Competition Worthy?

[Bekkie]

I've been a little hesitant to post but have been reading the critiques and you are straightforward and kind in your remarks. I am planning on entering this photo in our local camera club for January; the theme is portraits. This is my first competition ever.

This is also my first attempt to use my flash off camera with a shoot through umbrella. A silver reflector for fill on the right. I really don't want to make an idiot of myself so I'm appealing to you guys to tell me if you think this is worthy enough to enter the competition. Does it have enough impact to get noticed?



Exif:
Exp: 1/200
F-stop: 8
ISO: 200
Focal Length: 46mm
Camera: D80
Lens: 18-200mm

[Daytonj6]

Mate, it depends on the competition; if its for landscape, you wont win.
However if its for something else, depending on your competitors you have a chance in my mind,
but next time, try getting his eyes more level on a 180 degree angle.


Dayto

[Bekkie]

Thanks Dayton! Sure appreciate your comment. You know I never noticed that the eyes weren't level on 180. Now that you brought it to my attention, it's really noticeable. Awesome, this is just what I need. Now I'm going to have to get my model to sit for me again and practice some more, but my hubby doesn't mind he's such a good sport. Thanks again Dayton.

Bekkie

[manwez]

I really like it. He looks deep in thought, and I like the contrast of the light wood chair and his denim shirt against the black backdrop. I think its a great shot, but not sure about competitions. Do you know what criteria they judge on?

[Bekkie]

Manwez thanks for the comment and this is from their criteria for judging:

Composition is simply the selection and arrangement of subjects within the picture area. Photos should have one dominant center of interest. Simplicity is the keynote of good composition.
•The composition should lead the eye to the main subject.
•There should be no elements that distract the eye.
•The center of interest should seldom be in the center of the photo.
•Horizons should be level and should not be in the middle of the photo.
•Moving objects such as people, animals, and cars should be placed so they are moving into the photo, not out of it.
•It is to be understood that “rules of composition,” while generally best, are not written in stone. Occasionally, there are photographic subjects that are best depicted by violating these rules.
•In addition, especially when photographing action, time may not allow careful application of the rules of composition. Otherwise, the photographer risks missing the “decisive moment.”
Idea Content is the most important element of good photography. Take time to research the subject. Try new angles.
•How original or creative was the photographer in interpreting the subject?
•Is the photograph similar to others or does it portray the subject in an unusual manner?
Print/Slide Quality means the way the photograph appears to the eye of the viewer. In B&W prints, contrast is important. A print without sufficient contrast is of little interest. Color quality of a print or slide is likewise important. Rich, saturated color is usually preferred over flat color.
•B&W prints should have adequate contrast.
•Color prints should have rich, saturated color.
•Prints should be free of unwanted color tones.
•Prints must have no dust marks or other flaws.
•Slides must have no fingerprints or other marks.
Print/Slide Presentation refers to the cleanliness of the print or slide and the way it is presented for viewing.
•Prints must be free of unwanted spots.
•Prints must be suitably mounted, with no bubbles, buckling, or other flaws.
•Mats/mounts should be cleanly cut and of a color that does not detract from the print.
•Slides must be properly mounted. Slide masks must be parallel to the mount cutouts.

The highest possible score is 4; the lowest score is 1, unless a photo does not comply with the category assigned for the competition. Out of category photos are to be given a score of 0.

[manwez]

Holy cow that is some criteria!!!

[Bekkie]

Sure is. Now you see why I needed some help here. :c)

I appreciate you taking the time to help me out. This is such a friendly forum; the depth of knowledge is incredible. I spend hours just looking and reading here. I don't think I'll ever get through it all.

Bekkie

[Daytonj6]

Here here now...

Come to think about it, thats not really criteria, its more like a regular checklist to improvement!

No need to make a fuss about it, open it up in word, make them (box) bullets, and then you can check mark the completed tasks off. its going to be a journey, not a desination..
you more then likely wont get this in one shot.

Embrace Change, and take a LOT

I dont think you ever will either, only moderators hold the chance of possibly going through it all


anyways..

[See & Wonder]

Hey Bekkie,

These are just my thoughts hope they help in some way.

I love the bright blue of his eyes and the blue denim shirt works really well with the black background keeping the strong focus on the eyes. The character of the shot seems to conflict with the personality of the man and they type of chair. I hope you understand what I mean, is there something else that he could 'lean' on that is a little more manly?

I won't change any thing else.

Good job,
CW

[Bekkie]

Originally Posted by See & Wonder

Hey Bekkie,

These are just my thoughts hope they help in some way.

I love the bright blue of his eyes and the blue denim shirt works really well with the black background keeping the strong focus on the eyes. The character of the shot seems to conflict with the personality of the man and they type of chair. I hope you understand what I mean, is there something else that he could 'lean' on that is a little more manly?

I won't change any thing else.

Good job,
CW

Wow CW, I do understand what you are saying and now that you have brought up that point it shows clearly to me as well. I'm going to have to hunt up a suitable prop for him to lean on. Perhaps I'll find something up in the attic. Now you got my mind working. Thanks so much!

Originally Posted by Daytonj6

Here here now...

Come to think about it, thats not really criteria, its more like a regular checklist to improvement!

No need to make a fuss about it, open it up in word, make them (box) bullets, and then you can check mark the completed tasks off. its going to be a journey, not a desination..
you more then likely wont get this in one shot.

Embrace Change, and take a LOT

I dont think you ever will either, only moderators hold the chance of possibly going through it all


anyways..

Dayton, this sounds like a wonderful idea. Thanks so much for your input. I'm going to do just that, make me a checklist. Along with the checklist I'll be sure to enlist the help of all you guys. Can't tell you how thankful I am.

Bekkie