Weekly Competition #251 - Focus on Rejuvenation Competition
Competition Details
Closing Date: 06/05/2012
Judge: davidstormThis week's competition has two different elements:
- Focus
- Rejuvenation
The focus element refers to the lens. All pictures must be taken with a fully MANUAL FOCUS LENS. The lens name must be given in the information posted with the picture, otherwise the entry will be not be eligible to win. It is not permissable to submit shots with an autofocus lens, even if this is used in manual focus mode.
The rejuvenation element refers to Springtime. Any interpretation of the theme will be allowed, and for members that are upside-down (in the Southern Hemisphere), Autumn will be acceptable!
Credit will be given for imaginative interpretation and also for creative use of focussing. Good luck and happy snapping!
Best wishes
David
Link
Posted 01/05/2012 - 23:37
A quick message to everyone - I have had a few comments on the Forum about this competition excluding a lot of people who don't own manual focus lenses. With hindsight it may be the case that many of you cannot enter and may find this unfair.
I apologise unreservedly if you feel you have been excluded, but it would also be unfair of me to change the rules now that images have been posted which meet the criteria, so I have to stick with the original theme. This theme was chosen because I am interested to see some images taken with older lenses using creative focussing techniques. If shots with AF lenses are allowed, I have no way of knowing if they were focussed manually or not.
I hope you will understand this and will not feel hard done by!
Best wishes
David
My Website http://imagesbydavidstorm.foliopic.com
PPG Link
Some cameras, some lenses, some bits 'n' bobs
I apologise unreservedly if you feel you have been excluded, but it would also be unfair of me to change the rules now that images have been posted which meet the criteria, so I have to stick with the original theme. This theme was chosen because I am interested to see some images taken with older lenses using creative focussing techniques. If shots with AF lenses are allowed, I have no way of knowing if they were focussed manually or not.
I hope you will understand this and will not feel hard done by!
Best wishes
David
My Website http://imagesbydavidstorm.foliopic.com
PPG Link
Some cameras, some lenses, some bits 'n' bobs
Link
Posted 07/05/2012 - 00:35
Phew!!!!
What a rollercoaster!
This competition certainly set the tongues wagging on the Forum, but in the end it produced some really fantastic images and more than twice the number of entries than the previous week attracted!
The quality has been very high and to pick a winner from these was very difficult. Congratulations then to AndrewA for emerging from this quality pack with a picture that perfectly summed up all aspects of the competition theme for me. Almost 'pipping him to the post' was Milamber, whose image scored the same points, but I felt that Andrew's just shaded it by a nose (pardon the pun). The composition on Milamber's entry is sublime and the subject very different from any of the others.
Joint third place is awarded to Davidtrout and Dodge69; two very high quality images, poles apart in their execution but both stunners.
Highly commended are DrOrloff, Shanegeach and Stopher, again three very good shots which pushed the others very hard indeed for a podium place.
Here is the detailed judging; in line with previous weeks I have used a scoring system to make it clear who came where. I have done my utmost to be fair and hope I have achieved this.
Dr. Orloff – A Fern Unfurling
This image is almost exactly what I had in mind when setting the competition. Good use of selective focus to isolate the sprouting fern from the background, whilst retaining enough detail in the surroundings. Exposure, depth of field and composition are well judged and for such a simple subject the shot has real impact. This image perfectly fulfils the ‘Springtime’ and ‘rejuvenation’ theme.
Interpretation: 4.5
Creativity: 4
Technical Excellence: 4.5
Overall Impact: 4.5
Total: 17.5
Tyronet 2000 – Oak Tree
I’m not so sure that this image depicts Springtime as it could have been taken at any time of the year. Whilst it is well focussed, there is not enough interest in the image – it could do with a different background to lift it and to separate the main subject from the rest of the image. Because there is no detail in the background the aperture has little effect on the overall feeling of the picture and therefore I cannot give additional marks for creative use of aperture or focussing. If the same subject had been used in different surroundings it would have attracted a higher mark.
Interpretation: 2.5
Creativity: 2.5
Technical Excellence: 3
Overall Impact: 3
Total: 11
Shanegeach – Unknown Title
I really like this image. It has drama and high impact. The lens used is not one of the more highly regarded but here has produced an image of vitality and creativity. It is pretty sharp considering that a teleconverter was also utilised and demonstrates skill in the use of the flashes and softbox. It’s not a typical ‘Springtime’ image, but it qualifies on the strength of it being a flower!
Interpretation: 3.5
Creativity: 4.5
Technical Excellence: 4.5
Overall Impact: 5
Total: 17.5
Billy – April Rapeseed
A nice image of Springtime crops, shot against a stormy sky. I do feel that this one needs a little more punch and vibrancy and also the crops dominate the shot a little too much. It would have more impact with the crops taking less of the frame and the tree placed more strategically on an intersection of thirds. The lens type is not specified and the info states ‘8mm lens’ although the EXIF data shows a focal length of 12mm? I’m not sure if this shot was taken with a manual focus lens or not, but I will give it the benefit of doubt. Finally, there is not enough emphasis on focussing in this image as it is shot with a narrow aperture of F16 and therefore the depth of field is wide. This is correct for the type of shot, but does not totally fulfil the competition criteria which asked for emphasis on creative use of focussing.
Interpretation: 3
Creativity: 3
Technical Excellence: 3
Overall Impact: 3.5
Total: 12.5
Tozza27 – A difficult birth?
This one is a little puzzling and quite hard to sum up! It should have been posted in portrait format, not landscape which makes it look odd! It qualifies on the ‘manual focus’ criteria, but is shot at such a narrow aperture (F22) that focussing has become almost irrelevant. I do feel that a much wider aperture would have given it so much more impact and would have blurred the background to make it less distracting. I’m not sure if it is a typical ‘Springtime’ picture, unless this particular species of cactus only produces ‘young’ in the Spring (please forgive my ignorance if this is correct).
Interpretation: 2.5
Creativity: 2.5
Technical Excellence: 2.5
Overall Impact: 3
Total: 10.5
AndrewA – Spring
Now this one makes me smile immediately! A great interpretation of the subject, particularly given the recent poor Springtime weather in this country. It scores heavily on the creativity front, focussing on the window and raindrops whilst retaining enough of the outside to give the viewer a real sense of the scene and the dreariness of the day. I also like the bright colouring in the background details, contrasting with the gloomy weather. To sum up, a sterling effort and one that I like very much.
Interpretation: 5
Creativity: 5
Technical Excellence: 4
Overall Impact: 4.5
Total: 18.5
Davidtrout – Hi-key Rose
A beautiful, delicate photograph. Shot with skill and processed with dexterity, the result is a lovely feast for the eyes. I’m not sure if it is entirely on topic with regard to ‘Springtime’, but in all other respects this is a very high quality entry. The tones are very subtle, yet at the same time the image is full of detail. Excellent.
Interpretation: 3.5
Creativity: 5
Technical Excellence: 5
Overall Impact: 4.5
Total: 18
Prsjnb – Anthurium spp
Great use of narrow DOF and focussing on this image. The result is impressive, particularly given the ISO of 1600. This one certainly ticks the ‘focussing’ box. I also like the combination of reds and greens in this image. A worthy entry.
Interpretation: 4
Creativity: 4
Technical Excellence: 4
Overall Impact: 4
Total: 16
Geordie01 – Wild Garlic Flower Head
A very straightforward shot but well executed. The black background suits this image well and really makes the subject stand out. A narrow aperture has been used which to some extent takes out the focussing aspect, but on this subject I think it was necessary due to the depth and textures. Garlic flowers are indicative of Spring – they have a very short season, so it is spot-on in this regard. I like this image, but it just lacks the impact and punch that would make it into a potential winner.
Interpretation: 4
Creativity: 4
Technical Excellence: 4
Overall Impact: 4
Total: 16
Hyram – Colour!
This one is indeed a riot of colour! A super scan that retains a fabulous amount of detail, contrast and colour, it looks as though it was taken yesterday! As there is no EXIF data, I can’t comment on the aperture used, but it looks to be around F8 or so. Focussing is good with great sharpness on the featured Orchid.
Interpretation: 3.5
Creativity: 4
Technical Excellence: 4.5
Overall Impact: 4
Total: 16
Frogherder - It grows, it dies, it grows again
I think the plant in question is an Astilbe. They grow well in moist areas, especially around ponds. For me, this one lacks a little punch and composition – I feel it would be improved by tighter framing, a wider aperture and focussing on the plant’s most attractive feature which are the nicely shaped and coloured leaves. The interpretation is spot-on for Springtime and rejuvenation though, so high marks for this element of the shot.
Interpretation: 4.5
Creativity: 2.5
Technical Excellence: 3.5
Overall Impact: 3.5
Total: 14
Darkskies – Test Shot
The lens definitely shows promise of great things to come! A nice Springtime feel to this one and evidence of good sharpness and a lovely quality of bokeh. I like the aperture used here which successfully blurs the background. However, I think it needs a levels tweak to increase the impact of the shot and make the white flowers pop out more from the green background. A very pleasing photograph.
Interpretation: 4.5
Creativity: 4
Technical Excellence: 4
Overall Impact: 3.5
Total: 16
Milamber – First Spring Grass
What a lovely, tender photograph! A very original take on the theme with great subjects / composition and a nice square crop that suits this image really well. Focus and exposure are spot-on and the lens has produced a crisp and sharp result with great colour. Also, the interpretation of the competition theme is very good, so this is an all-round excellent entry. Very well done.
Interpretation: 5
Creativity: 4.5
Technical Excellence: 4.5
Overall Impact: 4.5
Total: 18.5
Coker – Sycamore Seedling
Great improvisation on show here – reversed lens and a home-made flash diffuser! A nice Springtime subject to meet the competition theme. Focussing is spot-on with the main subject sharp and nice diffused details elsewhere. For me though, the shot doesn’t quite have the impact to be amongst the top few here, but nevertheless it is a very good entry.
Interpretation: 4
Creativity: 4.5
Technical Excellence: 4
Overall Impact: 3
Total: 15.5
Dodge69 - Generations
WOW – what a corker of a lens! I would like to know how much that cost – I bet it is the bargain of the century! The detail and rendering of the subject in this image is nothing short of outstanding. The flowers are beautifully in focus and retain masses of detail, colour and texture. The tiny hairs on the stems and buds are also sharply rendered and give them an ethereal quality. Fantastic interpretation of the theme here too with the plants in all stages of the life-cycle. The only thing that I personally feel could have been better is the composition. I would prefer to see the main subjects off-centre, however I understand why they have been placed here in the context of this image. A very strong shot.
Interpretation: 5
Creativity: 4
Technical Excellence: 4.5
Overall Impact: 4.5
Total: 18
Simonarron – Self-rejuvenation
I have to commend you Simon for the most original interpretation of the rejuvenation theme! Not the image but yourself! The actual shot itself must bring back a lot of memories for you and it is full of action and interest. It’s clearly not entirely on topic (i.e. not a Springtime shot), but this is inconsequential. I like the gritty feel and the sensation of speed (even though it’s frozen) – that BMW is displaying all the characteristics of a rear-wheel drive slide! Well done for posting the most original entry!
Interpretation: 5
Creativity: 3
Technical Excellence: 3.5
Overall Impact: 4
Total: 16.5
Johnha – Rising from the renovations
I just wonder whether this image would work better in colour? I think the flowers would stand out more – as it is they are a bit lost in the background. I also feel that more impact would have resulted if the shot had been taken from closer to the flowers and using a wider aperture. Another sterling effort though as this has been converted from film so full marks for the effort involved to post this shot.
Interpretation: 4
Creativity: 3
Technical Excellence: 3
Overall Impact: 3
Total: 13
BelindaB – Wild Spring
I’m not too sure where to start with this one! It is very difficult to review, given that it was taken on a very old camera and has been scanned from what must be a poor quality original slide. I can see there’s a butterfly (or moth?) on a dandelion, so it qualifies for the Springtime theme, but the rest is so blurred that I can’t pass any judgement on whether or not it is good. Sorry for this, but I tried my best.
Interpretation: 4
Creativity: 3
Technical Excellence: 0.5
Overall Impact: 0.5
Total: 8
JAK – Apple Blossom
A nice straightforward image of the Spring that reminds me of the apple blossom in my garden. Aperture / Depth of Field are well judged, just enough to keep the blooms in focus whilst blurring the background. It just lacks the sparkle and ‘wow factor’ that would make it a contender.
Interpretation: 4
Creativity: 3
Technical Excellence: 4
Overall Impact: 3.5
Total: 14.5
Dougf8 – Spring Sedum Roof
This must be the most imaginative subject in the competition and also the most bizarre effort to get the shot! I feel it could have done with a wider aperture to blur the background a little more and also the angle could have been changed slightly to remove the distracting white object from the field of view. Focus is good and there’s no evidence of camera shake, so the ladder must have been on a firm footing! I appreciate the effort that has gone into taking this shot, but unfortunately it doesn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Interpretation: 4.5
Creativity: 4
Technical Excellence: 2.5
Overall Impact: 3
Total: 14
BentlyTCow – The Lonesome Snowdrop
The first sign of Spring, the welcoming and pretty Snowdrop! Well judged aperture here, but the focus is slightly off and is sharpest on the leaf above the flower, rather than on the flower itself. This robs the image of perceived sharpness and impact. If it were not for this, I would have awarded higher marks as I do like the overall look of the image. I also feel that the processing could have added a little more ‘sparkle’ to brighten it up a bit.
Interpretation: 4.5
Creativity: 4
Technical Excellence: 2.5
Overall Impact: 3
Total: 14
Mecrox – Spring Buds
I’m not sure what type of tree these flowers are on, but they are clearly Spring flowers! I feel this one needed a narrower aperture than the F1.8 used, as the Depth of Field is wafer-thin here and has made the job of focussing very difficult. As a result, there is nothing that is really sharp and this detracts from the picture. I also would have liked to see more of the buds and branch in the frame – there is too much background and not enough subject!
Interpretation: 4.5
Creativity: 3
Technical Excellence: 2
Overall Impact: 2
Total: 11.5
Stopher – Spring maple
This image is one that has worked very well with a super-wide aperture! Focussing is excellent to get several of the leaves in sharp relief and this works really well with the blurred elements in the image. I also like the combination of colours – very pastel and delicate, but not weak. This is an imaginative entry that has been well executed.
Interpretation: 4.5
Creativity: 4.5
Technical Excellence: 4
Overall Impact: 4.5
Total: 17.5
Peterm23 – Spring Robin
WOW, a frame-filling bird image with a 50mm lens!! How on earth did you get this close? That deserves massive credit in itself. This image is a classic case of ‘so near, yet so far’, not only because of the proximity to the bird, but also because the focus has just been missed, resulting in the feathers being sharp towards the back of the bird and not on the eyes. I guess there was only one chance to get this shot, so to nail it would have required a great deal of skill. I can’t place this one in the top three (although I would like to), but I am very impressed nonetheless.
Interpretation: 4.5
Creativity: 4.5
Technical Excellence: 4
Overall Impact: 4
Total: 17
ArsenAl – Snowball
This is another ‘so near, yet so far’ image! Similar to the Spring Robin shot, a great deal of skill is required to nail one like this. I can see what ArsenAl has aimed for – sparse composition, very wide aperture, wafer-thin DOF and nice bokeh. This has all been achieved and the image is in focus, but for me it just needed slightly more depth of focus to give it more impact. Many may disagree with me, but I can only say what I feel. A great effort, but not quite there for me.
Interpretation: 4.5
Creativity: 4.5
Technical Excellence: 4
Overall Impact: 4
Total: 17
Noelcmn – Acorns
It’s nice to see one from the other side of the Equator, so this Autumn image is perfectly acceptable to the competition theme. Thanks also to Noel for the lovely message posted with the image! In terms of the picture itself, I really like the warm Autumn tones and sharp focussing. This image is taken with a wide-ish aperture and high ISO, which suggests poor light, but the Shutter Speed of 1/1500 shows that there was some scope here to reduce the ISO a little. I think this would have helped as there is some noise apparent. With a lower ISO, some more of the shadow detail could have been pulled out in post processing and I feel that this would also have helped to lift this image above the norm. I still like it very much, but I do think this is an opportunity slightly missed. A good entry.
Interpretation: 4.5
Creativity: 4.5
Technical Excellence: 3.5
Overall Impact: 3.5
Total: 16
Best wishes to you all
David
What a rollercoaster!This competition certainly set the tongues wagging on the Forum
, but in the end it produced some really fantastic images and more than twice the number of entries than the previous week attracted!The quality has been very high and to pick a winner from these was very difficult. Congratulations then to AndrewA for emerging from this quality pack with a picture that perfectly summed up all aspects of the competition theme for me. Almost 'pipping him to the post' was Milamber, whose image scored the same points, but I felt that Andrew's just shaded it by a nose (pardon the pun). The composition on Milamber's entry is sublime and the subject very different from any of the others.
Joint third place is awarded to Davidtrout and Dodge69; two very high quality images, poles apart in their execution but both stunners.
Highly commended are DrOrloff, Shanegeach and Stopher, again three very good shots which pushed the others very hard indeed for a podium place.
Here is the detailed judging; in line with previous weeks I have used a scoring system to make it clear who came where. I have done my utmost to be fair and hope I have achieved this.
Dr. Orloff – A Fern Unfurling
This image is almost exactly what I had in mind when setting the competition. Good use of selective focus to isolate the sprouting fern from the background, whilst retaining enough detail in the surroundings. Exposure, depth of field and composition are well judged and for such a simple subject the shot has real impact. This image perfectly fulfils the ‘Springtime’ and ‘rejuvenation’ theme.
Interpretation: 4.5
Creativity: 4
Technical Excellence: 4.5
Overall Impact: 4.5
Total: 17.5
Tyronet 2000 – Oak Tree
I’m not so sure that this image depicts Springtime as it could have been taken at any time of the year. Whilst it is well focussed, there is not enough interest in the image – it could do with a different background to lift it and to separate the main subject from the rest of the image. Because there is no detail in the background the aperture has little effect on the overall feeling of the picture and therefore I cannot give additional marks for creative use of aperture or focussing. If the same subject had been used in different surroundings it would have attracted a higher mark.
Interpretation: 2.5
Creativity: 2.5
Technical Excellence: 3
Overall Impact: 3
Total: 11
Shanegeach – Unknown Title
I really like this image. It has drama and high impact. The lens used is not one of the more highly regarded but here has produced an image of vitality and creativity. It is pretty sharp considering that a teleconverter was also utilised and demonstrates skill in the use of the flashes and softbox. It’s not a typical ‘Springtime’ image, but it qualifies on the strength of it being a flower!
Interpretation: 3.5
Creativity: 4.5
Technical Excellence: 4.5
Overall Impact: 5
Total: 17.5
Billy – April Rapeseed
A nice image of Springtime crops, shot against a stormy sky. I do feel that this one needs a little more punch and vibrancy and also the crops dominate the shot a little too much. It would have more impact with the crops taking less of the frame and the tree placed more strategically on an intersection of thirds. The lens type is not specified and the info states ‘8mm lens’ although the EXIF data shows a focal length of 12mm? I’m not sure if this shot was taken with a manual focus lens or not, but I will give it the benefit of doubt. Finally, there is not enough emphasis on focussing in this image as it is shot with a narrow aperture of F16 and therefore the depth of field is wide. This is correct for the type of shot, but does not totally fulfil the competition criteria which asked for emphasis on creative use of focussing.
Interpretation: 3
Creativity: 3
Technical Excellence: 3
Overall Impact: 3.5
Total: 12.5
Tozza27 – A difficult birth?
This one is a little puzzling and quite hard to sum up! It should have been posted in portrait format, not landscape which makes it look odd! It qualifies on the ‘manual focus’ criteria, but is shot at such a narrow aperture (F22) that focussing has become almost irrelevant. I do feel that a much wider aperture would have given it so much more impact and would have blurred the background to make it less distracting. I’m not sure if it is a typical ‘Springtime’ picture, unless this particular species of cactus only produces ‘young’ in the Spring (please forgive my ignorance if this is correct).
Interpretation: 2.5
Creativity: 2.5
Technical Excellence: 2.5
Overall Impact: 3
Total: 10.5
AndrewA – Spring
Now this one makes me smile immediately! A great interpretation of the subject, particularly given the recent poor Springtime weather in this country. It scores heavily on the creativity front, focussing on the window and raindrops whilst retaining enough of the outside to give the viewer a real sense of the scene and the dreariness of the day. I also like the bright colouring in the background details, contrasting with the gloomy weather. To sum up, a sterling effort and one that I like very much.
Interpretation: 5
Creativity: 5
Technical Excellence: 4
Overall Impact: 4.5
Total: 18.5
Davidtrout – Hi-key Rose
A beautiful, delicate photograph. Shot with skill and processed with dexterity, the result is a lovely feast for the eyes. I’m not sure if it is entirely on topic with regard to ‘Springtime’, but in all other respects this is a very high quality entry. The tones are very subtle, yet at the same time the image is full of detail. Excellent.
Interpretation: 3.5
Creativity: 5
Technical Excellence: 5
Overall Impact: 4.5
Total: 18
Prsjnb – Anthurium spp
Great use of narrow DOF and focussing on this image. The result is impressive, particularly given the ISO of 1600. This one certainly ticks the ‘focussing’ box. I also like the combination of reds and greens in this image. A worthy entry.
Interpretation: 4
Creativity: 4
Technical Excellence: 4
Overall Impact: 4
Total: 16
Geordie01 – Wild Garlic Flower Head
A very straightforward shot but well executed. The black background suits this image well and really makes the subject stand out. A narrow aperture has been used which to some extent takes out the focussing aspect, but on this subject I think it was necessary due to the depth and textures. Garlic flowers are indicative of Spring – they have a very short season, so it is spot-on in this regard. I like this image, but it just lacks the impact and punch that would make it into a potential winner.
Interpretation: 4
Creativity: 4
Technical Excellence: 4
Overall Impact: 4
Total: 16
Hyram – Colour!
This one is indeed a riot of colour! A super scan that retains a fabulous amount of detail, contrast and colour, it looks as though it was taken yesterday! As there is no EXIF data, I can’t comment on the aperture used, but it looks to be around F8 or so. Focussing is good with great sharpness on the featured Orchid.
Interpretation: 3.5
Creativity: 4
Technical Excellence: 4.5
Overall Impact: 4
Total: 16
Frogherder - It grows, it dies, it grows again
I think the plant in question is an Astilbe. They grow well in moist areas, especially around ponds. For me, this one lacks a little punch and composition – I feel it would be improved by tighter framing, a wider aperture and focussing on the plant’s most attractive feature which are the nicely shaped and coloured leaves. The interpretation is spot-on for Springtime and rejuvenation though, so high marks for this element of the shot.
Interpretation: 4.5
Creativity: 2.5
Technical Excellence: 3.5
Overall Impact: 3.5
Total: 14
Darkskies – Test Shot
The lens definitely shows promise of great things to come! A nice Springtime feel to this one and evidence of good sharpness and a lovely quality of bokeh. I like the aperture used here which successfully blurs the background. However, I think it needs a levels tweak to increase the impact of the shot and make the white flowers pop out more from the green background. A very pleasing photograph.
Interpretation: 4.5
Creativity: 4
Technical Excellence: 4
Overall Impact: 3.5
Total: 16
Milamber – First Spring Grass
What a lovely, tender photograph! A very original take on the theme with great subjects / composition and a nice square crop that suits this image really well. Focus and exposure are spot-on and the lens has produced a crisp and sharp result with great colour. Also, the interpretation of the competition theme is very good, so this is an all-round excellent entry. Very well done.
Interpretation: 5
Creativity: 4.5
Technical Excellence: 4.5
Overall Impact: 4.5
Total: 18.5
Coker – Sycamore Seedling
Great improvisation on show here – reversed lens and a home-made flash diffuser! A nice Springtime subject to meet the competition theme. Focussing is spot-on with the main subject sharp and nice diffused details elsewhere. For me though, the shot doesn’t quite have the impact to be amongst the top few here, but nevertheless it is a very good entry.
Interpretation: 4
Creativity: 4.5
Technical Excellence: 4
Overall Impact: 3
Total: 15.5
Dodge69 - Generations
WOW – what a corker of a lens! I would like to know how much that cost – I bet it is the bargain of the century! The detail and rendering of the subject in this image is nothing short of outstanding. The flowers are beautifully in focus and retain masses of detail, colour and texture. The tiny hairs on the stems and buds are also sharply rendered and give them an ethereal quality. Fantastic interpretation of the theme here too with the plants in all stages of the life-cycle. The only thing that I personally feel could have been better is the composition. I would prefer to see the main subjects off-centre, however I understand why they have been placed here in the context of this image. A very strong shot.
Interpretation: 5
Creativity: 4
Technical Excellence: 4.5
Overall Impact: 4.5
Total: 18
Simonarron – Self-rejuvenation
I have to commend you Simon for the most original interpretation of the rejuvenation theme! Not the image but yourself! The actual shot itself must bring back a lot of memories for you and it is full of action and interest. It’s clearly not entirely on topic (i.e. not a Springtime shot), but this is inconsequential. I like the gritty feel and the sensation of speed (even though it’s frozen) – that BMW is displaying all the characteristics of a rear-wheel drive slide! Well done for posting the most original entry!
Interpretation: 5
Creativity: 3
Technical Excellence: 3.5
Overall Impact: 4
Total: 16.5
Johnha – Rising from the renovations
I just wonder whether this image would work better in colour? I think the flowers would stand out more – as it is they are a bit lost in the background. I also feel that more impact would have resulted if the shot had been taken from closer to the flowers and using a wider aperture. Another sterling effort though as this has been converted from film so full marks for the effort involved to post this shot.
Interpretation: 4
Creativity: 3
Technical Excellence: 3
Overall Impact: 3
Total: 13
BelindaB – Wild Spring
I’m not too sure where to start with this one! It is very difficult to review, given that it was taken on a very old camera and has been scanned from what must be a poor quality original slide. I can see there’s a butterfly (or moth?) on a dandelion, so it qualifies for the Springtime theme, but the rest is so blurred that I can’t pass any judgement on whether or not it is good. Sorry for this, but I tried my best.
Interpretation: 4
Creativity: 3
Technical Excellence: 0.5
Overall Impact: 0.5
Total: 8
JAK – Apple Blossom
A nice straightforward image of the Spring that reminds me of the apple blossom in my garden. Aperture / Depth of Field are well judged, just enough to keep the blooms in focus whilst blurring the background. It just lacks the sparkle and ‘wow factor’ that would make it a contender.
Interpretation: 4
Creativity: 3
Technical Excellence: 4
Overall Impact: 3.5
Total: 14.5
Dougf8 – Spring Sedum Roof
This must be the most imaginative subject in the competition and also the most bizarre effort to get the shot! I feel it could have done with a wider aperture to blur the background a little more and also the angle could have been changed slightly to remove the distracting white object from the field of view. Focus is good and there’s no evidence of camera shake, so the ladder must have been on a firm footing! I appreciate the effort that has gone into taking this shot, but unfortunately it doesn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Interpretation: 4.5
Creativity: 4
Technical Excellence: 2.5
Overall Impact: 3
Total: 14
BentlyTCow – The Lonesome Snowdrop
The first sign of Spring, the welcoming and pretty Snowdrop! Well judged aperture here, but the focus is slightly off and is sharpest on the leaf above the flower, rather than on the flower itself. This robs the image of perceived sharpness and impact. If it were not for this, I would have awarded higher marks as I do like the overall look of the image. I also feel that the processing could have added a little more ‘sparkle’ to brighten it up a bit.
Interpretation: 4.5
Creativity: 4
Technical Excellence: 2.5
Overall Impact: 3
Total: 14
Mecrox – Spring Buds
I’m not sure what type of tree these flowers are on, but they are clearly Spring flowers! I feel this one needed a narrower aperture than the F1.8 used, as the Depth of Field is wafer-thin here and has made the job of focussing very difficult. As a result, there is nothing that is really sharp and this detracts from the picture. I also would have liked to see more of the buds and branch in the frame – there is too much background and not enough subject!
Interpretation: 4.5
Creativity: 3
Technical Excellence: 2
Overall Impact: 2
Total: 11.5
Stopher – Spring maple
This image is one that has worked very well with a super-wide aperture! Focussing is excellent to get several of the leaves in sharp relief and this works really well with the blurred elements in the image. I also like the combination of colours – very pastel and delicate, but not weak. This is an imaginative entry that has been well executed.
Interpretation: 4.5
Creativity: 4.5
Technical Excellence: 4
Overall Impact: 4.5
Total: 17.5
Peterm23 – Spring Robin
WOW, a frame-filling bird image with a 50mm lens!! How on earth did you get this close? That deserves massive credit in itself. This image is a classic case of ‘so near, yet so far’, not only because of the proximity to the bird, but also because the focus has just been missed, resulting in the feathers being sharp towards the back of the bird and not on the eyes. I guess there was only one chance to get this shot, so to nail it would have required a great deal of skill. I can’t place this one in the top three (although I would like to), but I am very impressed nonetheless.
Interpretation: 4.5
Creativity: 4.5
Technical Excellence: 4
Overall Impact: 4
Total: 17
ArsenAl – Snowball
This is another ‘so near, yet so far’ image! Similar to the Spring Robin shot, a great deal of skill is required to nail one like this. I can see what ArsenAl has aimed for – sparse composition, very wide aperture, wafer-thin DOF and nice bokeh. This has all been achieved and the image is in focus, but for me it just needed slightly more depth of focus to give it more impact. Many may disagree with me, but I can only say what I feel. A great effort, but not quite there for me.
Interpretation: 4.5
Creativity: 4.5
Technical Excellence: 4
Overall Impact: 4
Total: 17
Noelcmn – Acorns
It’s nice to see one from the other side of the Equator, so this Autumn image is perfectly acceptable to the competition theme. Thanks also to Noel for the lovely message posted with the image! In terms of the picture itself, I really like the warm Autumn tones and sharp focussing. This image is taken with a wide-ish aperture and high ISO, which suggests poor light, but the Shutter Speed of 1/1500 shows that there was some scope here to reduce the ISO a little. I think this would have helped as there is some noise apparent. With a lower ISO, some more of the shadow detail could have been pulled out in post processing and I feel that this would also have helped to lift this image above the norm. I still like it very much, but I do think this is an opportunity slightly missed. A good entry.
Interpretation: 4.5
Creativity: 4.5
Technical Excellence: 3.5
Overall Impact: 3.5
Total: 16
Best wishes to you all
David
Last Edited by davidstorm on 07/05/2012 - 00:36
Link
Posted 07/05/2012 - 07:34
Congratulations to the Winner and high scorers. Thanks for the comments David, I must think more about what is required.
I'm not sure about the "could have been taken any time". I have pot grown this tree from an acorn picked up on Southampton Common and it thought it had died as it does shed its leaves and looks like a dead stick over the winter. Needless to say I was delighted when it sprang to life again this spring
Regards
Stan
To My Snaps...
PPG
I'm not sure about the "could have been taken any time". I have pot grown this tree from an acorn picked up on Southampton Common and it thought it had died as it does shed its leaves and looks like a dead stick over the winter. Needless to say I was delighted when it sprang to life again this spring
Regards
Stan
To My Snaps...
PPG
Link
Posted 07/05/2012 - 08:11
Hi David
Thanks for the comments and my best ever placing in this competition. Congrats to Andrew and everyone else who entered - I thought there were some super photos.
Just need to try that little bit harder next time!
Thanks for the comments and my best ever placing in this competition. Congrats to Andrew and everyone else who entered - I thought there were some super photos.
Just need to try that little bit harder next time!
Link
Posted 07/05/2012 - 08:36
Many thanks to davidstorm for the competition and the speedy and comprehensive judging.
Very happy to have been proved wrong on the numbers entering
Congratulations to AndrewA for an imaginative winner.
Hyram
Bodies: K20D (2), K10D, Super A, ME Super, Auto 110 SLR, X70, Optio P70
Pentax Glass: DA* 300, DA* 60-250, DA* 50-135, DA* 16-50, DA 70 Ltd, FA 31 Ltd, DA 35 Ltd, DA 18-55 (2), DA 12-24, DA 10-17, M 200, A 35-70, M 40, M 28, Converter-A 2X-S, 1.4X-S, AF 1.7, Pentax-110 50, Pentax-110 24
Other Glass: Sigma 105 macro, Sigma-A APO 75-300
Flash: Metz 58 AF-1 P, Pentax AF160FC ringflash, Pentax AF280T
Very happy to have been proved wrong on the numbers entering
Congratulations to AndrewA for an imaginative winner.
Hyram
Bodies: K20D (2), K10D, Super A, ME Super, Auto 110 SLR, X70, Optio P70
Pentax Glass: DA* 300, DA* 60-250, DA* 50-135, DA* 16-50, DA 70 Ltd, FA 31 Ltd, DA 35 Ltd, DA 18-55 (2), DA 12-24, DA 10-17, M 200, A 35-70, M 40, M 28, Converter-A 2X-S, 1.4X-S, AF 1.7, Pentax-110 50, Pentax-110 24
Other Glass: Sigma 105 macro, Sigma-A APO 75-300
Flash: Metz 58 AF-1 P, Pentax AF160FC ringflash, Pentax AF280T
Link
Posted 07/05/2012 - 08:52
Congratulations to Andrew A & the other placings/HC's.
Many thanks for the comments & my HC. The competition was perfectly timed for me as I've only had the lens a week!
My final shot was the result of about 20 attempts
...the DOF is so razor thin at large apertures! 
My FlickR
Many thanks for the comments & my HC. The competition was perfectly timed for me as I've only had the lens a week!
My final shot was the result of about 20 attempts
...the DOF is so razor thin at large apertures! My FlickR
Link
Posted 07/05/2012 - 08:57
Last place
........and by a long way
I guess this highlights the problem of a points scoring system.
I should clearly give up entering competitions
Congratulations to AndrewA for a clever winning entry and to the other podium places and thanks to davidstorm for the competition and judging, even if I am in shock.
Belinda B.
........and by a long way
I guess this highlights the problem of a points scoring system.
I should clearly give up entering competitions
Congratulations to AndrewA for a clever winning entry and to the other podium places and thanks to davidstorm for the competition and judging, even if I am in shock.
Belinda B.
Link
Posted 07/05/2012 - 09:57
David, thanks for the subject, the detailed judging and my joint third place. Congratulations to Andrew on his fine win, it reminded me of the view from my kitchen window, and to the other podium placings.
The debate sparked off by your choice of subject was interesting yet despite the reservations you attracted a respectable number of entries.
I'm sympathetic towards Belinda who probably feels uneasy at coming bottom of the poll. She's a fine and experienced photographer so she'll get over it but the points marking system might put off newer members. That's one reason why I wouldn't use this system.
David
PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout
Photobucket http://s799.photobucket.com/albums/yy273/Davidtrout2/
The debate sparked off by your choice of subject was interesting yet despite the reservations you attracted a respectable number of entries.
I'm sympathetic towards Belinda who probably feels uneasy at coming bottom of the poll. She's a fine and experienced photographer so she'll get over it but the points marking system might put off newer members. That's one reason why I wouldn't use this system.
David
PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout
Photobucket http://s799.photobucket.com/albums/yy273/Davidtrout2/
Last Edited by davidtrout on 07/05/2012 - 09:57
Link
Posted 07/05/2012 - 10:04
Belinda B. wrote:
Last place
........and by a long way
I guess this highlights the problem of a points scoring system.
I should clearly give up entering competitions
Congratulations to AndrewA for a clever winning entry and to the other podium places and thanks to davidstorm for the competition and judging, even if I am in shock.
Last place
........and by a long way
I guess this highlights the problem of a points scoring system.
I should clearly give up entering competitions
Congratulations to AndrewA for a clever winning entry and to the other podium places and thanks to davidstorm for the competition and judging, even if I am in shock.
Sorry if I have upset you Belinda, I just felt that I couldn't give the image more points as I couldn't make out exactly what was there! This is no reflection on your ability as a photographer, it's just that particular image being scanned from an original which clearly couldn't do justice to what you were trying to do. No hard feelings I hope!
Regards
David
My Website http://imagesbydavidstorm.foliopic.com
PPG Link
Some cameras, some lenses, some bits 'n' bobs
Link
Posted 07/05/2012 - 10:07
davidtrout wrote:
David, thanks for the subject, the detailed judging and my joint third place. Congratulations to Andrew on his fine win, it reminded me of the view from my kitchen window, and to the other podium placings.
The debate sparked off by your choice of subject was interesting yet despite the reservations you attracted a respectable number of entries.
I'm sympathetic towards Belinda who probably feels uneasy at coming bottom of the poll. She's a fine and experienced photographer so she'll get over it but the points marking system might put off newer members. That's one reason why I wouldn't use this system.
David
PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout
David, thanks for the subject, the detailed judging and my joint third place. Congratulations to Andrew on his fine win, it reminded me of the view from my kitchen window, and to the other podium placings.
The debate sparked off by your choice of subject was interesting yet despite the reservations you attracted a respectable number of entries.
I'm sympathetic towards Belinda who probably feels uneasy at coming bottom of the poll. She's a fine and experienced photographer so she'll get over it but the points marking system might put off newer members. That's one reason why I wouldn't use this system.
David
PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout
Thanks very much for your observations David, I fully understand why you would not wish to use a points system and I agree that it can be devisive. On the other hand, it helped me with the judging and it does give everyone a benchmark. It's OK as long as everyone takes it in the spirit intended; if I have gone over the top with any of the judging, please let me know so I can moderate this in future if I ever get the priviledge to judge another one.
Best wishes
David
My Website http://imagesbydavidstorm.foliopic.com
PPG Link
Some cameras, some lenses, some bits 'n' bobs
Link
Posted 07/05/2012 - 10:15
Congratulations Andrew! A deserving 'top spot on the podium' which I'm confident was the considered view of the entire judging panel 
A big 'thumbs-up', too, for the instigator and arbiter of the competition who, over the course of a sometimes intemperate week, has exemplified the integrity and resilience of Sheffield steel
Jon
A big 'thumbs-up', too, for the instigator and arbiter of the competition who, over the course of a sometimes intemperate week, has exemplified the integrity and resilience of Sheffield steel
Jon
Last Edited by prsjnb on 07/05/2012 - 10:15
Link
Posted 07/05/2012 - 10:40
prsjnb wrote:
Congratulations Andrew! A deserving 'top spot on the podium' which I'm confident was the considered view of the entire judging panel
A big 'thumbs-up', too, for the instigator and arbiter of the competition who, over the course of a sometimes intemperate week, has exemplified the integrity and resilience of Sheffield steel
Jon
Congratulations Andrew! A deserving 'top spot on the podium' which I'm confident was the considered view of the entire judging panel
A big 'thumbs-up', too, for the instigator and arbiter of the competition who, over the course of a sometimes intemperate week, has exemplified the integrity and resilience of Sheffield steel
Jon
Yes, my dad was a native of Sheffield too.
David
PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout
Photobucket http://s799.photobucket.com/albums/yy273/Davidtrout2/
Last Edited by davidtrout on 07/05/2012 - 10:40
Link
Posted 07/05/2012 - 11:28
johnha wrote:
Congratulations AndrewA, a very interesting shot. Thanks David for the theme and the judging.
My shot was a recent test shot for a battered K1000 (ebay special) and I was interested to see how white & yellow flowers work (or not) on mono film.
Congratulations AndrewA, a very interesting shot. Thanks David for the theme and the judging.
My shot was a recent test shot for a battered K1000 (ebay special) and I was interested to see how white & yellow flowers work (or not) on mono film.
Thanks John, when judging it's hard to tell what the circumstances were when you took the shot!
Regards
David
My Website http://imagesbydavidstorm.foliopic.com
PPG Link
Some cameras, some lenses, some bits 'n' bobs
Link
Posted 07/05/2012 - 11:50
davidtrout wrote:
.............I'm sympathetic towards Belinda who probably feels uneasy at coming bottom of the poll. She's a fine and experienced photographer so she'll get over it but the points marking system might put off newer members. That's one reason why I wouldn't use this system.
David
.............I'm sympathetic towards Belinda who probably feels uneasy at coming bottom of the poll. She's a fine and experienced photographer so she'll get over it but the points marking system might put off newer members. That's one reason why I wouldn't use this system.
David
Thank you David.
I fully support the view that using a points marking system could easily put off new photographers / new members.
Belinda B.
Link
Posted 07/05/2012 - 12:03
Thanks, David, for an engaging topic (and for tolerating my highly self-indulgent entry). Compliments, too, to the podium finishers.
Is it my imagination, or do a high percentage of pentaxuser habitués have strong Sheffield connections? I lived there for three years and absolutely loved the place.
Is it my imagination, or do a high percentage of pentaxuser habitués have strong Sheffield connections? I lived there for three years and absolutely loved the place.
Link
Posted 07/05/2012 - 12:06
davidstorm wrote:
Sorry if I have upset you Belinda, I just felt that I couldn't give the image more points as I couldn't make out exactly what was there! This is no reflection on your ability as a photographer, it's just that particular image being scanned from an original which clearly couldn't do justice to what you were trying to do. No hard feelings I hope!
Regards
David
Sorry if I have upset you Belinda, I just felt that I couldn't give the image more points as I couldn't make out exactly what was there! This is no reflection on your ability as a photographer, it's just that particular image being scanned from an original which clearly couldn't do justice to what you were trying to do. No hard feelings I hope!
Regards
David
David,
I am not upset about my last place, after all the competitions are just a bit of fun and winning or losing is not life threatening. Perhaps I should have scanned one of my 35mm slides of Ferraris racing around the circuit at Castle Combe, during a Ferrari Owners Club Day
But the use of a points scoring system, which appears from time to time, does concern me.
I have never used such a system, finding it far too clinical an approach, but I can understand that judges might want to initially use such a system in order to 'focus their thoughts'. But, if using a points system makes life easier for some judges, please then translate that into words - what you like / dislike about a photograph and leave the actual points initially awarded on your home PC.
For me, photography is more about the heart and soul than numerical analysis.
Belinda B.
Link
Posted 07/05/2012 - 13:13
Congratulations AndrewA, Milamber and Davidtrout and Dodge69. Those are very fine images. Thanks for judging Davidstorm and as very interesting challenge, especially the non-auto focus lenses part.
Link
Posted 07/05/2012 - 15:37
Well done Andrew - an interesting shot and whilst not MY favourite was a deserved winner - well done to the runners up as well.
I DID put the darn shot in portrait but thanks to a dodgy transfer from Picassa to My Documents/photos it was rotated.I did post an apology but that disappeared.......and I could not resubmit as we all know !
I see the dissenters are still at it - much more likely to put off new members than the subject OR the scoring system in my mind.Constructive judging and well thought out.
I am not from nor have ever been to Sheffield and fly the Pentax flag {?} for Wirral.
Hey ho - let`s get on with the point eh ? More competition please.......................
Tony
K20D,*istD ( now a dedicated M42 digital ),K100D,MZ5N,P50,ME Super,Spotmatic 1000,Spotmatic,ESII,ES,H2.18-55 II,18-55,75-300 FAJ,35-80 FA,80-200 F,28-105 FA,Sigma 24-70 AF Aspherical,Sigma 28-300 Hyperzoom , Praotor II 500 M42,Centon 500mm mirror,and a few Pentax M42 Taks,super-Taks,smc Taks,A and M lenses.Benbo trekker,7dayshop monopod and a Lowepro rucksack.
I am now on Flickr which is nice !
I DID put the darn shot in portrait but thanks to a dodgy transfer from Picassa to My Documents/photos it was rotated.I did post an apology but that disappeared.......and I could not resubmit as we all know !
I see the dissenters are still at it - much more likely to put off new members than the subject OR the scoring system in my mind.Constructive judging and well thought out.
I am not from nor have ever been to Sheffield and fly the Pentax flag {?} for Wirral.
Hey ho - let`s get on with the point eh ? More competition please.......................
Tony
K20D,*istD ( now a dedicated M42 digital ),K100D,MZ5N,P50,ME Super,Spotmatic 1000,Spotmatic,ESII,ES,H2.18-55 II,18-55,75-300 FAJ,35-80 FA,80-200 F,28-105 FA,Sigma 24-70 AF Aspherical,Sigma 28-300 Hyperzoom , Praotor II 500 M42,Centon 500mm mirror,and a few Pentax M42 Taks,super-Taks,smc Taks,A and M lenses.Benbo trekker,7dayshop monopod and a Lowepro rucksack.
I am now on Flickr which is nice !
Link
Posted 07/05/2012 - 17:34
Thanks David for the comments and for identifying the plant. My wife knows them all - I'm used for the digging.
Just proves there are some good manuals around, although I guess some of the leaders would have won with a milk bottle bottom
Congratulation Andrew, sums up April to a T
regards
Bernard
Just proves there are some good manuals around, although I guess some of the leaders would have won with a milk bottle bottom
Congratulation Andrew, sums up April to a T
regards
Bernard
Link
Posted 07/05/2012 - 19:18
Congratulations to Andrew for the win and to the other places. Thanks David for a very good competition that stirred some interest the detailed judging and the HC,
Pentax Photo Gallery
Pentax Photo Gallery
Link
Posted 07/05/2012 - 22:07
Well done everyone! I'd completely forgotten about the results.
Thank you for the kind words, David
Thank you for the kind words, David
Link
Posted 08/05/2012 - 08:06
David Storm wrote: Thanks very much for your observations David, I fully understand why you would not wish to use a points system and I agree that it can be devisive. On the other hand, it helped me with the judging and it does give everyone a benchmark. It's OK as long as everyone takes it in the spirit intended; if I have gone over the top with any of the judging, please let me know so I can moderate this in future if I ever get the priviledge to judge another one.
Best wishes
David[/quote]
David: I wasn't criticising your judging I think you did an expert job. You certainly didn't go over the top with your comments. No need to moderate your style the next time you win, as I'm sure you will.
My sole concern is the points marking system which is becoming increasingly popular. I gave my reasons for being against this both in this thread and about three weeks ago when I judged one of these competitions.
Tony: I don't see how healthy and honest debate on the competitions will put off new members.
David
PPG:http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout
Photobucket http://s799.photobucket.com/albums/yy273/Davidtrout2/
Best wishes
David[/quote]
David: I wasn't criticising your judging I think you did an expert job. You certainly didn't go over the top with your comments. No need to moderate your style the next time you win, as I'm sure you will.
My sole concern is the points marking system which is becoming increasingly popular. I gave my reasons for being against this both in this thread and about three weeks ago when I judged one of these competitions.
Tony: I don't see how healthy and honest debate on the competitions will put off new members.
David
PPG:http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout
Photobucket http://s799.photobucket.com/albums/yy273/Davidtrout2/
Last Edited by davidtrout on 08/05/2012 - 08:09
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Posted 08/05/2012 - 13:07
Very enjoyable entries and judging, great work David. Well done to AndrewA and all entries. simonarron's vintage car shot particularly brought a smile to my face and how peterm23 got that close I'll never know!
The 135 3.5 Jena DDR that was stuck on a Praktica MTL5B in a local charity shop £30. It's a bit of a b**ch to use but when you do get it on the money it seems to have that 'pixie dust'.
Pentax pour des images riches en détails!
The 135 3.5 Jena DDR that was stuck on a Praktica MTL5B in a local charity shop £30. It's a bit of a b**ch to use but when you do get it on the money it seems to have that 'pixie dust'.
Pentax pour des images riches en détails!
Link
Posted 08/05/2012 - 19:25
I know abit late but congratulations Drew, I know I called it that out of focus picture of the garden but the more you look at it the better it gets.
And you went and did it with the Door theme for this weeks competition... my entry is in
Thanks to David for the judging too (although I didn't enter this time)
Cheers
Craig
Flickr link
And you went and did it with the Door theme for this weeks competition... my entry is in
Thanks to David for the judging too (although I didn't enter this time)
Cheers
Craig
Flickr link
