Weekly Competition #65 Desktop Backdrop

There's an interesting idea. That's what I call lateral thinking...

Agreed, great theme!

I suppose taking a picture of the standard Windows XP 'teletubbies' background on my screen would be cheating

Just a quick question about these competitions - do the images have to be shot the week of the competition or is it possible to submit a photo taken previously?

Toby

Interesting theme, I recently changed my background so I have at least two that I know work for me (plus another one that I know does NOT work ).

tobyed: No rules on that (we try to avoid additional rules and get along with as few as possible). So go ahead...

Correct, minimal rules, just enough to run things. Look at the Sticky "Rules and Guidance" at the top of the section!

I am not sure that this is a theme since anything could be submitted

But it is quite an exacting task to submit a photo that is both pleasing and fit for purpose.

Personally I cheat by having a large monitor, a central image and very few desktop icons! So I can have just about any image I like as my wallpaper!

Mike

I agree. My first two ideas were dropped when I tried them as backgrounds. Just didn't work with the icons on them.

The whole purpose of the competition is to stretch us and have fun with it, so whatever the judge sets is fine! Think of it as a brief rather than a theme, if that helps...

Don't think I will be making my debut in the competitions this week! My desktop image just has my IP Address/AntiVirus definition details. Very interesting but not going to win any competition!

Great idea. This theme has really brought out the best in everyone - there's hardly a snapshot amongst them, they're all excellent shots, I don't stand a chance this week! But I think I'll throw one in just to make Glyn's day
I think we'll understand if the comments are brief!

Just for completeness here are all my comments for this competition for those that like to have all the comments in one place.


Result Comments

Thank you all very much for your submissions. Within some subjective constraints I think they would all work as backdrops which is a terrific achievement and reflects on the skill and commitment of the group.

Choosing a winner is very hard. However I have had lots of fun looking at these photos and writing the comments as images have appeared throughout the week.

At the start of this competition I put some thought into what I expect to get out of a good backdrop example. Traditionally I thought that the desktop backdrop should be calming, not too distracting but be pleasing to look at. It also needs to cope with the collection of icons I have on my desktop in that the backdrop should not detract from easily finding a particular icon. This could be achieved with an area of plain colour or just a little softening or defocus around part, or all, of the perimeter.

The subject matter is probably dependant on our personal environments and tastes. Certainly I had different approaches between work and home. In a window-less or urban environment you probably want a dose of wide open spaces. Landscapes and skies meet these sort of requirements. Nature seems to play a big part and natural textures, patterns, flowers, plants and water all appear to work well. Additionally I think simple, but soft, abstract patterns are very good. Man-made objects or part of objects, viewed from unexpected angles can also be made to work.

Having previously looked at the desktops of my colleges I saw that there were also other objectives in play. Many had reminders of their family, a holiday, special event or an achievement.

I like to see some detail around the edges, even if it has been softened or defocused. I think this can give a hint or reminder when the backdrop is peeking around the edges of open windows or panels. After all for a lot of the time we are doing something on our desktops and much of the backdrop is obscured.



On to your submissions which are in the order that the pictures were posted and are therefore in the reverse order to how they appear in the gallery:


The Deep - Peter Bargh
This image looks very calming and ticks all the boxes. It is a nice simple, semi-abstract, idea and has a soft and clear space on the right hand side for a collection of icons. I like the way the blur is accentuated moving away from the middle of the frame however I think the blur effect is a little overdone and after a while might drive me crazy. I think being faced with this first thing in the morning would have me worried what I might have been on the night before.


Fallow Buck - Daniel Bridge
A very nice image. Lots of space on the left hand side for my icon clutter. Definitely a seasonal backdrop which I think is a great idea as it implies that it will have to be changed for a different one in the spring and therefore injects variety and then this image possibly becomes something to look forward to for the next winter.

I think I would have to put my most used icons in a block on the line-of-site of the Buck.

I wonder if having a mainly white background might be a bit harsh but then again most of my document writing is done against a white background. One of the things I like to get from a backdrop is a hint of it peeking around the sides of your open windows or panels at the edges of the display and I don’t think this one will achieve this although it does work on the right hand side.


Background – ikillrocknroll
Another nice simple approach. Plenty of space for icons on either side.

A little on the dark side for me but that is just a matter of taste and any icons will brighten up some of the dark areas. I love the whirl-like effect as it gives a hint of some subtle action. Again not a huge amount at the periphery to create a hint peeking around the edges of open windows and panels but there is a little at the top and a little more at the bottom.


Solitude - timbo
I think this works well. It is a nice calming image. It has three nicely spaced elements in the vertical plane. The horse and rider provide a good point of interest which is carried across the frame by the marks in the sand. The receding waves draw the eyes to the hazy horizon and accentuate the calmness of the image. It is just a little bit on the light side for my taste.

There is plenty of soft space for some icons but some care will be needed to make sure they do not mask the horse and rider.

The colour changes of the three elements and certainly the waves provide some detail at the edge of the picture for my hints/reminders to peek around the edge of open windows and panels.

The subject probably generates some happy memories for its creator and I certainly feel I have been in similar places. While I see from the exif data that this is spring image it will probably work all year round.


Itacare Island - dieguitouk
I think this makes a fairly good backdrop. It has a fantastic sky which is also caught by the water on the beach in the foreground. The immediate foreground is a little bit cluttered although I still think it is a nice calming landscape. While they are quite far away I’m sure I can hear the children playing on the beach and the breaking of waves on the left hand side.

I would be happy to put my icons down the left hand side, avoiding the breaking waves. The image has lots of detail around the boarder for my hints/reminders to peek around the edge of open windows and panels.

I wondered a little bit about the railing in the bottom left. I thought it felt a bit intrusive but it does create a very good lead into the horse and rider and beyond to the group of sunshades. Good for the composition but possibly not on a backdrop.

However I’m sure that this image must bring happy memories for the photographer.


Solo – ProSigma
I like this one. I think it is very clever. First impressions impart a nice simplicity but looking at it for longer I think the random reflection patterns in water create a terrific enhancement. I also like the slight colour change in the water that creates two horizons. I think I would often be pulling my open windows to one side to see if the wind-surfer was still there.

Plenty of space for icons without damaging the image. Certainly some detail at the bottom and sides of the image for my hints/reminders to peek around the edge of open windows and panels.


Dalek – Keen2learn
I think it must be difficult to create a moody atmosphere when the subject is an evil semi-robotic alien however I think this succeeds.

I also think the execution of this image is very good. I like the way the image has been framed. The Dalek is looking out of a window formed by the display screen. It feels very close. The cold blue eye looks straight at you. No calming influence here. If this was on my work desktop I would be trying very hard to earn more than just my keep.

You would probably have to be a Doctor Who fan to live with this on your desktop but within that constraint I think it works. There are good places to site some icons. I’m not sure I want a hint of this creeping around the edges of my open windows but there is detail top and bottom to achieve this.


Boulge Church – johnriley
A very peaceful image which I believe would make a very good backdrop. Ones eye is naturally drawn to the right by the softly illuminated tower. I also like the sky and the light on what I think is a chestnut tree in the background. There is just a hint of a sunken path leading up to the side door which creates a subtle wave effect in the grass.

John has admitted that this place has a personal significance and as a backdrop it would obviously work well for him. Any other type of building in this setting would probably look too busy and cluttered but for me this church works really well. I think it is a lovely image and I would find something new each time I looked at it.

As John has pointed out there would be no problem adding some icons down the left hand side. The image has a lot of detail around the edges for hints/reminders to peek around the edge of open windows.


Farmhouse Horse – SPB
This image feels a bit on the hard side for me. However it probably has good connotations for the photographer. While it is obviously a picture of a painting on some sort of fence or panelling it is a pity that the bottom of front leg is out the original artists frame.

There are certainly places to site some icons and there is detail around the edges for hints/reminders to peek around the edge of open windows.


Baltic calm - Prieni
This is lovely. The fantastic sky and gentle, almost ripple like, waves that smooth out toward the horizon create a very calm and peaceful image. I think it is a very simple concept and should work exceptionally well as a backdrop.

No problems finding space to site some icons although I think this image might make me re-think my icon usage to see if I could live without them so as not to spoil the view. Enough details around the edges to peek around the edge of open windows.


Lille skyline – ganners
I think this works well as a backdrop. It is a simple concept. The clouds form soft patterns and the shape of the buildings on the horizon creates some subtle extra detail. While the eye is drawn to the large tower some of the smaller buildings towards the right also create some interest. Perhaps it is a little on the dark side and while I think this will work really well in the afternoon and evening it might be difficult to start a busy day with this image.

I think I would have to put my icons down the right hand side of this image but I do not see this as an issue. There is some detail towards the top of the sides and across the top for some hints/reminders to peek around the edge of open windows.


Traigh nan Gilean – Puds52
This is another image that shows how landscapes make such good backdrops. A lovely sky, breaking waves and the stones create a very nice image which is enhanced by the hills and cliff pushing out into the sea. It seems to create a feeling of loneliness and calm and while the image probably also has some special significance for the photographer I think as a backdrop it will work for lots of people.

There are certainly places to site some icons and there is detail around the edges for hints/reminders to peek around the edge of open windows.


Clipper Deluxe – GivingTree
I was really pleased to see this image. I think man made objects viewed from unusual angles can make very good backdrops and this image stands out from the landscapes.

I like the soft reflections in the paintwork. There is probably a hint of the photographer in these reflections.

The image looses focus towards the left and while this makes the left hand side very safe for some icons I am just a little disappointed with the level of defocusing of the word clipper. The eye is drawn to the text and I think some of the impact is lost.

There is some nice detail around the edges for hints/reminders to peek around the edge of open windows.


Levant Mines (N.T.) – ronniebchristian
Another landscape that works well. I would have to put my icons down the left hand side and I think I would probably want an icon to cover up the small white yacht.
I think the polariser may have overdone the blue sky and sea. This might also be contributing to making the rock outcrop, particularly the edge, a bit hard and possibly impacts on the calmness of the image. However I expect that this picture must bring happy memories to the photographer.

Lots of detail around the edges for hints/reminders to peek around the edge of open windows.


tiger - neilr
A magnificent image that I think should work well as a backdrop. On Wednesday my mother voted this her favourite. The image is a little complex for a backdrop but I think the subject more than compensates. I’m sure that this picture must bring happy memories and pride to the photographer. I would certainly want to show it off if it was one of mine and using it as a backdrop, particularly on a work desktop, would achieve this.

I think I would have to put my icons down the right hand side of this image but I do not see this as an issue. There is lots of detail all the way around for some hints/reminders to peek around the edge of open windows.


field – ericp
I think this image has impact! My eye races along the ridge expecting to fly off the end. I think this creates a landscape backdrop with attitude. I like the way that the foreground is in focus and they way the slope in the foreground gently twists out to the horizon. The sky is very nice and the view to the horizon is very good. The colours feel very pleasing as well.

There is just a little something creeping into the right had side of the frame that I would want to crop or clone out.

Some care will be needed with the placing of my icons but the upper left or right would be fine. There is lots of detail for some hints/reminders to peek around the edge of open windows.


Dottie – Malo1961
I’m not sure that Dottie wanted her picture taken but it is well executed. It obviously has a lot of significance for the photographer. The look on Dottie’s face creates a terrific atmosphere. I like the low positioning of the camera. The depth of focus is a little shallow covering the head shoulders and front. However the focus is pin shape on the eyes and I think it is a fabulous shot that all cat lovers would be happy to have as a backdrop.

While you have said that you don’t need it there are nice soft out of focus areas on the left and right hand sides to place some icons and the image has lots of detail for some hints/reminders to peek around the edge of open windows.


Cornfield – Father Ted
Another lovely wide open landscape that would make a very good backdrop. A foreboding sky but with sunlight illuminating the ground. I guess the field must drop away at the background to create the interesting line across the field. I also like the tractor lines which lead the eye into the horizon.

A very peaceful experience. I think I can hear the wind in the corn.

No problems with the placement of a few icons and lots of detail around the edges for some hints/reminders to peek around the edge of open windows.


Red Sky – lenscape
This is very clever. It is a minimalist sky-landscape that works really well. The rays of light link the whole screen to the illuminated clouds. I would love to have this on my work desktop. It would create an awakening each day when I start my computer up.

No problems with the placement of icons and enough detail around the edges for some hints/reminders to peek around the edge of open windows.


Plane – Rossi
I can’t argue that this would not work as a backdrop but I do think it is pushing simplification close to acceptable limits. However I have to say that my own photo library contains pictures just this. It is so tempting when out in the garden to see if the camera will focus on a high flying plane. Unlike this sample most of my attempts usually highlight the need to clean dust off the sensor.

The image is a bit noisy and this suggests that it has been cropped and digitally zoomed. This may also be causing the plane to be a bit fuzzy. Having aviation industry blood in my veins I would want the plane to be sharp enough to identify type and possibly operator. A plane with contrails or some thin clouds would have made the shot just a little more interesting.

It has stacks of space for the most excessive icon requirements. While it does not have any detail around the edges in this case the plain blue reminds you exactly what is hiding behind any open windows.


Spider - Nimitz
Is this a spider or is it a harvestman? Either way it is an enlarged creepy-crawly of the worst kind (it scares me too and I hope I’m a lot older than your daughter). I do not think this is going to be calming for many people. However if you are a lover of these things then I guess it would work as a backdrop. I’m not sure about the cord. I think something a little more natural in this context would have been better.

There is lots of space for icons but not very much detail around the edges for some hints/reminders to peek around the edge of open windows although I would not want any reminders at all.


Bee – Gallot
I don’t think I want to argue over whether this is a bee or a hoverfly. I think it is a fantastic image. I think the bokeh is lovely and the framing is excellent

I know how hard it is to achieve a picture like this but I think there is a slight depth of field issue. It would have been nice to have the whole creature in focus. However I do not think this detracts from the impact this image would make as a backdrop.

The left hand side is nice and soft allowing the placement of some icons. I think there is just enough detail around the edges to create some hints/reminders to peek around the edge of open windows.


My desktop - missmarple
This was another image that I was really pleased to see. This is obviously the nose of a loved soft toy and falls into my man-made objects at an unusual angle category. I think it works very well. I like the lighting that comes from above and that the nose is the point of shallow focus.

It feels very familiar. My family has a large collection of bears which are very similar to you dog and we would love this as a backdrop.

The dark left hand side provides plenty of space for some icons and there are lots of details for some hints/reminders to peek around the edge of open windows.


Sun, Sea, Sand and Surf – chelseablue
This is a lovely picture. I think the waves are fantastic. However from my direction it is a little bit too busy for a backdrop. There is not much space for any icons but there is plenty of detail for hints/reminders to peek around the edge of open windows.

Is the horizon going down hill a little toward the right hand side? The front of the beach looks horizontal but I find the horizon a little disturbing and think it needs straightening up.

I guess this image generates some happy memories for the photographer and in that respect it probably works well.


Almost to the Top - amoringello
What an interesting bug. It is nicely captured but I think the bug gets a little lost with the similar colour background and some of its potential impact is lost. [I saw your note about the issues with the colour cast and sympathise].

I’m not sure what the bug is climbing. To me the white is a little dominating. The eye is definitely drawn to the bug but the rest of the image does not really work for me.

However this image has lots of space for icons although there is not much to peek around the edge of open windows for hints/reminders. If this bug is a friend then I guess you would be happy to use this image as a backdrop.


Desktop backdrop – josh
I think this works well. I like the contrast between the even, deep blue, sky and the bright white textured surface of the lighthouse. The little aeroplane is an added bonus.

I have to assume that the non-vertical aspect of the lighthouse is intentional. I am pulled between this creating an artistic effect and wondering if it might drive some people spare.

However I think it makes a great backdrop. It has plenty of space for the placement of icons. Only the bottom creates some detail for hints and reminders to peek around the edge of open windows but that wonderful blue sky goes nearly all the way around.


Doronicum – womble
I have been waiting all week for some flowers and this image is absolutely stunning. For the purposes of a backdrop the framing of this shot is excellent. It has a wonderful bokeh. It will brighten anybodies day.

There is a purpose designed space for some icons and loads of detail around the edges for reminders/hints to peek around open windows.


Seagull on the Beach – pnjmcc
I think it can be very difficult to get a good picture of a seagull and this image of a preening seagull is very good. The offset framing creates an excellent backdrop and reflections from the water create some excellent bokeh.

There is lots of space for some icons and loads of detail around the edges for reminders/hints to peek around open windows.


Looking back! – beginner
Another beautiful landscape. The clouds, hills and soft colouring of the fields create a calming influence. The hills also provide enhanced areas of interest particularly with the mixture of different slopes.

I think the picture is soft enough not to cause too much problems with icons that could be placed down the left or right sides and there is loads of detail around the edges for reminders/hints to peek around open windows.

I think it would work well as a backdrop and again is a picture that must create happy memories for the photographer.


Desktop Backdrop – Deecy
I agree, I’m sure this image would improve productivity if used on a workplace desktop. The piercing eyes and slight tilt of the head create a “I’m watching you” effect. I think it is a very well presented image. The focal depth covers the entire beast and the background bokeh is terrific. This image would create a very good backdrop. Like Neilr’s tiger I’m sure the photographer must be very proud of this work.

There is a little loop of thread in the fur on the right hand side and it makes me wonder what this animal was doing before it turned its concentration onto us.

I would have no problems placing some icons down the left hand side and there is plenty of detail around the edges for hints/reminders to peek around open windows.


Natural Forces – Hyram
I thought that I would get some natural textures in this theme. This image achieves this but not in any way that I imagined when I set out the task. I think it looks fantastic. The effect of the reflected light is terrific. There is also a little hint of some coastline, and possibly even a lighthouse, along and above the horizon. I know nothing about sailing but agree it does look a bit rough.

I think I would have trouble placing some icons. I would not want to cover up any of this wonderful picture. If pushed I would put them down the right hand side. There is loads of detail for hints/reminders to peek around open windows although I think I would want a 2nd monitor just so that I could have it up, unmasked all of the time. I guess that is the problem with this image. I think this picture is too good for a backdrop. It needs to be printed as large as possible, framed and hung on the wall.


The Cross – Nazboo
Our second church of the week. It looks like a nice little church. I like the clouds in the sky and the trees, particularly those on the right. I also like the way the church is illuminated. For my taste the dark cross in the foreground is a bit imposing although, of course, it is the named subject of this shot. I think this is a shame because everything else works well. I wonder if it might have been better if some fill flash had been used to illuminate the cross. The image does create some atmosphere and I can certainly feel the wind blowing through this scene.

I think I would have to put my icons along the bottom but I do not see this as an issue. There are lots of details for hints/reminders to peek around open windows.


Aregash Vultures – Dr. Mhuni
I think this is a great picture. I like the way the vultures and their tree are in focus against a soft de-focused background.

I’m not sure that this image will make a good backdrop. I do not think there is anywhere to safely place some icons. They could go down the left or right sides but I think the sharp focus of the leaves and branches would interfere with accurate selection of any particular icon. If only a few icons were needed that then could sited against the soft background at the bottom but I do not think there is enough space the number of icons I have on my desktop.

Of course there are lots of very nice details for hints/reminders to peek around open windows.


Ebony Bones performs at Bingley – cabstar
This obviously would work very well as a backdrop. It is bright, colourful and oozes a sense of fun. I guess you would have to have been there, or be a fan, to have this on your desktop but within that framework it is brilliant.

There is stacks of safe space for some icons and enough detail for hints/reminders to peek around open windows.


Red door – mikew
I thought we were getting overwhelmed by landscapes so it is good to see another image in the man-made objects from an unusual angles category. The door in this picture has a fine, detailed, texture and I think this elevates this image from being plain to interesting and subtle. I also like the handle and its shadow which create an immediate draw for the eye. I’m not quite so sure about the wavy shadow across the top. All in I think this image would work very well as a simple, minimalist backdrop.

There would be no problem placing any icons on this image. While there is not much detail for hints/reminders to peek around open windows the red texture that you see will tell you exactly what is going on behind those windows.


Autumn Leaves – beakynet
When I set this competition I thought we would see a lot of natural textures, particularly leaves. Also looking at the backdrops of my colleagues at work I saw that some had pictures of their families and wondered if we would see any of these. Here we are nearly at the close of this competition and you have scored a first for both.

I think this is a fantastic image and I congratulate you for posting it. As a backdrop it obviously only works for close family but within that constraint it is brilliant.

I would have to put my icons across the top where there is a nice soft area for them so no problem there. There is also a huge amount of detail for hints/reminders to peek around open windows.


Molly Pop - Darkmonk
Having just congratulated beakynet for posting the first family picture I suspect we have a second one. This is a lovely image and I think it works very well. Again as a backdrop it probably only for friends and family but in that context it is perfect.

I like the contrast between the sharp foreground and the soft bokeh of the background. The refection is fantastic. While the left hand background is an obvious place to site some icons I think I would prefer to put them down the right hand side so as not to damage the impact of this image. There is certainly enough detail for some hints/reminders to peek around open windows.


Orange supreme – hefty1
I like the symmetry of this shot which is then enhanced by the offset name label. The orange colour is terrific and I like the exhaust system that creates added detail. I guess this image recalls happy memories of the Goodwood event for the photographer.

For a motor sport enthusiast it must work well as a backdrop although I suspect you would have needed to have been at the event to get the most of out of the image.

It has plain areas of colour down the left hand side and across the top for the placement of icons and the colour alone will provide enough hints and reminders to peek around open windows.




Results:
I think all these entries largely work as backdrops and therefore meet the requirements of the theme. This makes judging very hard and becomes my personal taste. If I have not picked your submission for a winner then it is my failing rather than yours. They are all brilliant.

I decided that I would choose one from each broad categories of landscape/buildings/skies, man-made objects plus people (including the Dalek!) and plants/flowers/creatures then pick the overall winner from these.

On this basis my winners are:

1st - lenscape for Red Sky

2nd - womble for Doronicum

3rd - cabstar for Ebony Bones performs at Bingley



Highly commended goes to:

Ericp for field
Prieni for Baltic Calm
Deccy for Desktop Backdrop
missmarple for My desk top
beakynet for Autumn Leaves

Thank you for your comments (and giving me second place ). A huge job judging this weeks competition and a very difficult one. Well done to all.

Best wishes, Kris.

This week was a stunner of a show! Good judging & congrats to Lenscape.