases what's selected doesn't grab me, and in other cases there are images that I've just not looked at due to time constraints, or whatever. But we have eight mods with highly diverse tastes and influences ... That's why I think our system is so good .... every member who posts an image really does stand, I think, an equal chance of having an image selected.

And for what its worth, if Cre8tivepixels images lack the basics then perhaps the basics have to be reviewed. I love his images and, for a forum that promotes constructive criticism, it is disappointing to see destructive comments such as this.

I thought I made it clear that there were no barriers to Dan's images being selected - indeed, he has, in the past, held the honour ... twice, if I'm not mistaken.

And no destructive comments were made by me about Dan's images. All I said was that - for this admin (Dan had made the incorrect observation that the admins were prejudiced against him) - the basics should be looked after.

If Dan wants to take that personally ... that's for him to resolve, but nobody's attacking Dan as far as I can see.

If this is the case, by selecting POTW, aren't we really selecting the best out of a bad lot?

Well, that's partly what's behind Greg's decision, I suspect, but I don't accept your use of the word "bad" in this context. PotW has never been about good or bad ... it certainly doesn't ignore those concepts, but primarily it's about what grabs the mod whose turn it is to make the selection.

And isn't it the "grabs you" factor that is the most important element of any image that, at the end of the day, we love, and go back to, again and again?

Greg has, in effect, stated that no image grabbed him. It's that simple, and that it's stirring up so much discussion and emotion only confirms to me that Greg made the correct decision.

It also confirms to me that this is an important facet of our forums, one that you all care deeply about, and that is another reason I stand behind Greg's choice: I do not want to see the value of PotW diminished because someone feels they must make a selection that sees them lowering their own, personal standards. Quite frankly, I think to do that would be quite offensive.

I do have a problem with the fundamental Idea of choosing a POTW from a Image review and critique section.

If the PoTW is such an apparently random selection at the whim of the person who happens to be choosing that week, perhaps the process for what is essentially the highest accolade the site bestows, the PoTY, needs to be examined.

Phillip, I understand what you're saying, but the fact is that the images in our critique and review section are often of a very high standard, and it's also a fact that this is essentially the only place where we permit image posting. While we certainly discourage showcasing, we accept that it happens, and besides, who amongst us has posted a perfect image?

Dawesy, actually, PotY is not our highest accolade ... I believe that to be the award for the Outstanding Member of the Year.

Regardless, you do make a somewhat valid point. I've asked the mods to
consider your point, but as has been mentioned regarding PotW - that it's more than just about being the "best" image in a week (whatever that might mean, and in all honesty, I think defining that would be a serious challenge) similarly PotY goes well beyond any concept of "best".

Again, a good image is more about emotion .... about grabbing you in some way .... but I welcome any discussion along the lines you have raised.

[the foto fanatic]

If the PoTW is such an apparently random selection at the whim of the person who happens to be choosing that week, perhaps the process for what is essentially the highest accolade the site bestows, the PoTY, needs to be examined.

dawesy

You have made a valid point in that PotY is chosen from all of the PotWs for that year.

However, I must disagree with your assertion that PotW is "apparently random".

I know in my case, and the other mods that I have heard from regarding this award, the selection is far from "random". It is actually quite onerous, and that is because we take it so seriously.

It requires all photos of the week to be examined and then re-examined. I usually end up with a short list, and then choose the winner from that. I take into consideration a lot of aspects of photography, although it is fair to say that I rate the pix firstly for "impact" rather than for technical qualities. Technical qualities may form a point of differentiation.

I think if you check back over PotW you will find that most of the mods give their reasons for selection of the final photo.

This makes it far from a "random" choice at the "whim" of the person selecting it.

[the foto fanatic]

Whislt I respect Greg's position, I feel that I have been robbed of a weekly ritual.

I loved Wendell's image as well and, in the absence of a formal POTW, I will be making his image my "personal" POTW.


Stuart

Hi Stuart

I miss having a PotW too, so I empathise with you. And I understand and support completely the position Greg took. He has stated his reasons fairly and invited people to nominate their own PotW, as you have done.

I am of the belief that having weeks where there is NO selection of PotW will only make the ultimate PotY stronger.

The purpose of these awards is to promote photography and to improve photography. It is not about prizes. It makes no sense therefore, to pick an image just for the sake of having a PotW for that week. It doesn't demean any of the photos that were not PotW in any other week, and therefore logic should indicate that it does not demean any of the photos of this week because there was no PotW selected.

The reason that we rotate it amongst the mods is so that different views and different tastes are represented. If one person were to choose every week, we would only have one viewpoint (and it would be too difficult anyway).

Although vigorous discussion is encouraged, let's not lose sight of our ultimate aim - and that is to get more people taking more photographs more of the time.

[methd]

OK guys, I think it's understood, let's just move on and hopefully we can get a worthy POTW next week.

[virgal_tracy]

As a relative newbie I have enjoyed looking at the POTW, and the others that have been posted, and using them as a learning experience.

I think the biggest question to ask is how many out there agree with the mods on their selection 100% of the time. Different images grab diff. peoples attention in different ways.

The same way that you might disagree with a selection because you prefer another image is the same thing that ios happening here. Many don't agree with the decision but in this case there is no alternative put up.

Simply disagree on the decision and use it as inspiration to create something that does grab the attention of the viewers.

Take the above opinion with a grain of salt.

Ask the photogs who took the images whether they care that they weren't selected for POTW and I'm fairly sure that none would say that they took the image so that they could win the award but took them for their own satisfaction.

[olrac]

Perhaps having an additional POTW that is voted on by whoever on the forum wants to.

a democratic POTW

This and the Mods POTW could form the selection for the POTY

I belive that this would add some more ownership to the POTW process i.e. if you dont like what is chosen then vote the next week.

Just for the record I have no issue in not choosing a POTW but I am not a big fan of how the POTW is chosen. However the rules are well documented therefore I cant complain.

[norbs]

Jesus Christ. What a shit fight.

The mod made a decision. Nothing grabbed his fancy. Try harder if you are so desperate to get a POTW. Its not going to change your life. You arent going to get paid or rewarded. So why the angst?

[Cre8tivepixels]

Jesus Christ. What a shit fight.

The mod made a decision. Nothing grabbed his fancy. Try harder if you are so desperate to get a POTW. Its not going to change your life. You arent going to get paid or rewarded. So why the angst?

OOT - i had a look at your flikr site 'WOW" some amazing stuff there.....awesome work Norbs!

Dan

[norbs]

Jesus Christ. What a shit fight.

The mod made a decision. Nothing grabbed his fancy. Try harder if you are so desperate to get a POTW. Its not going to change your life. You arent going to get paid or rewarded. So why the angst?

OOT - i had a look at your flikr site 'WOW" some amazing stuff there.....awesome work Norbs!

Dan

Thanks Dan, but I would much rather be taking your shots than landscapes.  BTW, whats OOT

[Cre8tivepixels]

 BTW, whats OOT

OOT = Out of topic