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12/23/2011 01:17:57 PM · #1 |
My first image on DPC:
My first ribbon:
How I now think about, compose, create, look at, process, discuss, and interpret photography is radically influenced by what I have seen and learned on DPC. For me, the answer is a resounding ABSOLUTELY. |
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12/23/2011 01:29:21 PM · #2 |
Undoubtedly. I have watched you grow challenge by challenge and I'm impressed with the improvement you have made. Your's are always amongst the images I look out for as you were always one who left good comments on my own entries so you stuck in my mind :-)
This was my first entry
 - a 4.0 score
and latest
 - a 6.3 and a top 10
I'm just a bum really though - have not entered since January (still vote every challenge though), and haven't picked up my camera in months. I always seem to have so much on at the moment. Maybe a New Year's Resolution to jump back on will help. |
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12/23/2011 01:43:27 PM · #3 |
| Thank you!! But yes, you gotta stick with it to see the improvement. And trust me, there are times I just want to throw the thing out the window :-) |
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12/23/2011 01:46:18 PM · #4 |
My first entry in 2005 scored 5.4079.
This is one of my favorite and more recent entries which scored 7.1240
Yeah, I'd say that DPC definitely has made a difference in my photography. I have often said something to this effect: 90% of what I know about photography I have either learned on DPC or the information and experience has it's roots in DPC |
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12/23/2011 01:56:09 PM · #5 |
My first  score 5.275
Just 2 month ago  score 8.0
Life is good |
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12/23/2011 01:56:18 PM · #6 |
My first entry: (5.3)
And the top scoring (and incidentally also my first 6+ score): (6.9)
I never scored a 6 until my 36th entry, and now I get them roughly every 5 entries, so that in and of itself shows improvement.
I think the thing I have improved in most is editing. I still like my first entry, but the editing just makes me cringe, it is SO monotone.
I also don't score sub5 as often because I have learned to be more self-critical and realize when a picture is completely uninteresting and therefore do not enter them (though I still shoot them :-P)
I think dpc also taught me what my own style is. From scoring consistently well in some types of challenges and scoring consistently poorly in others, I know which types of photography are my forte. I now know that I really like vibrant colors, I like taking pictures of alive things, and I like natural light. My top 5 (with the exception of one) all demonstrate these features of my "style".
Message edited by author 2011-12-23 13:59:41. |
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12/23/2011 01:57:54 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by tanguera:
For me, the answer is a resounding ABSOLUTELY. |
Sure it has. It's taught you how to shoot to compete at DPC. Whether that's worth anything when you aren't shooting for DPC is another question.
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12/23/2011 02:08:42 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by alohadave:
Originally posted by tanguera:
For me, the answer is a resounding ABSOLUTELY. |
Sure it has. It's taught you how to shoot to compete at DPC. Whether that's worth anything when you aren't shooting for DPC is another question. |
Such a cynical and narrow minded answer. While I seem to have learned how to (sometimes) shoot for votes on DPC, I know that all aspects of my photography have improved due to my time spent here. I would think that this would hold true for Johanna too. Surely her improvements in photography is not simply limited to scoring high in challenges. |
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12/23/2011 02:15:14 PM · #9 |
My first at 5.2
My latest, also at 5.2
It seems I've learned absolutely nothing! But I have a much better camera (even if I don't always use it) & I'm much better at photoshop. And I still get something out of participating in this site, even if I'm not sure what it is. |
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12/23/2011 02:33:35 PM · #10 |
| Well it certainly helped me, gives me something to shoot for, at least a weekly project if you like. |
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12/23/2011 02:56:16 PM · #11 |
| It definitely has helped me....but the real question One should ask is...does your photograph make a difference to DPC? :) |
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12/23/2011 03:01:50 PM · #12 |
yep, has for me. first entry was an unedited poor black and white conversion
5.1
joined in august with the goal to get a 6+ this year and achieved it in motion blur, got one at 6.5 in things that go together and the best pic ive taken all year waiting for free study
ive entered 33 challenges, some if i cared about my average i wouldnt have entered and some ive entered knowing they were going to score low but did it to challenge some of the ideas ppl have that has to be a certain image to do well.
this was my 6.000000(im claiming it as a 6+ alright haha)
im actually editing my photos now, thinking about shots taking my camera everywhere being a hell of a lot more selective, on my old facebook id go for a walk or a night out and put 120 photos up and bore the death out of ppl now i stick 8-12 up :)
the £16 the membership cost me was very much worth it but i have spent about £3000 on gear since joining because ive got the photography bug so much again that ive not had since i was a 12 yr old with an AE1-program hehe
so thank you DPC and all the ppl that have helped me and will help me in the future, and happy xmas to all it applies to
giles |
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12/23/2011 03:06:30 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by jagar:
Well it certainly helped me, gives me something to shoot for, at least a weekly project if you like. |
+-1 |
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12/23/2011 03:23:37 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by yakatme:
Originally posted by alohadave:
Originally posted by tanguera:
For me, the answer is a resounding ABSOLUTELY. |
Sure it has. It's taught you how to shoot to compete at DPC. Whether that's worth anything when you aren't shooting for DPC is another question. |
Such a cynical and narrow minded answer. While I seem to have learned how to (sometimes) shoot for votes on DPC, I know that all aspects of my photography have improved due to my time spent here. I would think that this would hold true for Johanna too. Surely her improvements in photography is not simply limited to scoring high in challenges. |
It's not cynical at all. It's a fact that if you learn what the voters like, and you aim for those goals. I'm not saying that DPC and general improvement are incompatible, but there is more to the world of photography than DPC and what DPC likes is not necessarily what the world in general likes.
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12/23/2011 03:28:36 PM · #15 |
I'd say its more members who took time to critique my images that helped. But dpc was the medium it happened in.
First entry
Still like it :-) just wish I had fully desaturated it.
The challenge after I shot hokey at f/25 :-) I knew nothing!
I know a bit better now. Mostly thanks to the time of individuals who have taught (very patiently) me their tricks.
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12/23/2011 03:39:36 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by alohadave:
Originally posted by yakatme:
Originally posted by alohadave:
Originally posted by tanguera:
For me, the answer is a resounding ABSOLUTELY. |
Sure it has. It's taught you how to shoot to compete at DPC. Whether that's worth anything when you aren't shooting for DPC is another question. |
Such a cynical and narrow minded answer. While I seem to have learned how to (sometimes) shoot for votes on DPC, I know that all aspects of my photography have improved due to my time spent here. I would think that this would hold true for Johanna too. Surely her improvements in photography is not simply limited to scoring high in challenges. |
It's not cynical at all. It's a fact that if you learn what the voters like, and you aim for those goals. I'm not saying that DPC and general improvement are incompatible, but there is more to the world of photography than DPC and what DPC likes is not necessarily what the world in general likes. |
But I don't think that was Johanna's point, Dave; I think she's saying she's learned about composition, lighting, post-processing, just a TON of stuff on DPC. And ALSO, but not ONLY, that she's applied those lessons well enough, in DPC, that's she's started to win a little here. Don't forget that Johanna HAS an artistic life in the Real World, that she's having exhibitions, selling prints, working for clients, etc. And she'd be the first to tell you that DPC has driven her real-world success. In fact, that's what she IS telling us!
So this was what Yakatme was getting at, in his typically blunt and mildly abrasive manner :-)
R.
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12/23/2011 03:46:28 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by alohadave:
It's not cynical at all. It's a fact that if you learn what the voters like, and you aim for those goals. |
And that's not an easy thing either.
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12/23/2011 03:47:47 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
So this was what Yakatme was getting at, in his typically blunt and mildly abrasive manner :-)
R. |
"Typically", huh? I didn't realize that I am typically.........well, as I type this I'm rethinking my reply. I suppose I am often blunt and I can live with abrasive as long as it's considered mild.
Anyway, I did immediately start laughing when I read this. Point taken and I'll try to be a little more tactful and patient. |
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12/23/2011 03:49:28 PM · #19 |
My first pic upon my return to DPC
After 10 months of advice, listening, and seeing
Another Example
Before (my highest rated photo at the time I entered it last February)
After
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12/23/2011 03:49:32 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by yakatme:
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
So this was what Yakatme was getting at, in his typically blunt and mildly abrasive manner :-)
R. |
"Typically", huh? I didn't realize that I am typically.........well, as I type this I'm rethinking my reply. I suppose I am often blunt and I can live with abrasive as long as it's considered mild.
Anyway, I did immediately start laughing when I read this. Point taken and I'll try to be a little more tactful and patient. |
There ya go :-)
R.
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12/23/2011 03:51:03 PM · #21 |
Originally posted by alohadave:
It's not cynical at all. It's a fact that if you learn what the voters like, and you aim for those goals. I'm not saying that DPC and general improvement are incompatible, but there is more to the world of photography than DPC and what DPC likes is not necessarily what the world in general likes. |
I learned how much of a difference DPC has made to me with my photography through two camera clubs I've joined. The things that seem to me to be second nature as far as camera, shooting, and editing skills are tremendous hurdles for people who do not have the extensive resources that are here every day. The seminars and help sessions they have are almost ridiculous, and I find more often than not, I'm helping rather than being helped with some of them.
What I find to be the most amazing thinmg is the willingness of so many good people to help out with the specific area you want to pursue, or are having trouble with either understanding, or putting into practice.
I honestly feel that you probably can't help but improve, and yes, out there in the "Real World" too, by any level of exposure to DPC, unless you fight it.
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12/23/2011 03:59:35 PM · #22 |
DPC has made me better than I could have been on my own.
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12/23/2011 04:14:28 PM · #23 |
Absolutely, went from:
This: 4.337
To this: 6.6531
Message edited by author 2011-12-23 16:15:26. |
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12/23/2011 04:15:56 PM · #24 |
Originally posted by SEG:
DPC has made me better than I could have been on my own. |
+1 |
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12/23/2011 05:10:39 PM · #25 |
| DPC taught me to hate my own photos! Many of my old all time favs are no longer that - unimaginative composition, poor quality, bad PP, boring subject etc etc I have recently attempted to select 3 photos for printing on canvas and finished with just one! (it will be hanging in the darkest spot in the corridor, I don't like it! ;) |
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