Do I stand a chance?

[fromBrandon]

As most of you probably all know, the World In Focus Contest is going on right now and I have a picture that I really want to enter into the Amateur Contest, but given the 15,000 entries from last year, I only want to enter what I think stands a chance.

I have a picture that I think fits well in the category "The Human Condition," and I think it is a great travel-type photo, but I'm a little hesitant to enter it and pay $12.00 if it doesn't stand a chance. There are some things I can find wrong with it, of course, but I'm interested in getting others' critiques.

So, is this worthy for the contest? Why or why not? I would appreciate any and all comments.

[windrider86]

2 things I am not fond of. Is the tummy protruding and your signature almost right in the midle. otherwise i love the gentlemans expression and colors.
You have more of a chance of winning if you enter vs not entering at all

[Sime]

Hey Brandon, really only you can decide if you want to enter it. I like the photo, but, i'd maybe want to have taken a shot that gives the main subject a little more room. That (?) coat / belly on the left, I think, is just a touch imposing. Looking through your photos on flickR there are some really lovely ones on there... I really like "Emma" Something very earthy and real about her. You never know if you never try! good look with the entry.

Sime

[fromBrandon]

Well the name would obviously come out. ) But yes, that man in the left bothers me quite a bit. I've tried cropping close enough so he is removed, but then you lose so much of the picture. When I took the picture I really wanted that man to move, but he was too busy singing along with the man playing!

[Sime]

well - I guess they were happy Do you have the original anywhere?

s

[wulf]

$12 entry fee? 15,000 entries? Gosh, I think I'm going to run me a little photo competition!

More seriously, you could take a look at previous winners and see what characteristics seem to appeal to the judges (and if there is any consistency from year to year). It sounds like a bit of a lottery though - I know from work on the assignments here how hard it is to choose between a bunch of excellent pictures.

Wulf

[fromBrandon]

Originally Posted by Sime™

well - I guess they were happy Do you have the original anywhere?

s

If you don't like the belly, how about a rear to go with it?!
You can access the original here:

[windrider86]

You could clone the tummy out very easily

[fromBrandon]

Cloning, so far as I understand it in this competition, is against the rules.

[RangerGuy]

What if you cropped out the butt on the right but left a bit more of the person on the left so you knew what it was?