At least some of us were able to see the entry in the short span that it was in the competition. Unfortunately it cannot be seen in competition 37 anymore. Maybe you can put it up in your portfolio gallery? I do think that it is a very nice example of an abstract. And I remember that I was fascinated by me liking it, as I usually don't like these camera-movement blurry-type photos.

I think your rule (not to submit twice) can make things quite complicated as the number of competitions steadily increases...
I do understand it somewhat, though. I don't make it a rule, so wouldn't be worried if it happened, but I try to choose different entries.

So, one down, less work for me

Prieni

That's a fabulous start, 2 entries already!
I feel reassured that the topic will end up with lots of high class entries.

Prieni

I won't say "I told you so".
Oops, just did

Prieni

Kenty, don't worry. I think we are in "academic interest" territory, i.e. the differences we worry about do not matter much.
It's a bit like talking different waxes on Formula 1 racing cars...

Prieni

Shim,

I think what they mean is that they haven't applied any processing, i.e. the DNG was converted to JPG with "all sliders at 0". They don't provide any information with what RAW converter this was done. As this was the famous "desert outing" before the K20D was available I am assuming that they used Pentax PhotoLab.
Then I'm guessing further that the more information the PEF holds is the JPG development settings of the camera at the time of taking. If the DNG does not contain all image information then it would be completely pointless. Without the cameras JPG settings, that wouldn't be a big issue.

That's my take on it,
Prieni

Hi Rob,

welcome to the forum. I'll be down in your neck of the woods end of the month; unfortunately without my camera as it is a business trip...

Your first two photos are a great start! Freshly infected with the photography bug, I'm of two minds whether to envy you or not. I think I don't as after many years there still is so much to learn and discover. So this bug you won't get rid of in a hurry.
Also it is very likely that you will discover the first symptoms of LBA soon. It stands for lens buying addiction and it is extremely contagious. When you read these lines its almost certain that you already have it...


Prieni

The first one is a good shot, probably could do with a bit more pop from post processing.

The second one is a very strong shot. Ok, the focus is not exactly where you wanted it but you could say that you tried to accentuate the chip on his shoulder I love this one.

The third one is a stunner, captivating shot! I would have warmed it a bit but it's a matter of preference. Well done!

The second series does not do the same for me, the first one would need different light and/or post processing, second one is o.k. but too cool for my taste and the third one seems a bit flat to me (though looking at the deepest shadow and brightest highlight I doubt it is).

For a couple of hours this is a terrific bounty I would say.

BTW: The Arachno's shot is not bad either!

Prieni

Now, this throws my age back in my face. Yes, I had seen that a while ago, as it seems forgot about it and it subconsciously crept up again when I saw John's photo book.
I gladly would have answered the question "Was that your own idea?" with a resounding "Yes, Sir" (or "Yes, Mam" respectively). (I have to make a note to warn friends who would like to call me to witness in court...)
Now it is obvious where I nicked "my" idea Good thing is that I will forget that within a few days...

Now I say if they can do it it should be a doddle for the capable members of this forum... Or to coin another phrase (this time I'm positive I've never heard it before): Yes, we can.

Prieni

I'm interested to hear how it turns out. I have done quite a few photo books at http://www.fotobuch.de/ and I like the quality of these.

Having the option to put the photo books up for sale sounds quite tempting. I was planning of doing a "best of" book sometime (two holiday trips to put in books first), this could easily be done in a "proper" way. I guess it won't be selling like hotcakes but it would be interesting to see if it sells at all.

This brings me to another idea: If the quality is adequate, how about making a Pentax User Forum photo book with the proceeds going to a charity? We could easily make one with all competition winners...

BTW: John, I do like the "simple" layout of your book. And that preview thingy really gets you to want to see more...

Prieni

Thanks guys for your quick replies!

I will forward the points you mention to the IT department.

Peter: I think the email addresses are not in the page source and a bit more tricky for harvesters to find. Personally I find it quite frustrating when I don't find an email address on an institute page.

Hefty: I'll forward that comment about the ALT tags (and I promise to make better use of them on my own pages).

Thanks for your help chaps, much appreciated!
Prieni