Competition Chat Thread
 

Thought I would start this off, as there isn't anywhere to talk about the fortnightly comps. Not sure if it will be 'used' but I understand a few people have been leaving the forum as they feel not much happens. I I would like there to be somewhere to chat about the competitions, however I think we also restricted here about what we can say.All the other forums I have ever belonged to, there has been a chat thread for the comp where you can say what worked or didn't, what you are planning (but not giving too much away), how you feel, questions you can ask etc.

Will see how this goes, might be a waste of time but lets give it a whirl. Start chatting....

I will go 1st - I have found that most of the images I have put on my website are as a result of the competitions, and because of the comps ,I get out at least 2 - 3 times a week with camera, when I normally wouldn't. I find them challenging and they often give me the chance to try new stuff, experiment and see things differently. What do you guys gain from the comps?

For me the comps are gush a bit of fun
I take pictures of what I like - if someone else likes them - that's a bonus
I believe photographs to be like any other art form and are a personal choice.
John

I also enjoy competitions as they challenge me to do things I might not otherwise do that week,I have been going through a real slump lately as far as photography goes but I am making the effort to enter every challenge that I can...

sometimes I put a bit of effort into them, sometimes it is a matter of just getting something done to make it in time before the challenge closes which doesn't make for a good photograph....

how is everyone else feeling these days about their photography? I am going on holiday for 2 weeks at the end of the month and when I get back I intend to get back to my photography again....

I also agree with John it should be fun, I enjoy seeing what other people come up with on the same theme, it helps me to get creative again and gives me ideas for other things in the future.

Yes, the comps are fun, but for me also a massive learning curve. I belong to 4 forums, this one with a weekly comp, 2 with a weekly comp and one with a monthly comp. I sometimes double up photos if the theme allows, I sometimes miss an entry if time lacks but mostly,I manage an entry each time. Keeps me busy and focused.

There is always a lot to learn DD, you can try anything you like with images, I just try out different colours and light. texture
I don’t know if my photographs are “Art”. I just love what I do*

If a particular theme grabs my imagination then I might enter, but as often as not I just enjoy looking at the entries.
Although I do sell prints and shoot commissions, most of my photography is very personal. I'm in the lucky situation of having a day job that means my photography doesnt have to make money, while still having time to get out and do it.
My chief photographic passion is landscape/natural world, as much as anything because I love being outdoors in the country, and going out with photography in mind makes me really look at what is there. So some of the more studio-orientated themes dont quite engage me as much as others...

Im wanting to experiment in macro. I received extension tubes for Christmas and need to put them to the test. Not just normal close-up's but arty shots. The kin Trena takes,I really admire her work. Go Trena!

thanks for your kind words, all I ever did/do was experiment with different objects colours lights and keep taking lots of photos,you can usually see in the screen if something looks like it is working...I buy bits and pieces from the $1 shop and keep a box with different textured cardboard,celeophane,anything colourful and interesting shapes...lots of fun.

I forgot to mention I have had a few sales with Getty images, just had a new sale for one of my abstracts last month, doesn't happen often enough but it is exciting when it does happen.

Well done trena on the sales. I have got a few local businesses who are going to display some of my images, so thats exciting. I have a £1 box too. haha

DD I do not know how many times you need to be tole not to put anything on the fortnightly challenge till it has finished.

John

I wasn't commenting on any of the images. This is crazy. So basically rule 5 should be changed from 'No discussion of entries in the thread' to 'No comments at all except the actual entries to be put in the entry thread' or 'Actual entries only, no thread comments' and that way it is perfectly clear, as I have understood it to mean that i can't discuss the individual entries so as not to bias the judging, which I wasn't. It was a comment about the overall standard and to politely let you know that I didn't think I was gonna get an entry. I thought it would be rude not to. I live and learn and apologise again.

I have managed an entry and will finally say you won't hear a peep from me now, apart from to enter and give ups and downs. Mouth is zipped!

My preference would be to keep the competition for entries only.
until it has finished.
As I do not enjoy reading though a load of comments and statements.

John

This forums comp has been going for ages, it's not for me as a newcomer to really attempt to change things, I'm sure it runs as the majority of the members want it to. I just find the lack of chit chat about the comp very dis-interesting compared to the 3 other forums I belong to, but that's because I'm a natural chatterbox anyway. Nothing draws me here between comp theme being announced until voting is set up which is a shame.

Take a look here..this is the sort of thing I feel the comp thread needs..its a bit of fun and you get to know one another's personalities....

http://www.photoanswers.co.uk/Commun...#message492077

Just a word of support for John without (I hope) levelling any antagonism towards DD. I too am a member of several other sites, all of which run competitions and all in a slightly different way. The only common denominator is that none of them are chat shows. I have joined such sites, but promptly left.

I've been here for about 8 years now and have stayed because it is friendly, understated and boasts a wide range of skills amongst the members; plus... there is no hint of the FaceBook mentality of telling everyone that you have done the ironing or are fed up with pizza. I'm hoping it can continue in that vein and not be dumbed down by non-essential and irrelevant comments.

I'm sorry, DD, the site you quote is not for me.

Graham

This sort of site is not for me if WPF site ended up like this I would leave

John

It's horses for courses. As I said the other week, Im still not sure here is for me. I have realised that my 'way' is not the people here's way and I either accept it or move away. We all settle where we are comfy. Im not hurt, upset or angry at anything anyone has said.

DD, there is no need to move on just abide by the peoples choice and it will be fine this site is very friendly and the members are helpful.

John

I just forget and end up getting into trouble off you guys!

AAAgh!!! Leave Me Alone - :D

Is it in your head now?

Not taken my comp entry image yet, however I have taken delivery of a sigma 150 - 500 mm brute of a lens and Im so excited to get out there this weekend. Im gessing my 'rule of thirds' image will be a nature shot.

I will look forward to see what you come up with
John

The new fortnightly comp theme is cycles - perfect for me as my hubby is doing the Coast to Coast this weekend and I can get plenty photos of them as they finish!

Grrr - the sun's shining :(

Look again in ...say ...15 minutes! :-D