My first competition

[AndCity]

Last night at the local camera club I entered my first competition. Four pictures were entered in the knock out competition. It was only a club competition and was great fun and I learnt a lot about what photos to enter in competitions. Only one of my shots made it through to the second round though!

Note to self: I must try harder!

Congrats on getting to the second round

Photo competitions, especially local ones, are always goofy. I had a photo get #3 on the DPS weekly competition, only to have it get thrown out at a local competition.

I also entered two of my Milkdrop photos in a Macro competition. The judge looked at one and said "This isn't a macro", and then promptly declared my second photo a winner. Ironically, the focal length and distance to the subject were EXACTLY THE SAME. But since I included some small cookies in the frame of one (which looked huge in the photo), he didn't think it qualified as "macro".

In other words, don't get frustrated with local competitions. Photography is subjective, and one person's trash is another person's art. Judges have personal preferences and biases, and sometimes they don't like photos for the most peculiar reasons.

[AndCity]

Thanks for your reply. I'm not frustrated at all, in fact, I enjoyed it. The photos weren't judged by a judge as such. The judge commented on two pictures put up side by side and the members voted with a show of hands which one went through to the next round. At one point there were two brilliant photos up together but one had to go... basically it was a just bit of inter club fun!

What I did learn though, is that what I thought was a good image wasn't in the eye of the judge who was looking in depth at the picture. As you say he might like portraits over landscapes etc - that's personal choice. Any pictures I submit in future I will try to see them from outside of 'my box'.

[BEGM83]

Congratulations on getting to the 2nd round

Side note but is the camera club worth joining?

I've seen some of the pictures when they've put on exhibitions and *gulp* they're a bit good!!

[AndCity]

BEG,
I'm guessing you are thinking Chelmsford Camera Club? I'm not a member of that.

I recently joined Moulsham Lodge Camera Club as it's five minutes walk from home. I too thought, "wow, I might be out of my depth here" "they might be a load of stand offish geeks" but they weren't! Just a regular group of people sharing a hobby. And I think I might pick up a lot of good ideas and tips along the way! Moulsham are offering a free months membership to see if you like it at the moment.

I don't know where you live in Chelmsford but I have heard that Chelmsford Camera Club is just as welcoming. Whatever club - go for it!

[windrider86]

I'd say thats something to be proud of!! Any win is a good win and anything doesnt, is still a win anyway

[AndCity]

Originally Posted by windrider86

I'd say thats something to be proud of!! Any win is a good win and anything doesnt, is still a win anyway

Thank you! I'm quite pleased with the "Graffiti" shot and will use it again in other competitions as they occur. Despite going out in the first round my "Frog" shot was well received and only lost out by one vote. So on the whole I was quite chuffed with the comments.