Photography Challenge VI - THE VOTE

Mimi · **Joined:** 27th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 25594

Hello lovely people!

And so the second Eurovision style vote for this fortnight's photography challenge on the subject 'Sharp' is launched.

How the eurovision style vote works

It couldn't be simpler. Really, it couldn't. Decide which are your favourite three pictures, in order. In the poll click on the link that matches your MOST favourite picture (which will get three points), then, after that, click the link that corresponds to your SECOND favourite picture (which will receive two points), and then the third (one point). You MUST click in that order though favourite>second favourite>third favourite.

Simple dimple, yes?

Oh, and you can't click 'photo X' three times and award it all six points, that would be cheating! (and it is set up to prevent this, anyway...

)

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This month's topic of 'Sharp' was chosen by Squirt.

Please don't forget to enter this fortnight's challenge on the topic Glass!

OK, here are this month's entries:

PHOTO ONE:

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PHOTO TWO:

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PHOTO THREE:

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PHOTO FOUR:

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PHOTO FIVE:

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PHOTO SIX:

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PHOTO SEVEN:

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PHOTO EIGHT:

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PHOTO NINE:

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PHOTO TEN:

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PHOTO ELEVEN:

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PHOTO TWELVE:

Mimi · **Joined:** 27th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 25594

If a mod could pin the two new photography topics, unpin the old one, and put a message in the ticker, my gratitude would be overflowing.

GazChap · **Posted:** Mon Jun 30, 2008 0:02

Some nice entries this time around. I'd love to know just what the photographer was doing to provoke that reaction in the dog.

NervousPete · **Posted:** Mon Jun 30, 2008 0:04

GazChap wrote:

Some nice entries this time around. I'd love to know just what the photographer was doing to provoke that reaction in the dog.

I think it was one of those Amiga Power 'Games Make You Violent' experiments. The dog was probably hearing ultrasonics from Rodland or something.

EDIT: Forgot to say, some excellent entries there.

Mimi · **Joined:** 27th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 25594

Ok guys, well happy voting and good luck to all entrants.

I'm off to bed now

The Rev Owen · **Posted:** Mon Jun 30, 2008 9:53

Good stuff again. I didn't enter this one because I never saw anything I thought would make a good photo. I probably should have thought more creatively.

Curiosity · **Posted:** Mon Jun 30, 2008 9:56

I didn't get around to posting (or, to tell the truth, taking) my planned picture of the back keys on a piano.

*curses*

Mr Russell · **Joined:** 6th Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 12243

I didn't bother entering this time after coming last in the previous one, but I have voted for photos 12, 4 and 3. I discounted photos of knives in the end because none of them stood out creatively. Lots of people going for blood - hope it was all fake!!

Dimrill · **Posted:** Mon Jun 30, 2008 11:05

I like number 10. It is both simple and striking.

Mimi · **Joined:** 27th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 25594

Mr Russ wrote:

I didn't bother entering this time after coming last in the previous one, but I have voted for photos 12, 4 and 3. I discounted photos of knives in the end because none of them stood out creatively. Lots of people going for blood - hope it was all fake!!

That's the worst reason for not entering, ever. Shame on you.

Mimi is disappointed with Mr Russ.

andyb · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 489

I voted: 2, 9 then 4.

I love number 2, reminds me of the beetle in the brilliant b movie, The cars that ate Paris

Mr Dave · **Posted:** Mon Jun 30, 2008 11:19

Some of them make me feel slightly ill, or vulnerable to unexpected rape.

So I didn't vote for them.

2 makes me smile. I'd have voted for it three times if I could.

also: Hurrah, everybody has votes, this makes me happy.

Mr Russell · **Joined:** 6th Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 12243

Mimi wrote:

Mr Russ wrote:

I didn't bother entering this time after coming last in the previous one, but I have voted for photos 12, 4 and 3. I discounted photos of knives in the end because none of them stood out creatively. Lots of people going for blood - hope it was all fake!!

That's the worst reason for not entering, ever. Shame on you.

Mimi is disappointed with Mr Russ.

Maybe a better reason would be that I sold the iPhone. But mainly disappointment with being entirely rubbish.

Plissken · **Posted:** Mon Jun 30, 2008 11:37

Mr Russ wrote:

I discounted photos of knives in the end because none of them stood out creatively. Lots of people going for blood

I did think it was a bit Captain Cliche. I mean, even I was heading down that line of thought originally!

Mimi · **Joined:** 27th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 25594

Well, I voted for the wooden knife, because I liked the idea of what is a very sharp object being made of a very blunt material. Also, I love any kind of random sculpture in a natural setting. unexpected sculpture, I guess.

I also voted for the lime and then the man with axe.

Kern · **Posted:** Mon Jun 30, 2008 16:32

I like the twelfth photo. There's a playfulness about it which makes you wonder if it's either genuine or those involved were asleep during axe safety class. Or both.

Cras · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 49232

Got one of my votes, indeed. I must admit to wondering who actually took the photo though, given that the subject is the forumite who presumably posted it...

Plissken · **Posted:** Mon Jun 30, 2008 17:01

Mimi wrote:

Well, I voted for the wooden knife, because I liked the idea of what is a very sharp object being made of a very blunt material. Also, I love any kind of random sculpture in a natural setting. unexpected sculpture, I guess.

AceAceBaby · **Posted:** Mon Jun 30, 2008 17:22

I voted for the bloody ones. I liked them, with all the blood.

Malabelm · **Posted:** Mon Jun 30, 2008 17:23

AceAceBaby wrote:

I voted for the bloody ones. I liked them, with all the blood.

You voted for my ferry because of the blood, too. I worry about you

AceAceBaby · **Posted:** Mon Jun 30, 2008 17:39

It turns me on. Actually, I think it's also because of all the photos, only those took the subject completely out of context of any surrounding- number six is close, excepting for the table surface. The serrated blade with blood has a very Rorshach look to it- I see a cheerful donkey, what do you see? The syringe is excellently isolated, though possibly a smidge out of focus (might be struggling with DOF), I'd love to see if there's anything visible in the liquid blob at full detail. It's also a nice gag on the word. The sharps bin in hospitals is for stuff like that. The sewing needle has a nice contrast against the white. I could mention I was tickled by the juxtaposition of what was a clumsy act (pricking a finger with a needle and bleeding) with the care and precision with which the needle has been placed in the blood, but maybe that's straying into Viz critic territory.

I did like the thorn bush, but it desperately needed less DOF- the house and garden being so visible behind it ruined it for me. The big wooden knife is fun, but the photo of it is very uniform in levels across the frame. Some contrast would have been nice. It's a cool subject, but doesn't do much for me as a photograph.

vegetables · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 354

I'm a little uncomfortable with the idea of just taking a photo of someone else's sculpture, then entering that. Obviously the composition of the photo is all yours, but people voting for your entry because the sculpture you've taken a picture of is brilliant as opposed to what you've done with it seems a little...I'm not sure what the word is. Although I think I may have voted for nine anyway.

GazChap · **Posted:** Mon Jun 30, 2008 21:14

vegetables wrote:

I'm a little uncomfortable with the idea of just taking a photo of someone else's sculpture, then entering that.

I had the same reservations about number 11.

Mimi · **Joined:** 27th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 25594

Hhhm, I disagree on that grounds that you'd then also have to apply this to any photographs of architecture, items such as cars, household items - anything like that. What about things such as the headstones from a month ago? Telephone boxes. Anything that is taken 'in situ' - that you have not personally arranged?

You'd have to rule out about half of the submissions in all of the contests.

GazChap · **Posted:** Mon Jun 30, 2008 21:39

I think it's more things that are "works of art" as such. Not that headstones or telephone boxes aren't works of art in their own unique way, of course.

It's kinda analoguous to taking a photo of the Mona Lisa and presenting that as a photo in a contest themed "Women". Don't wanna start an argument though, they're allowed within the rules of the competition so that's cool with me.

AceAceBaby · **Posted:** Mon Jun 30, 2008 22:35

I think there's a difference between using a strong subject as a major element of a photo, and just taking a photo of it.

GazChap · **Posted:** Mon Jun 30, 2008 22:43

Yeah, that's true.

And cripes, this looks like it's going to be a close contest!

Mimi · **Joined:** 27th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 25594

Well, I'd feel uncomfortable ruling then out as to different people different items are aesthetically captivating. I may see a telephone box more artistic, more engaging as a piece of classic design than a statue of sherlock Holmes - they have both been designed and executed by people other than the photographer, both placed in situ by someone other than the photographer.

The difference between using something as the subject of a photo and just taking a photo of something is also a very difficult thing to qualify - I mean, where does it change from one to the other? As far as composition and technical knowhow of photography goes, we are all at very different levels. Someone's composition of a photograph of a sculpture may be the best that they can achieve at their skill level so far, but then a more advanced photographer, or someone who has spent time developing an eye for composition may see it as 'just taking a photo of X'. As this is a learning curve for most of us, I hope that we can welcome photographs of all subjects and items (within the realms of safe-for-work decency). If people disagree with using certain objects as the subjects for photographs then this will be reflected in the voting anyway.

AceAceBaby · **Posted:** Mon Jun 30, 2008 22:58

We each make that judgement for ourselves and it's reflected in the voting. There are no prizes for winning. It doesn't really matter.

GazChap · **Posted:** Mon Jun 30, 2008 22:59

I've just noticed that the man (forumite?) in Number 12 seems to be enjoying a bit of pocket billiards.

Mimi · **Joined:** 27th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 25594

That's what I just said

Curiosity · **Posted:** Tue Jul 01, 2008 11:35

I just voted... three points between the top five! Gadzooks!

chinnyhill10 · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 15695

Most of these photos scare me. The knife/blood one almost gives me flashbacks.*

Is it OK to say I don't really like *any* of them?

* Not that I went on a rampage, but a friend cut their arm and it was a tad messy. A nasty memory.

Mimi · **Joined:** 27th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 25594

hehe, yep!

Sinister Minister · **Joined:** 10th May, 2008 **Posts:** 45

GazChap wrote:

vegetables wrote:

I'm a little uncomfortable with the idea of just taking a photo of someone else's sculpture, then entering that.

I had the same reservations about number 11.

Number 11 is mine and to be honest, I didn't even think of that. I just went 'Sharp' = 'quick witted, clever' and banged that picture up (I also love the face in shadow).

It depends, I suppose, on whether people are voting for composition and stuff (art) or random quirky images snapped on the phone.

Cras · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 49232

Heh - I thought that you were implying that he was a sharp dressed man.

Mimi · **Joined:** 27th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 25594

Sinister Minister wrote:

GazChap wrote:

vegetables wrote:

I'm a little uncomfortable with the idea of just taking a photo of someone else's sculpture, then entering that.

I had the same reservations about number 11.

Number 11 is mine and to be honest, I didn't even think of that. I just went 'Sharp' = 'quick witted, clever' and banged that picture up (I also love the face in shadow).

It depends, I suppose, on whether people are voting for composition and stuff (art) or random quirky images snapped on the phone.

Can you not tell which photo is yours until after the voting has finished please, sinister Minister? We decided on anonymity in the hope of the fairest possible process, and it does ask in the instructions that you keep your entry anonymous until voting has finished.

Thanks :munkeh:

Sinister Minister · **Joined:** 10th May, 2008 **Posts:** 45

Sorry.

Mimi · **Joined:** 27th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 25594

No problem. It just keeps everything as fair and impartial as possible, but hopefully next time. I wasn't 'telling you off', just letting you know in case you weren't aware.

Cheers, SinisterMinister

Sinister Minister · **Joined:** 10th May, 2008 **Posts:** 45

Mimi wrote:

I wasn't 'telling you off'

I'm probably due a spanking. Just to be on the safe side like

Mimi · **Joined:** 27th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 25594

Hehe, honestly, what are you like!

Mimi · **Joined:** 27th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 25594

This vote ends tonight, so if you haven't yet voted already and want to pick your favourites, please do so soon, as it is a tight, tight tight contest between the top three or four.

Good luck, everyone

Malabelm · **Posted:** Wed Jul 02, 2008 20:15

Good lord this one's close.

Plissken · **Posted:** Wed Jul 02, 2008 21:14

BLimey!

GO...er... MYSTERY PHOTO X!

Mimi · **Joined:** 27th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 25594

Drumroll please....

Joint third place, with 26 points apiece were... PHOTO TWO and PHOTO FIVE!

In second place, with a fantastic 29 points was... PHOTO ONE

And just pipping first place with one more point at 30 was... PHOTO FOUR!

Also worth mentioning, just short of the winners, with 25 points was PHOTO TEN, so a deserved special mention for that photo.

So... which was YOURS?

GazChap · **Posted:** Thu Jul 03, 2008 0:08

Mine was photo ten. *cries*

SO CLOSE!

Cras · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 49232

Whee! Congrats to the winners - some top quality photos.

Mine was number eight, which I'm sure won't surprise anyone given my reuse of props from the week before. I wasn't particularly happy with it - it was a very close macro shot, and getting the light right was a nightmare. I ended up using the flash, and as a result got loads of horrible reflection off the shiny plastic.

The syringe is full of ribena, with a little colour tinting.

Plissken · **Posted:** Thu Jul 03, 2008 7:17

Photo Five for me.

andyb · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 489

Photo 7 was mine. I'm both surprised, and pleased that i got some points!

I'm interested to know whereabouts 2 and 9 were taken, they look like fun places to visit.

DBSnappa · **Posted:** Thu Jul 03, 2008 8:36

TAKES A BOW

More later if anyone is interested as the model in the shot wants a walk right now!

Be Excellent To Each Other

Photography Challenge VI - THE VOTE
Ta-da! We have a winner!

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Be Excellent To Each Other

Photography Challenge VI - THE VOTE Ta-da! We have a winner!

Who is online

Photography Challenge VI - THE VOTE
Ta-da! We have a winner!