Results May 2010 forum competition

[Damien_Demolder]

Hi all

Yes, I know it is now July, but here are the results of the May round of the delightful forum competition. Another really excellent set of pictures.

I must apologise for being late. I've hardly been in the office this last month. We've had EISA voting and all the build-up that goes with it, a trip to Paris to see the new Pentax 645D (saw it again yesterday!) as well as a few days in Ireland to shoot my sister-in-law's wedding. All good fun, but when you get back to your desk....

I wonder what you think! The 2nd the 3rd placed pictures this month are really good, but both have slight technical imperfections to do with image processing. I've awarded them because they are great pictures and the processing issues can be fixed, but do you feel that winners in this competition should be perfect from all points of view? Let me know.

Anyway - here are the results.

Damien

[daft_biker]

Goan yersel Greame I'll trust you didn't resort to heavy processing and risking halos....I like the other images but the winning shot looks like a straight shot and I like that more; a fascinating record of something.

Congrats to all though....I didn't even have an idea for that round never mind get a shot in

[Chris Cool]

I've awarded them because they are great pictures and the processing issues can be fixed, but do you feel that winners in this competition should be perfect from all points of view?

It's the image and what it says that's most important to me - I don't care what it was taken with or how technically perfect it is

[Steve]

I don't necessarily think that processing needs to be perfect for this competition, but I do feel it's right for photos to be penalised if it's an error that stands out and/or is distracting.

I think what I'm saying is that the winning photo should have no obvious processing problems unless it is such an amazing shot that you can overlook it. 2nd and 3rd place not as important but still, depends on how bad the problem is. In some cases, even if it can be fixed, if someones been REALLY careless with the editing then it shouldn't be in the top 3.

All things can be taken into account and assessed against the overall impact of the photo though...so, er...do whatever you think is best!

[El_Sid]

Nice one Graeme!

Well done to the runners up - fine pictures both.

[lisadb]

Congratulations to Graeme and the others mentioned in dispatches. A difficult subject to do well. Lisa.

[MartyG]

Is there's such a thing as a perfect picture?

Congrats all - another fine set of pics.

[Damien_Demolder]

Is there's such a thing as a perfect picture?

You should know that. Didn't I see you at my exhibition in Nottingham?




Don't answer that!!

[Seven]

Well done to all

[Zou]

Oh well, missed out again. I am determined to get the first winning pinhole image though...

Well done all, there were some really good entries again this time.

[Dave_Cox]

Well done all!!

[nycmarcos]

Damien,
first thank you for recognizing my work (and its mistake), and for your critique, I totally agree with the "halo", point well taken, i'll fix that.

Now to your question,
to me one of the strengths of this competition is that, all those beautiful flawed photographs.

I believe that making mistakes is the best way to learn. So I don't think perfection should be a must.

But I agree with Steve, obvious mistakes should receive some degree penalty.

congrats Graeme!

again thanks Damien for taking time every month and helping (me) to become a better photographer.
cheers

[JonMcGovern]

Third is my favourite but a worthy set of winners. I haven't had my mug yet from the March competition by the way...

[Mr_P]

Congratulations the Winner and runners up. Some great shots again this month.

[ian_g]

Well done everyone, particularly Graeme

[miked]

Three excellent winners. The technicals should not determine winners; for my money, finding, seeing and capturing the shot are much more important than refinement. If you want refinement go to a Swiss finishing school.

[bench_ubbster]

Woohoo, a mention in despatches. Good enough for me. Since the entries were such a high level. Well done everybody.

[APchris]

Well done guys an excellent round with a lot of very competent pictures

Have to say I don't really notice 'technical imperfections' unless they are very obvious or they are pointed out to me. I don't think they matter... best to leave that sort of nit picking to club competitions

[AGW]

Thanks folks. Its in the new "gateway" building to the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh. I trust you will all be poping down there in August to see the forthcomming British Mycological Society exhibition to be launched in Parallel with the International Mycological Congress!
The most complicated part of the photo was pressing the lift button and stepping back into the lift to get the angle.

Graeme

[Atavar]

Congratulations to shortlisted and winners