Vote! Help me choose a photo to submit to a contest.

[ieani]

There is a photography contest here being held by the office of international education at my university. They are only accepting photos that were taken outside of the USA. Here are some I took but I can only submit one and am unsure which one would be the best to submit so vote and help me choose. Thanks!

Photo 1

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/36/118278779_8fc835466a.jpg

Photo 2

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/34/118216900_a2d1c8d61a.jpg

Photo 3

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/43/118213036_bcae8f7678.jpg

Photo 4

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/46/118245147_6b4dd113f5.jpg

Photo 5

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/41/118253808_c31eb77ef7.jpg

Photo 6

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/52/118253416_4c46f555bd.jpg

Photo 7

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/44/118264824_187d04c431.jpg

[coldrain]

Most photos are not level (especially photo 2, but also 1, 3 and 5). I have to be careful with this myself, I often find I have slanted photos. If you are going to turn any on these photos in, correct it first by rotating them slightly.

Photo 6 is very under exposed. This may be intentional, but it does not really work for me (enhancing the contast may make that better) and I am not totally happy about the composition either.

Photo 4 is my favorite, it is visually very striking. After that I like photo 3 the most. Photo 2 has potential after some post processing.

[R.Youden]

Picture 4 for me. Maybe you could edit the OP and put about each photo in?

[TheAnswer]

Depends on the specifics of the contest. If they are looking for something that they can use later on on a website or pamphlet, they are probably more likely to choose the last one as it is instantly indicates that it was not taken in the US. I really like some of the others, but if the contest is as I said, your best bet is the last one, followed by the first one.

[ieani]

Most photos are not level (especially photo 2, but also 1, 3 and 5). I have to be careful with this myself, I often find I have slanted photos. If you are going to turn any on these photos in, correct it first by rotating them slightly.

Photo 6 is very under exposed. This may be intentional, but it does not really work for me (enhancing the contast may make that better) and I am not totally happy about the composition either.

Photo 4 is my favorite, it is visually very striking. After that I like photo 3 the most. Photo 2 has potential after some post processing.

Thanks for the advice. I meant to and forgot to add that any editing suggestions would be welcome. I should be able to adjust the level in iphoto. I took these all with a point and shoot and my hands, no tripod. I never meant them to be contest quality but I am hoping to derive one photo that will suffice.

[ieani]

Also I tried to edit the poll and thread, mainly to correct a typo but it will not load the edit page.

[R.Youden]

Also I tried to edit the poll and thread, mainly to correct a typo but it will not load the edit page.

I am getting that with another thread, something going on here.

[-hh]

Something to keep in mind is to get "inside the head" of the judges.


Here, the theme would appear to be "international education", so in my view, that would generally suggest something that shows off the 'international' aspect of things, preferably with something kind of educational.

As such, I eliminated those things that don't seem to be obviously 'foreign' which means 2, 3 & 4 had to go. Doesn't mean that these aren't nice landscapes, but rather that they lack a clear "sense of place" for the purpose of this contest's judges.


That leaves 1, 5, 6, and 7.

Of these, 6 gets dropped because it is underexposed and I'm not really sure if the composition can really do anything for me, even if recropped. I would have liked to have seen the ground in front of the statue, plus I probably would have wanted to move the point of view to the left (get the statue's hand away from the obelisk).

Between 1, 5 and 7, the first two don't have a cheery blue sky that makes it as appealing as 7. Plus 7 seems to have a "campus" sort of look to it, so that's why I ended up picking #7


-hh

[R.Youden]

Something to keep in mind is to get "inside the head" of the judges.


Here, the theme would appear to be "international education", so in my view, that would generally suggest something that shows off the 'international' aspect of things, preferably with something kind of educational.

As such, I eliminated those things that don't seem to be obviously 'foreign' which means 2, 3 & 4 had to go. Doesn't mean that these aren't nice landscapes, but rather that they lack a clear "sense of place" for the purpose of this contest's judges.


That leaves 1, 5, 6, and 7.

Of these, 6 gets dropped because it is underexposed and I'm not really sure if the composition can really do anything for me, even if recropped. I would have liked to have seen the ground in front of the statue, plus I probably would have wanted to move the point of view to the left (get the statue's hand away from the obelisk).

Between 1, 5 and 7, the first two don't have a cheery blue sky that makes it as appealing as 7. Plus 7 seems to have a "campus" sort of look to it, so that's why I ended up picking #7


-hh

Picture 7 has a campus look to it, which university / college did you go too :eek: . Saying that I so get what you are saying, especially with all the people standing around doing nothing.

[ieani]

If anyone wants to suggest photos. My sets are here:

Ireland (http://www.flickr.com/photos/opticscholar/sets/72057594091069504/)

London (http://www.flickr.com/photos/opticscholar/sets/72057594091165821/)

[mkrishnan]

From a purely artistic standpoint, I think 2 and 3 are the strongest. I want to like 5 a lot, but the orientation is just not right. A few others, like 7, have potential if they're cropped, but right now, the shots are just not layed out properly. Of 2 and 3, I like 3 better.

Anyway, good luck! :)

[ieani]

Something to keep in mind is to get "inside the head" of the judges.


Here, the theme would appear to be "international education", so in my view, that would generally suggest something that shows off the 'international' aspect of things, preferably with something kind of educational.

As such, I eliminated those things that don't seem to be obviously 'foreign' which means 2, 3 & 4 had to go. Doesn't mean that these aren't nice landscapes, but rather that they lack a clear "sense of place" for the purpose of this contest's judges.


That leaves 1, 5, 6, and 7.

Of these, 6 gets dropped because it is underexposed and I'm not really sure if the composition can really do anything for me, even if recropped. I would have liked to have seen the ground in front of the statue, plus I probably would have wanted to move the point of view to the left (get the statue's hand away from the obelisk).

Between 1, 5 and 7, the first two don't have a cheery blue sky that makes it as appealing as 7. Plus 7 seems to have a "campus" sort of look to it, so that's why I ended up picking #7


-hh

Thanks for the advice. I see where you are coming from but the flyer showed past winners and they were of elephants or statues or other things so I think the landscape might work. Im just skeptical of the blandness of the castle photo. Anyone could have taken that shot there.

"don't have a cheery blue sky"

haha not something that is not easy to find in Ireland

[Lovesong]

I love #4. Might want to straighten it a bit (I'd say ~5ø CCW). Nice shots

[mrkgoo]

I honestly think that choosing which particular photo for a contest is part of that creative process. The decision should be your own. Certainly no harm in asking for critique and criticism, though.

For the record, I don't really like any of the photos, but photo 2 or 5 come closest to me actually feeling something, though even these don't fit the theme. ieani, I think you yourself said it best about the castle photo - anyone could have taken that shot. However, I believe that's somewhat true with the other shots too. Of course, arguably, any photo can be taken by anyone, really, but when taking a photo, you have to really capture something that means something to you. That kind of emotion shows up in your photography.

Landscapes can crop really well into panoramic-style shots (REALLY wide) - however, you have to have this in mind when capturing the shot to begin with.

[drumnkyle]

For sure photo #4 with the reflection and contrast between the water and the land is very nice. SORRY ABOUT THE TITLE

[-hh]

Thanks for the advice. I see where you are coming from but the flyer showed past winners and they were of elephants or statues or other things so I think the landscape might work.

Looking at past winners is another good way to try to "get inside the head" of the judges.

"don't have a cheery blue sky"

haha not something that is not easy to find in Ireland

True. My reason for mentioning it is that a "fair weather" shot also is generally a good thing when it comes to a shot that's supposed to be used to promote the destination.

BTW, if you have time still to shoot some more, and since its for promoting an overseas univeristy, try something creative from inside your local Irish Pub :D


-hh

[-hh]

Picture 7 has a campus look to it, which university / college did you go too :eek: ...

My impression of the photo made me think of Cambridge (Cambridge)or Oxford (http://www.ox.ac.uk/) in the UK, neither of which I've ever visited.

I have spent time at Princeton University (http://www.princeton.edu/main/) here in New Jersey (USA), and its architecture is reminiscient. It is different, though, as the style here in the USA is called "Collegiate Gothic" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_revival) and is a revival style, since it can't be more than 200 years old. Nevertheless, its architects have weaved in some Gargoyles (http://mondrian.princeton.edu/CampusWWW/Communications/Gargoyles.pdf), which are generally rare in the USA.


-hh

[apfhex]

I want to like #6, but the composition just isn't quite good enough. Perhaps if you have been back farther, there would be room for some creative cropping. It definitely needs more of the ground below the statue. And if you could have moved the whole thing to the right, dropping out that building on the left altogether. The trees could be easily removed in Photoshop, I would do so. The exposure/imposing-grayness of the picture could be partially fixed with Photoshop, but I'm not sure how much. I like the sort of dark stormy sky though.

The landscapes are very pretty, but just too boring IMHO. (however the judges might not think so)

I think #7 has the most potential.

[pknz]

4, 5 or 6

[furious]

vote 7

[ieani]

I want to like #6, but the composition just isn't quite good enough. Perhaps if you have been back farther, there would be room for some creative cropping. It definitely needs more of the ground below the statue. And if you could have moved the whole thing to the right, dropping out that building on the left altogether. The trees could be easily removed in Photoshop, I would do so. The exposure/imposing-grayness of the picture could be partially fixed with Photoshop, but I'm not sure how much. I like the sort of dark stormy sky though.

The landscapes are very pretty, but just too boring IMHO. (however the judges might not think so)

I think #7 has the most potential.

The spike lies in the middle of a busy Dublin road so I was limited on my space. I understand what everyone means though, its just a step away from a decent photo.

[kretzy]

I like number 7 the best as well. The brighter colours really make it stand out. Had number 5 been slightly brighter/more colourful I probably would have gone with that.

[Abstract]

Here, the theme would appear to be "international education", so in my view, that would generally suggest something that shows off the 'international' aspect of things, preferably with something kind of educational.

As such, I eliminated those things that don't seem to be obviously 'foreign' which means 2, 3 & 4 had to go. Doesn't mean that these aren't nice landscapes, but rather that they lack a clear "sense of place" for the purpose of this contest's judges.

Exactly what I was thinking. :)


Personally, I think #4 is stunning, and I love #2 as well, although I would have captured less of the hill and captured slightly more water. This is something that people may disagree with, but that's just want I want to see more of from this photo. These are my 2 favourite photos from the bunch, by far.

I wouldn't choose #3 because it's too Plain Jane for me.

I wouldn't choose #1 or #5 for the reason -hh said.

I just don't like #6, and it won't win.

I think #7 is the best for the reason you're entering this contest for. Like -hh said, it seems related to university, campuses, and education, so it has a chance of winning. The colours are also more appealing. :)

[Chaszmyr]

Four is the best by far. Two might be in the running, but the main focal point is off to the left where it is hazy (Photoshop could probably fix this, though). The others are nice, but look more like snapshots than real photography.

[Abstract]

Looking at Ireland and London sets, there are a few examples of you chopping out the ground, just like you did in #6. And then you also manage to include too much of the ground sometimes as well, although not including enough of the ground is more common in your photos. :o

I like this one, but it isn't going to win you any contests: Curves (http://www.flickr.com/photos/opticscholar/118312633/in/set-72057594091165821/)

I also love this photo and how you captured the roof perfectly: British Museum (http://www.flickr.com/photos/opticscholar/118318380/in/set-72057594091165821/), but it's dark and not level.



After looking at all your photos, I still think #6 in your first post is the best. I also like THIS (http://www.flickr.com/photos/opticscholar/118245700/in/set-72057594091069504/) photo, but it's a bit foggy.


On an unrelated note, THIS (http://www.flickr.com/photos/opticscholar/118254905/in/set-72057594091069504/) photo would look great in the Dark and Light Assignment gallery that's currently running. :o Lovely photo.

[ieani]

Looking at Ireland and London sets, there are a few examples of you chopping out the ground, just like you did in #6. And then you also manage to include too much of the ground sometimes as well, although not including enough of the ground is more common in your photos. :o

I like this one, but it isn't going to win you any contests: Curves (http://www.flickr.com/photos/opticscholar/118312633/in/set-72057594091165821/)

I also love this photo and how you captured the roof perfectly: British Museum (http://www.flickr.com/photos/opticscholar/118318380/in/set-72057594091165821/), but it's dark and not level.



After looking at all your photos, I still think #6 in your first post is the best. I also like THIS (http://www.flickr.com/photos/opticscholar/118245700/in/set-72057594091069504/) photo, but it's a bit foggy.


On an unrelated note, THIS (http://www.flickr.com/photos/opticscholar/118254905/in/set-72057594091069504/) photo would look great in the Dark and Light Assignment gallery that's currently running. :o Lovely photo.

Thanks for all the advice! What do you think of this one(now that its cropped)?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/138/352250321_2ec8cfd2b5.jpg

[Abstract]

When shooting something like that, I want to either see what the guy is doing up close (so zooming in, walking in closer, and standing at more of an angle), what the girl is doing up close, or more of what's being written on the wall. This photo doesn't give me any of that. Sorry. :o

What did you crop? If you cropped out more of the ground....put it back in!! :p I personally feel that if you're going to chop off someone's feet, you may as well chop off their legs as well. No point showing me 90% of a leg and chopping off the feet. It gives that girl a weird look. Is she very tall, or is she standing on a box?

Either I want to see the boxes they're sitting/standing on, or I want you to get closer and just shoot them from above the waist. Again, that means getting closer and standing at more of an angle so that I can see what they're writing (ie: so that I can see the "action"). Either that, or step back and let me see the words or picture being written/drawn on the wall.

Basically: Get in closer, or move further away. All I see are two people looking at the wall. Do you want us to show them writing (ie: an action), or do you want to show us what was written on the wall (ie: it's interesting in some way)? You need to show us something, which means you need to choose. :)

P.S.: Even if this photo were perfect (that's subjective, though), I certainly wouldn't submit this photo to a contest unless the writing on the wall was in a foreign language. ;)

[Abstract]

And why does THIS (http://www.flickr.com/photos/opticscholar/118260999/in/set-72057594091069504/) photo exclude the ground?

A way to make some photos more interesting is to get in closer, or shooting at angles, or both. People who shoot from far away, and directly facing the building rather than at an angle make their photos look like they're just snapshots. If you're photographing something in particular (ie: the sign at the pub), you don't need to shoot from far away unless the photo is composed well and can be interesting. If you shot more of the ground, you'd include the people and not the ugly, irrelevent buildings behind that pub. :) If you don't shoot from far away and at a more interesting angle, then walk up to the sign, look up, and shoot the sigh so that you're pointing upwards, and a bit diagonal as well. That way, you won't photograph the sign so that it's edges are "square/rectangular"; the edges will look diagonal. Diagonal lines are more interesting than square lines, so lines that cut across the photo are fantastic, which is why almost EVERYBODY said that PHOTO #4 (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/46/118245147_6b4dd113f5.jpg) is by far your best. ;) :)

So basically......walk further away and capture more, or walk right up to it and take a photo from an interesting angle if you can. You're in between again --- not close enough to capture just the sign, and not far enough away to capture the a larger section of the building. This way, you also avoid photographing people's shoulders and head.

Anyway, #6 is still the best photo for what you're entering. ;)

[ieani]

When shooting something like that, I want to either see what the guy is doing up close (so zooming in, walking in closer, and standing at more of an angle), what the girl is doing up close, or more of what's being written on the wall. This photo doesn't give me any of that. Sorry. :o

What did you crop? If you cropped out more of the ground....put it back in!! :p I personally feel that if you're going to chop off someone's feet, you may as well chop off their legs as well. No point showing me 90% of a leg and chopping off the feet. It gives that girl a weird look. Is she very tall, or is she standing on a box?

Either I want to see the boxes they're sitting/standing on, or I want you to get closer and just shoot them from above the waist. Again, that means getting closer and standing at more of an angle so that I can see what they're writing (ie: so that I can see the "action"). Either that, or step back and let me see the words or picture being written/drawn on the wall.

Basically: Get in closer, or move further away. All I see are two people looking at the wall. Do you want us to show them writing (ie: an action), or do you want to show us what was written on the wall (ie: it's interesting in some way)? You need to show us something, which means you need to choose. :)

P.S.: Even if this photo were perfect (that's subjective, though), I certainly wouldn't submit this photo to a contest unless the writing on the wall was in a foreign language. ;)

I took a couple more photos but this was being painted on a very busy street with thin sidewalks. I was standing on the edge of the curb zoomed completely out trying to capture the whole thing. I crossed the street but there was too much in the way(cars, trees, people etc.) I cropped out a guy who had been cut in half. As I said before all of these shots were merely for documentation. I was limited in my time so I would snap a shot and move on to something else.

The Brazen Head picture below is horrible because I was inexperienced with the viewfinder on my camera. I understand what you mean about angles and things and I understand am asking a lot by limiting myself to find a well-taken picture when these had no intention of anything but piquing my memory later on, but thanks for the advice it will be useful in the future.

I will consider both 4 and 6 then.