POTM August '08 Theme

[admin]

New month and a new theme once again. This month's theme is:

"Still Life"

What is Still Life? It's an arrangement of inanimate objects photographed as an image in their own right. Usually a still life is thought of as being constructed by the photographer who, through skillfully handling light, composition and materials, creates a pleasing image. But you can often find objects that form an attractive arrangement themselves without your intervention as the designer of the scene. Often, familiar everyday items are the substance for such photographs. You can see still life being a great inspiration for many old master paintings long time ago.

[coathanger007]

Hi admin, could we have a system where people need to add comments when they vote? My photo got rated 2 stars and I have no idea why. That really doesn't help me improve.

[umajo]

Hi admin, could we have a system where people need to add comments when they vote? My photo got rated 2 stars and I have no idea why. That really doesn't help me improve.

i am not sure i would class this as still life good photo but not constructed by the photographer to me still life is something arranged for the purpose of the photo only correct me if i am wrong:rolleyes:

[dkippen]

coathanger - When you click on the photo and under the photo information, there is a box for comments.

[admin]

Hi admin, could we have a system where people need to add comments when they vote? My photo got rated 2 stars and I have no idea why. That really doesn't help me improve.

Coathanger, would you enjoy rating 20-30 photos and having to explain every vote you make? This would completely discourage most people from voting and take the joy out of it. As Debbie said there is plenty of room to discuss photos in the forum. Each photo has the comments section on the bottom, plus you have the Critique corner where you can ask others for CC.

[coffee]

Did you look at the photo you posted to the contest coathanger? Someone left you a message there. It might explain why someone gave you a lower score. Here is the quote:


Ok I will tell you what i think (i dont know alot just my opinion is all) I dont think this would be considered still life along with some of the other ones in this contest this month. It is a nice shot but i am giving it a 3 because it is kinda plain it doesnt follow the rule of thirds i think if it did it would be a bit more interesting or if it was closer to the person on the deck. I dont by any means think this is a bad photo but i think anyone could take it so i think it is average especially considering i think it is off topic. but that is just my opinion.

I tend to agree with colelover as a general rule. The first thing I look at when I cast a vote, is if the photo fits the theme. There are many times photos that were submitted don't. It's a little subjective, but sometimes it's obvious. Just look at Aug's contest. There are 3 or more landscape and sunset photos in a contest where the theme is "Still Life". These photos are very nice, and if the theme would have been "Landscapes", or something other where they actually fit, the votes would be higher. But it's obvious that these landscapes and sunset photos don't meet the "Still Life" theme.

I think you have to vote lower or not at all if a photo doesn't fit the theme. According to the rules,
Make sure your photos are appropriate for the Theme chosen for a particular month or they will be removed from the competition without notice.

Maybe this should start happening, I don't know. But every month there seems to be a handleful of photos that don't fit the theme.