Monthly Competition #26: The Selfie Competition

Thanks everyone who entered, as I hoped there's a wide range of entries, albeit not as many as I expected. A large proportion were taken with compacts, which of course are ideal for this type of shot. Without further ado, here's my thoughts.....

Reflection by Perspicador.

I'm not quite sure how this could be interpreted as on-theme. I'm not quite sure what the subject of the photo is; is it the blurred dragonflies, the reeds, or the reflection? Not one of your best shots. I'm sure you have a lens that would have been more suited to use for the theme?


Me at Dam House by John Riley.

I really like this, nice lighting, though perhaps the highlights could be toned down a bit. Tthe posture and expression really suit the clothes. The background is a bit uninspiring, and that black thing on the wall almost seems to be growing out of your arm. However, it's a great self-portrait nonetheless, and another good example of the Q's ability. I see you're using this an avatar, and it works very well for that too.


Half and half by Ken2390.

A quirky self-portrait, and you're right, it does look upside-down whichever way you view it. That pavement is not the most inspiring backdrop (updrop?) but still an interesting and engaging image.


Glyn's selfie by GlynM

Another of the very few shots here where we can actually see the face, and a fine example of the quick self-portrait of the type we see on social media all the time. I like the lens on top of the helmet looking back at the camera.


Don't panic.....by olegit

Kudo for snapping this while evidently not feeling very comfortable on the wobbly bridge. It would be better if you hadn't chopped the top of your head off, but I doubt you were thinking of the finer points of composition at the time. Nicely in focus, and the mono treatment works really well. A really nice study of worried concentration.


Hubcap selfie by- product by kparkrobs

Great idea (even if it's by accident), however, my eye is drawn to the centre of the hubcap, and the squished you in the reflection is a bit small. I find the composition a bit cramped, I think it would work better if the whole wheel were visible.


Wind tunnel selfie by ForgottenHeritagePhotography

I really like this, there's a strange optical illusion of perspective caused by that angled grille behind you. Evidently you are standing in the centre, but the grille makes it seem as if you are not central. I also like the natural vignette caused by the darker foreground. I think it would look better with a square crop, but it's a great image anyway.


Selfie in the bean by Daronl

I've got a similar shot taken at the Chicago bean, a really interesting sculpture. It's a great angled shot, though your refection is a bit samll for the resizing applied to images here. Lovely colours and great reflections. Unfortuantely there's no exif recorded and you've neglected to provide any info on camera etc, so it can't be considered for any honours....


Early morning coffee time in Descartes.... by drofmit

I had a bit of a “where's Wally” time with this one, it took me a while to find you in the image. I like the wry expression on the guys face, and the inclusion of the statue. Am imaginative take on the theme, and good street photo too. Nicely done.


Cooling off by paulb531

Nice diea, and it's worked pretty well. I wish I could see a bit more of your face though, this is one of those shots where the expression on the face could turn it from a fun selfie into a really good shot. Strange choice of lens for a selfie, but it's worked OK.


The confusion of the K30 by noelcmn

At first glance this looks like an image of someone in some kind of traditional dress. I like the colour of the hoodie, the expression on your face and the composition. The whole image is a bit soft, though given the theme this doesn't matter so much. A really good entry.

I had a difficult time choosing a winner, with the two images I liked most vying for the first two places. After much deliberation, bearing in mind the theme, I chose what I think is the best selfie here over the picture I liked most as an image, if that makes any sense.


First place; johnriley

Second place; ForgottenHeritagePhotgraphy

Third place; olegit

Thanks for your thoughts and time spent critiquing this comp

Many thanks for the competition and for the winning place. Now I need to think of a new competition, which I'll post in a while, after I get back from a meeting with Snow White. (Long story.....)

Thanks for the competition and judging Jonathan. Congratulations to John and the podium places. Its a pity there wasn't a few more entries. I think it is a subject that the older generation aren't comfortable with. I took my picture in a water park among a lot of water and children - hence the long focal length.

Regards

paul

Congrats John, a very elegant selfie that-makes me think of Sir Winston Churchill- though some may not consider that a compliment. Worthy winner. Congrats extended to ForgottenHeritagePhotography and Olegit. Quite right the image is a bit soft, but then again mirrors do that. Great judging and somehow can't escape that most photographers don't like selfies. I don't.

Many thanks Jon for another interesting competition with a great set of comments and judging.

Congratulation to John for the excellent wining image, the runners up and everyone else for stepping up to the challenge.

Glyn