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DPChallenge Forums >> Challenge Results >> Free study - confusion my fault
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Showing posts 1 - 8 of 8, (reverse)
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04/26/2005 02:27:48 PM · #1
I find submitting work here teaches me something every time. This free study was no exception. I submitted what I thought was one of my best pieces, but got only okay results. I now understand why.

I realize after reading comments that there was some confusion about the shallow DOF here and the background (my fault for not relating this in the title). I didn't do any editing to create the blurred effect - it was all done in the camera. This is actually an image of a peacock through its own feathers (the background and the foreground are all feathers, not foilage). There was actually an opening in it's feathers that created what I thought was a cool effect.

This teaches me to be better at writing titles, and really think of what will please the crowd. The funny thing is that I almost submitted a different image of the same peacock with less shallow DOF and it probably woudl have done better. I thought this one was more unique and innovative, but it shows how into my own work I can become sometimes - not thinking of the audience. Oh well.. live and learn.

Thank you to everyone who voted and commented - it's much appreciated! The winning photos were very well deserved. As usual - amazing competition. Well done to everyone!

Image I entered


Image I should have entered

04/26/2005 02:37:47 PM · #2
yup ... i like the second one better (it's great, by the way)

odd how i can stare at my own submission for a week before voting ... only to have EVERYONE point out what I couldn't see, then it's obvious to me ... it happens often to me :)
04/26/2005 03:01:57 PM · #3
number 2 stone cold winner
04/26/2005 03:12:55 PM · #4
What were you thinking?! second is SO MUCH BETTER
happens to me all the time, too... lol... even in this challenge...
04/26/2005 03:57:12 PM · #5
Originally posted by ccraft:


This teaches me to be better at writing titles,


Uhhmmm, isn't this site about better photos? ;-) Maybe we should submit some killer photos to DWC. (Digital Writers Challenge)

I too have had to second guess myself regarding the title of a photo. I always think "If I had been more creative with the title..."

I usually judge the photo without looking at the title. That is I rate the photo, then look at the title. If the title is especially relevant to the photo, or very creative, it may bump the photo 1 point max. It might make the difference if I am struggling between a 6 and a 7. Good title "7", average title "6".

I gave your original entry a "7". The title didn't add anything to the photo, nor did it take anything away. If your title had been "Peacock Mating Ritual - Taken through feathers" I would have liked it less. (I hate when people try to explain the photo in the title).

I loved the brilliance of colors in your photo, the sharpness of the head really showed off the detail. The "black" haze behind the head was distracting, I couldn't tell what it was or how it belonged in the shot. The feathers in the background were almost indistinguishable as feathers.

I absolutely love the second shot you posted. I have added it to my favorites. Not only does it have the brilliant colors, the sharpness of detail, but now it also lets us see that the background is also part of the bird. The feather detail behind the head helps my mind focus/interpret the background.

I most likely would have given this a "9" vote. Excellent work! Don't worry about the titles, concentrate on the photos. Your work here was excellent and will only improve with time!

04/26/2005 11:48:14 PM · #6
My wife looked at the second one and said, "I think people would buy that one." It really is nice.
04/26/2005 11:57:29 PM · #7
Second is excellent! I never look at titles, IMHO the photo should be able to speak for itself.
04/27/2005 12:02:53 AM · #8
I thought the foregroung feathers in the first image detracted from the photo as a whole, though it is an interesting and unique perspective. The second photo is just superb! Not only are the foreground feathers more pleasing in the photo, but the background is more clearly identifiable as feathers (and quite beautiful, I might add). Beautiful color to both the pictures, too.
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