Oh Dear...

[leek]

This image apparently just won a $25,000 prize as the best photographic portrait in Australia...



http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/s ... 21,00.html

[blacknstormy]

is this a joke ???

[Marvin]

Does nothing for me I'm afraid. In fact, it looks like a couple of unhappy kids who have been told to stand and look at the camera. It evokes memories of my nanna's pictures - in fact, perhaps that's why it won! (Nanna unfortunately was one of the worst photographers to ever pick up a camera - you were lucky if she got the head in the shot)

[leek]

is this a joke ???

Apparently not Rel... unless it's April 1st and I managed to skip a few weeks...

[blacknstormy]

 LOL - well it does make me feel a lot better about my shots anyway !!
going through the other shots - pretty impressive - makes you wonder how the hell the winner was chosen, even the blurb in the article doesn't make sense when you look at the shot !!

[leek]

Sadly... if you look at the rest of the gallery... there are some great images...

I particularly like this one:

[blacknstormy]

agreed John - and the 'hdr' looking shot of the Perch Creek Family - not sure why I like it, but I do
'Cage fighter' , 'Daniel' and the shot of 'Len Green' also pack a punch ...

[Greg B]

Good grief!

There was an interesting item on the always excellent Sunday Arts program (ABC1 5pm Sunday) last week
about three of the entries which included some footage of the photographers at work etc. One of the
three was Daniel which made the final list. We also saw some of the deliberations of the judging panel.

But the winner is a curious selection. And by curious, I mean I don't agree

[sirhc55]

Methinks I smell a touch of corruption, but, we do live in a world full of corruption

[Geoff]

Methinks I smell a touch of corruption, but, we do live in a world full of corruption

Spot on Chris!

[TonyT]

Went and had a look
Not as good as the entries from last year but I could agree with the winner that year it was not the one I would have picked but it was good
This winner looks better on the wall but must agree with the opinions here tho How Why

Tony

[kab]

hmmmmm....
With the quality of images submitted here, this pic would struggle to win POTW!

[gstark]

hmmmmm....
With the quality of images submitted here, this pic would struggle to win POTW!

Good point. The winning image is truly a load of crap, as are the comments of the curator.

The Perch Creek Family Jugband image is awesome; it's so busy, but at the same time, I feel an element of restraint.

The Peter Luck image that John has highlighted is masterful, but I expect nothing less from Luck.

And I suspect that I know one of the other finalists too, who's a D200 shooter, last time I checked.

[BullcreekBob]

The winning image certainly makes me wonder how many competition winners (and prizes) I've thrown away in my first workflow steps which is to remove the remove the dross and other crap from the download.

I've looked at this image quite a few times now and the subsequent looks did allow me to find more of interest in the image, it certainly didn't give up all its details on first look. But I still think I would have deleted it on my second or third pass through the images.

It's kind of reassuring to know that I'm not winning competitions because I'm deleting my *best* shots. I was starting to think I was a *crap* photographer.

[chrisk]

The winning image is truly a load of crap.

lmao...this really made me laugh.
great stuff gary.

[Gray_T]

I am only a baby when it comes to photography and I do realise it is a very complex art, and that what one set of eyes loves, another will not.
BUT ...If this is what is supposed to be the "BEST" portrait then how dissaponting!! I certainly do not feel inspired by it at all!
Reminds me of thoes yellow things they put in Melbournes federation square some years back, funny thing was people went there to have a look just to see if it really was so ugly.
This photo has certainly brought the competition alot of attention (one has to wonder was it deliberate).

[Matt. K]

I'm gonna go against the crowd here...I really like this image. It has a lovely sense of space and place....I love the repeating theme of 2...kids...2 flippers....2 red cones....I like the composition...which is complex but effective...I like the deadpan look of the kids....I like the open lighting. Give the photographer some credit for putting this all together.
Anyone else like it?

[Reschsmooth]

Anyone else like it?

I don't necessarily like it, but I can understand why it can be liked. I think the lighting and exposure are spot on. I think there is a definite interaction between photographer (father) and kids (children), just not a positive one. I feel there is a story here that hasn't been told, like an in-joke between the kids and the father.

[darklightphotography]

After seeing the Daily Telegraph site it does look better hanging on the wall than it does on the screen.

It does little for me, but I also don't see why it should be in for such harsh criticism.

[Greg B]

It does little for me, but I also don't see why it should be in for such harsh criticism.

I think the issue is that this image was judged the winner in a competition where other entries look a lot
better to many observers. If the image hadn't won, it wouldn't be criticised, it would probably be disregarded.

[gstark]

After seeing the Daily Telegraph site it does look better hanging on the wall than it does on the screen.

I think it's the judges who selected this image as the winner that should be hanged.

It does little for me, but I also don't see why it should be in for such harsh criticism.

Why should it not be criticised? It has won a major prize: it needs to stand upon its merits.

[Willy wombat]

I went and saw all the finalists in Canberra last week and I was "dissapointed" in the judges choice compared to some of the other options that were presented.

My first trip to the new NPG. I think that for anyone interested in photography it is well worth a look too. A wonderful new building and art space situated right next to the High Court.

[gstark]

Steve,

A wonderful new building and art space situated right next to the High Court.

Isn't that where the National Gallery is?

[Willy wombat]

Thats right Gary - the new portrait gallery is on the other side, with the lake at the back. There is also a lot of construction going on the the National Gallery right now, so must be more improvement plans afoot.

[gstark]

Thanx Steve; excellent.

Something for me to do while I'm there just after Easter. Anyone in Canberra for a micromeet on Friday April 17 or perhaps Saturday April 18?

Not yet sure of all of my plans yet, but I'm supposed to be playing at the National Press Club on the night of the 16th, and somewhere else the following evening.

[gstark]

Not yet sure of all of my plans yet, but I'm supposed to be playing at the National Press Club on the night of the 16th, and somewhere else the following evening.

There we go: I believe that I'm one of Tony Pedrosa's Hawks.

Thursday April 16: Tony Pedrosa & The Hawks: National Press Club, 18 National Circuit, Barton (Canberra) ACT (7-10pm, $10 non-Members, 62733644)

Friday April 17: Tony Pedrosa & The Hawks: Old Canberra Inn, 195 Mouat St, Lyneham (Canberra) ACT (9pm, 62576380)

[darklightphotography]

It does little for me, but I also don't see why it should be in for such harsh criticism.

Why should it not be criticised? It has won a major prize: it needs to stand upon its merits.

I didn't say it shouldn't be criticised - just not so harshly.

[gstark]

It does little for me, but I also don't see why it should be in for such harsh criticism.

Why should it not be criticised? It has won a major prize: it needs to stand upon its merits.

I didn't say it shouldn't be criticised - just not so harshly.

Why not? I see little of merit in the image; is there a reason I should not state my point of view ?

If we are prepared to offer positive critique with vigour, surely the same holds true for negative critique?

[paulmac]

I'm gonna go against the crowd here...I really like this image. It has a lovely sense of space and place....I love the repeating theme of 2...kids...2 flippers....2 red cones....I like the composition...which is complex but effective...I like the deadpan look of the kids....I like the open lighting. Give the photographer some credit for putting this all together.
Anyone else like it?

"Kids, stand still while I try to take a shot indoors without flash, would you?"

Where's the composition? Rule of thirds?

Come on. I'm so far removed from being an expert, but this is such a random snap it's not funny.
This wouldn't have made it off my memory card to the 'puter.

If this was "put together" by the photographer, why is there a door knob, a coat hanger, and three cones in the back ground? Random stuff that most of us would either crop or clone out if it was to be a work of pride.

Not having a go at you MattK, just using your quote to answer NO!

Gives the rest of us hope for winning future prizes though!

[gstark]

and three cones in the back ground?

Two and a half, Paul.


But what you've said reminds me of a song ..... "Three Cones In The Fountain .... "

[Reschsmooth]

Where's the composition? Rule of thirds?

Come on. I'm so far removed from being an expert, but this is such a random snap it's not funny.
This wouldn't have made it off my memory card to the 'puter.

With all due respect, if we all followed the standard photographic 'rules', photography as an art medium, would be dead.

[darklightphotography]

It does little for me, but I also don't see why it should be in for such harsh criticism.

Why should it not be criticised? It has won a major prize: it needs to stand upon its merits.

I didn't say it shouldn't be criticised - just not so harshly.

Why not? I see little of merit in the image; is there a reason I should not state my point of view ?

If we are prepared to offer positive critique with vigour, surely the same holds true for negative critique?

Sure. I just see a difference between critique and "load of crap".

[FrankieP]

I don't get it. At all.



........I don't get it.

[chrisk]

Sure. I just see a difference between critique and "load of crap".

it is what it is and i have to agree with gary, its freakin crap. if someone hadnt given it an award theres no way it would have got a second look. call me a cynical asshole, but its a great wayto get all interested parties into the news and get em some publicity.

[TonyT]

Here is a link to 07/08 entries
http://www.portrait.gov.au/site/exhibit ... _NPPP9.php
Where this winner I donot think would have got in to the top 75
Remember the winner gets $25,000.00 and the photo is retained in the collection. PS Minimeet saturday for me gary
Cheers
Tony

[bwhatnall]

How...Why...What...Im very very confused

[Potoroo]

Anyone else like it?

I don't necessarily like it, but I can understand why it can be liked. I think the lighting and exposure are spot on. I think there is a definite interaction between photographer (father) and kids (children), just not a positive one. I feel there is a story here that hasn't been told, like an in-joke between the kids and the father.

I think it's a very interesting picture with far more going on than meets the first glance. However, I suspect the issue is not so much artistic merit as the way it clashes with traditional notions of portraiture (then again, the public award for the Archibald never agrees with the critics either).

[biggerry]

I just see a difference between critique and "load of crap".

I think this is a valid point, its easy to say something is crap, but to correctly critique it is another story, putting aside any issues surrounding the prize and the judges, maybe some explanation on why this picture is 'crap' would be helpful to some of us plebs....

In regards to the image, maybe it hit a key note with the judge/photographer? we all have our various likes and dislikes for a photo, this just may have been his/hers, and at the end of the day it is the panel of judges who have the final say not the observers

[chrisk]

I just see a difference between critique and "load of crap".

I think this is a valid point, its easy to say something is crap, but to correctly critique it is another story, putting aside any issues surrounding the prize and the judges, maybe some explanation on why this picture is 'crap' would be helpful to some of us plebs....

In regards to the image, maybe it hit a key note with the judge/photographer? we all have our various likes and dislikes for a photo, this just may have been his/hers, and at the end of the day it is the panel of judges who have the final say not the observers

ok, i'll bite...i dont like the framing. i dont like the crop. i dont like the lighting. i dont like the subject matters "pose" or expression. i dont see any connection at all between the subject and the photographer. i dont like the fact tha tthere is a doorknob at the edge of the frame or a half cut off megaphone on the top right...if that image was posted here most, if not all of us, would say "clone out the distractions." nor do i like the half cut red cone which again, most of us would have said, you should have got the whole cone or none of it.

i see a misfire of the camera. an outtake. i dont see a story and if there is supposed to be one, i;m not evn remotely interested or curious to hear what it may be. to me its just a pile of complete and utter shit. but what do i know...i'm just a pleb.

i maintain that the chord it hit with the organisers was controvery=attenion=publicity.

[aim54x]

I just see a difference between critique and "load of crap".

I think this is a valid point, its easy to say something is crap, but to correctly critique it is another story, putting aside any issues surrounding the prize and the judges, maybe some explanation on why this picture is 'crap' would be helpful to some of us plebs....

In regards to the image, maybe it hit a key note with the judge/photographer? we all have our various likes and dislikes for a photo, this just may have been his/hers, and at the end of the day it is the panel of judges who have the final say not the observers

ok, i'll bite...i dont like the framing. i dont like the crop. i dont like the lighting. i dont like the subject matters "pose" or expression. i dont see any connection at all between the subject and the photographer. i dont like the fact tha tthere is a doorknob at the edge of the frame or a half cut off megaphone on the top right...if that image was posted here most, if not all of us, would say "clone out the distractions." nor do i like the half cut red cone which again, most of us would have said, you should have got the whole cone or none of it.

i see a misfire of the camera. an outtake. i dont see a story and if there is supposed to be one, i;m not evn remotely interested or curious to hear what it may be. to me its just a pile of complete and utter shit. but what do i know...i'm just a pleb.

i maintain that the chord it hit with the organisers was controvery=attenion=publicity.

WIth you there buddy!

[gstark]

ok, i'll bite...i dont like the framing. i dont like the crop. i dont like the lighting. i dont like the subject matters "pose" or expression. i dont see any connection at all between the subject and the photographer. i dont like the fact tha tthere is a doorknob at the edge of the frame or a half cut off megaphone on the top right...if that image was posted here most, if not all of us, would say "clone out the distractions." nor do i like the half cut red cone which again, most of us would have said, you should have got the whole cone or none of it.

i see a misfire of the camera. an outtake. i dont see a story and if there is supposed to be one, i;m not evn remotely interested or curious to hear what it may be. to me its just a pile of complete and utter shit. but what do i know...i'm just a pleb.

Or, to put it into one word, crap.

[chrisk]

ok, i'll bite...i dont like the framing. i dont like the crop. i dont like the lighting. i dont like the subject matters "pose" or expression. i dont see any connection at all between the subject and the photographer. i dont like the fact tha tthere is a doorknob at the edge of the frame or a half cut off megaphone on the top right...if that image was posted here most, if not all of us, would say "clone out the distractions." nor do i like the half cut red cone which again, most of us would have said, you should have got the whole cone or none of it.

i see a misfire of the camera. an outtake. i dont see a story and if there is supposed to be one, i;m not evn remotely interested or curious to hear what it may be. to me its just a pile of complete and utter shit. but what do i know...i'm just a pleb.

Or, to put it into one word, crap.

well, i was happy with the one word response aswell, but some needed further clarification. lol
only to happy to oblige my fellow members.

i'd really like people to be honest about this. if y'all were taking the photo and you chimped this one who would have kept it ? would you have uploaded it for C&C ? honestly, i;d really like to know.

[ATJ]

i'd really like people to be honest about this. if y'all were taking the photo and you chimped this one who would have kept it ? would you have uploaded it for C&C ? honestly, i;d really like to know.

I might keep it as a Before photo for the "Better Posture" class they were sent to.

[gstark]

i'd really like people to be honest about this. if y'all were taking the photo and you chimped this one who would have kept it ? would you have uploaded it for C&C ? honestly, i;d really like to know.

Would the commission of suicide be considered to be too extreme?

[Reschsmooth]

i'd really like people to be honest about this. if y'all were taking the photo and you chimped this one who would have kept it ? would you have uploaded it for C&C ? honestly, i;d really like to know.

Without knowing the photographer's intention in taking this photo, I think it is really difficult to say. As I said, and for the reasons previously given, I believe this is a good photo (just one that I don't like). But then again, a lot of yocals thought the Opera House was an eyesore.

[surenj]

i'd really like people to be honest about this. if y'all were taking the photo and you chimped this one who would have kept it ? would you have uploaded it for C&C ? honestly, i;d really like to know.

I wouldn't even take this photo. You could be locked up for taking photos in a spa/swimming pool environment with kids!! Even if I took it I would delete it immediately. but then, I haven't won any competitions either.

[gstark]

i'd really like people to be honest about this. if y'all were taking the photo and you chimped this one who would have kept it ? would you have uploaded it for C&C ? honestly, i;d really like to know.

Without knowing the photographer's intention in taking this photo, I think it is really difficult to say.

I don't.

Unless the photographer's intention was to shoot something that was crap, in which case, he's succeeded.

[chrisk]

Without knowing the photographer's intention in taking this photo, I think it is really difficult to say. As I said, and for the reasons previously given, I believe this is a good photo (just one that I don't like). But then again, a lot of yocals thought the Opera House was an eyesore.

pat, lets put this in a bit of context...this is not a photo that just won a meat tray and a $50 credit on the pokies at the rooty hill RSL boyscout fundraiser. this photo has been judged the best portrait in the country by a recognised photographic body and was awarded $25k. besides which, imho, for a photo to be awarded a prize of this magnitude i would have thought it up to the artist to be able to convey his intent via his photograph.