Competitions

You know, I'd really, really like to take part in some of the competitions on this forum. A lot of the themes are creative and inspiring and nice ideas abound in my head. But ... say I'd win one day: I just don't feel qualified/up to judging the pictures that have been submitted. I'm still very much a learner myself and I have a long way to go.

One of the things I like about the 'new type of competition' as set up by Gwyn, Stefan (and/or anybody else I may be forgetting to mention here): there's no judging involved by the person who sets the theme. Commenting on a submitted picture is fine of course - I know I've learnt a lot from the comments on my pictures but I personally would rather leave it to the people that are more eligible to do so.

Anyway, that's my reason for not taking part in competitions much though I'd like to (btw, missed the new one because of the holidays). Sorry if I'm rambling on a bit. Does anyone else feel - for whatever reason - unable to sumbit entries?

Everyone's view is appreciated in this little Pentax democracy and everyone can learn from someone else's opinions.

Please do not be put off by the thought of judging. In fact, the judging process whereby you analyse the photographs increases your own understanding and perception.

Its good.

But if you win a competition then your photography skills are surely enough to comment on someone else their photos right?

Also I find that judging is different then giving constructive comment on photos.
With judging it's all personal and I simply say what I like and don't like about a photo without actually going in to technical aspects. With C&C that's one point you talk the most about but surely personal comments help as well to see what part or which photo works for someone else.

I've read some of your comments and I think they are good, so don't talk yourself down so much. Everyone is qualified to have an opinion.

true, but usually the least informed opinions are the ones most generously shared.. lol!

But seriously, it's fun, try it!

Take part in the competition! you will then see what other people have produced..... you then find yourself reading the judges remarks about the photo's and you look back at the photos having read the comments, it's all a learning process. If you don't feel qualified or your perception is you don't feel able to comment on technical aspects, say what you do and do not like about the photos generally etc. This alone will provide a different view point as we all have our own style. The more views about my photo's I receive the more I think about what I am doing and this can help to try and experiment with new ideas. Give it a go, the pentaxians are pretty chilled and always glad to give and receive constructive and helpful feedback. You don't have to take it all on board.

Lidy,

You are most welcome to enter the fortnightly, 20ish hours left(ish).

So the topic is wire/wires, but to be super inclusive, rope and string will be acceptable. (maybe noodles, spaghetti and wool too).

Its more important people joining in than a preceived need for a standard of comment about the entries. (In my view). After all, its an excuse to use your equipment.

Competitions are there to inspire and give a focus to our photography.

The judging can be at any level, from those who are used to it and maybe even judge in public, to those who have little technical knowledge but know what they like.

It's perfectly valid to just say what you like about an image, it doesn't have to be an essay. Equally well, it can be as detailed as you like as well.

Why not give it a try and see what happens?

Thanks all for the encouraging words! I am very much in the category of ' little technical knowledge, but know what she likes' . I will give it a try! More than that: I've been collecting and taking pictures of wire and assorted things all evening. Nothing I like well enough so far though. But there's another 18 hours to go, so I hope I'll come up with something. Thx again!

thank you... for inspiring me to try... it's been too long since I threw an entry into this fray!
good luck to you!

Thx Don. You did a great job with that picture!