Photo Competitions - Expansion

I'm a little lost here!

Members post their pictures, members cast their vote. Simples

Individuals are bound to have their own biases as to what they think constitutes fitting the criteria of the competition. Therefore it will, obviously, appear to some members that others think totally differently from them. This will be a personal bias. I don't think it matters much whether a particular photo fits the brief as all the members (that bother to vote) are the judges. The members are entitled to have their own individual biases but the more members that vote the less effect biases will have.

Whether the members may have been on courses or not is irrelevant. That is up to them.

From my point of view, I have had professional training but have not used that training in over 20 years. My camera that I used to use has been in the back of the cupboard for longer than that time. It required training, of sorts, to use as it was a totally manual camera (don't think they make them like that any more). I stopped using it, although I loved it, because it and its lenses were getting too heavy for me to lug around.

I bought myself a simple point and shoot digital and was pleasantly surprised with the results. When that finally gave up the ghost I bought a digital 'bridge' camera. This has a number (too many) of manual settings but a fixed lens. I've had it for over ten years and never used any of the settings and it remains on 'Auto'. So, although I have the training I do exactly what most members do and just take snaps.

I admit that I have the skill to notice that when I'm taking a picture of somebody in the street I make sure they don't have a lamppost sticking out of their head or a dustbin in the background.

Please, just enter the competitions and also vote. Accept that some members may be biased (for good or bad) and ignore any you don't like. I try to enter most of the monthly competitions but admit that I struggle sometimes to find a shot that fits the brief (and can't be bothered, or lack the time, to go out looking for something to fit it). The competitions are there to b enjoyed and if it's not 'your thing' then don't take part.

 

No training and a camera on a phone here.

EDIT - no skill either

 

@"M" I was always taught that if I couldn't say anything good about something then I should not say anything at all,I consider yours views on the Monthly Photo Comp,negative and demoralising to me as I have always tried to be fair and honest in running the Photo Comp.

 

Hi @"M" my friend no worries you hit a weak spot,I shall have to get a thicker skin

 

And I am sure that everyone, bar none, would welcome your contributions too @"M" - - I believe that there should be no doubt, but in case there is.... your contributions are as welcomed, and enjoyed by all, and I for one would seek to encourage you to continue to contribute. A forum is nothing without its members, and for it to be truly successful, participation is needed,

Or, in laymans terms - better to be inside peeing out, than to be outside peeing in.

 

I could not agree more - from a purely technical perspective, our @wiseowl does a remarkable job, and makes sure that the posting, voting and subsequent winners are stated and posted as appropriate; the rest of the staff team don't have to worry about it, as he does such a superb job - and no-one, literally no-one, could overestimate the respect that we all have for @wiseowl.

If one single thing falls out from this exercise, I would wish it to be that the photo comps get the attention they deserve, based on the hard work that @wiseowl does every month.