Announcing the winners of the 2006 Photo Contest!!

Well, Sarahskeeper, I feel bad that you (or anyone else) thought my question was "juvenile." I certainly didn't intend to cause dissension. I don't use Photo Shop because I haven't had the inclination to get into it. But I'm beginning to think it might be fun, and that was why I asked that question: I thought I could learn something about producing better photos. If someone felt I was asking for "trade secrets," then I'm sorry.

I voted for photos I liked, no matter if I thought the they were enhanced or not; I didn't really care as long as I liked a picture. To each his own.

As far as having two contests for enhanced and not enhanced, I agreed with that idea simply because I thought it would stop the dissension.

I didn't realize we were getting into a discussion that would cause people to boycott the contest, for goodness sake! C'mon, let's just get back on track here and enjoy this for what it is...something fun.

That being said, we're dealing with lots of different people here, so there will be those among us who take their photography seriously and thus will have some opinions they want to put forth. And there will be those who, like me, don't know beans technically but have what we think is a good eye and enjoy taking photos and want to learn more. I guess the biggest thing I've learned, though, is to keep my mouth shut on this subject because I don't want to be unintentionally offensive.

This message was edited Jan 20, 2007 1:20 PM

For me a photograph is "catching a moment in time". But the camera often times does not "see" what the naked eye does. I have few editing tools at my disposable and usually do not bother, but I'm okay with people fine tuning their photos to reflect the moment as they saw it. There are also times a photograph is used to produce a work of art, I'm okay with that also. My only problem is if deception is involved, but I have no cause to believe we are dealing with those kinds of problems here, and even so it's up to each individual to make a choice and then move on.
After all is said and done I'm sure that this contest will remain friendly with all the good folk here. No one should feel that their photos are not good enough. My own photos lack the quality of many of the beautiful photos shared on this contest but it will not stop me from sharing. :)

Please, don't just lurk......this discussion is one of the things that I love about DG. Everyone can offer their opinions, and that's great. It is especially wonderful that (as I see it), all opinions are encouraged and respected. I'm not fond of roses and don't grow them. I can only imagine how others could not imagine someone not liking roses, but we're all entitled to our opinions. What I like is that I can respectfully give my opinions without fear of being attacked. And all of this photo editing discussion has made me look for the first time at what is possible in that area. I've learned yet another thing on DG, and may have found a way to get through a long boring winter without ordering from every co-op and seed catalog that I find. Let's keep having fun on DG, and enjoying each other photographs. What did we do before digit cameras?

bivbiv, I thought your question was a good one, and you did state "Obviously, enhancement is nothing to be ashamed of...and inquiring minds want to know." Please continue to post, I'm afraid some artistic people can be very sensitive, a fact of life.

Not only that, some are very serious about wanting to win, whether or not they state they are in it for the fun. No fingers pointed, but we are by nature all very different, and I don't see that we will all ever agree totally, so the 'discussion' will continue and tempers will fray.

This on it's own would be a good enough reason to have a separate category for Photoshopped pictures, not those just touched up slightly but those which have obvious alteration. The two parties of for and aginst will never agree on this point, unless those against change their minds and decide they want to Photoshop, or, less likely, the reverse should happen.

The main thing which stares me in the face was that people liked the Photoshopped versions, they did not care, so voted. Those are the pics which have so obvious changes as to not be hidden I am talking about, and some very attractive pictures can be made.

On the other hand, we see the very occasional photo that is presented as 'the real thing'. That is where the problem possibly arises. A photo which is almost all done on Photoshop, to me then becomes something which has been 'made up' as opposed to a pic which has been taken in a camera whatever the cameras capabilities. That, to me, is not photograpy, and where the line should be drawn. I am talking about the main feature of the photograph here, whatever the subject.

So, I can see that we will be going forever around in circles on all these points.

To save all this, I would suggest the following.

A category for Photoshopped pics that have actually been a picture taken in a camera, but with feature changes only and not a complete fabrication, but then if those wanting to fabricate wish to compete please speak up, we all have a say here.

The NORMAL Competition as we have been having, albeit some structure may need changing, with all the categories, and some minor adjustments allowed such as cropping, brightness and contrast adjustments. This I feel suits the majority of people, as most cannot catch up with the Photoshopping wizards and should not have to.

Actually I was disappointed this had been started up again, then I thought as it started to get more open and people don't mind showing what they have done is fine and good. The it all deteriorates again, so lets see if we can all decide on a 'resonable' solution now, well until it all begins next time of course!

Excuse me Wallaby1.You posted while I was typing so don't consider this as a follow up on your post I respect. OK?

I must be hearing a different drummer, 'cause all I wanted to say was the picture just posted by boojum was one of my top three favorites of the 1,000 plus entries. To me it was a wonderful blend of artistry and technical skill that made it so.

Before boojum gets a swell head, however - a warning - a compliment from me and $5 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

Just don't forget the five bucks.

Dave

Gosh! Thanks, Dave. And oh, oops. Forgot my wallet. Can you spring for me? Catcha next contest.

I've read all the previous... I agree and disagree with different things. But not to the extent that I am going to slam anyone for what they think.

I thought that the contest was cool. I voted based on what picture I thought was the prettiest and/or fit the category the best. I thought it was FUN. If it isn't fun why do it? There is just tooo much strife in the world to worry about everything. I don't come to davesgarden to cure the world. I come to have some fun and talk to people that like doing some of the same things I like to do. As long as things stay fun I will stick around....

Just my 02 cents..... that plus 3.00 will get you a hot chocolate most places... *giggle