Dear All
An eventful evening at the CCC Annual Digital Championship. First off, the event was heavily oversubscribed. So, what they do is lose the image you number as 5, then 4 (if need be) to make sure they have about the right number (ca.100) to allow the Judge to review in an evening. So, I lost the image of the woman and the rusty door bolt. That left the Eskimo pic of Abby in "People", and the Bike and Sunset Beach Walkers in "Pictorial".
Eskimo and Bike bombed out. I think he liked Eskimo more than the Bike, but neither got anything.
Sunset Beach Walkers beat off some stiff competition to win!! Fantastic result, as this was the largest section (45 entries?) and had some great entries. I was surprised it won, but I always thought it was a good picture.
The winners of each of the sections - therefore 5 images - go forward for the Digital Image of the Year. It came down to mine and a comedy horse/rider picture and...you guessed it...mine lost out! Apparently it was very close, and mine was described as the "runner up", although no such official accolade exists. Last year, I lost out at the same point to a frickin' sports picture of Rodger Federer, but this is harder to take A comedy horse and rider shot? Not something that could have been composed in advance; it was one of those freaky moments when something funny happened, and the expressions on horse and rider conspire to make a funny, well caught image. It does have bags of appeal and got a laugh from all in the audience, so this no doubt helps too. And the rider was a kid. But, image of the year...hmmm. Still, mustn't grumble. I won the "Creative" section last year, and now "Pictorial" this year. Doubtful I'll enter "Plants and Animals", so that leaves "People" and "Record" for next year!!
Gareth was disgusted with a lot of the judging, and has been all this season (with some notable exceptions). I tend to agree with him - it seems highly random and inconsistent. He said he won't enter any competitions from now on. However, he actually said that if Beachwalkers doesn't get anything, then he wouldn't enter anymore. Well, it did, so he MUST continue. Also, his image (bw) of his kids got a Commended in the People section, again against his predicition of getting nothing.
I am certainly not going to break my back to enter every one, but will keep entering from time to time and will be more regular at the Aperture sub-group meetings, where those going for photographic distinctions and the more experienced can meet to discuss images in a more relaxed setting. I'll give that a go for a while and see where it leads.
Gareth was cracking up at the inherent comedy in me losing to a comedy horse and rider picture. I can see the funny side alright, but my competitive part is quietly seething...
Ivan
Showing posts with label results. Show all posts
Showing posts with label results. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
2007 so far; Runners and Riders (and dismounts...)
As a summary (if anyone's interested), my results and "considered" opinions for the CCC competitions I have entered so far.
I've managed to enter every competition so far this year, something I set out to do in my objectives for season 2007/8, so I'm chuffed at that. This has included print portfolio (5 images), and serial print x 2 (4 images in total, 2bw, 2 colour), two projected image competitions (4 images total) and a projected image portfolio (5 images total). All images are new in the sense that I did not use any last year (more than can be said for some members - more on that later). No new images taken for the competitions, but extensive reworking of back-catalogue images, so the next best thing. In 2008, I aim to submit some new images to competitions, and hope to enter all competitions to season end.
My two portfolios (projected and print) each got good comments, particularly the last print portfolio, even though no distinctions were awarded. This is fine, as it's a new skill and I was trying to craft a set from images that were not taken with that originally in mind. I was happy with both sets, but can see where there were weaknesses, so it's been a learning exercise.
In the serial (projected and print) competitions, I got off to good starts (see below), but then chose to submit less conventional images in the next two competitions, and they did not fare well, grading wise. I loved the images, and they got good feedback on the blog, so I've learned there too, but I think it's down to judges' preferences, and there have been some crap judges (as evidenced by the comments they make) this year so far. Last night's was OK, and he was ruthless with awards, as the general standard was quite high.
Highlights - definitely getting a First grading for "Window and Chair" in the first print competition of 2007. Also, getting a Highly Commended grading for "Peak Heather and Barn" in the first projected competition.
Lowlights - bombing out in everything else.
Last year, my Rookie year, I did really well. I only entered the 3 Projected Image competitions and the Annual Digital Championship, and came 3rd overall in the serial projected and got a Category First and 2nd (Creative) in the Annual Digital.
So, last year, I splurged my best images, and did well. I was more "traditional" in approach, and did well. This year, I did well with the traditional stuff, and not well with the alternative stuff. So, we can draw conclusions about what works in competitions, but I am personally happy with the amount and general quality of the stuff I've submitted. I've learned about porfolios and I think have a better insight into serial competitions too. I think the larger prints do better in the print competitions, so perhaps I'll enter some larger (A3) prints in 08. I'll also enter some new pics next year, and see how they get on.
So, that's me for 2007 so far. No chance of replicating 06/07's success, unless I have a Kimi Raikonnen-style comeback in 08...
Watch this space...
Ivan
I've managed to enter every competition so far this year, something I set out to do in my objectives for season 2007/8, so I'm chuffed at that. This has included print portfolio (5 images), and serial print x 2 (4 images in total, 2bw, 2 colour), two projected image competitions (4 images total) and a projected image portfolio (5 images total). All images are new in the sense that I did not use any last year (more than can be said for some members - more on that later). No new images taken for the competitions, but extensive reworking of back-catalogue images, so the next best thing. In 2008, I aim to submit some new images to competitions, and hope to enter all competitions to season end.
My two portfolios (projected and print) each got good comments, particularly the last print portfolio, even though no distinctions were awarded. This is fine, as it's a new skill and I was trying to craft a set from images that were not taken with that originally in mind. I was happy with both sets, but can see where there were weaknesses, so it's been a learning exercise.
In the serial (projected and print) competitions, I got off to good starts (see below), but then chose to submit less conventional images in the next two competitions, and they did not fare well, grading wise. I loved the images, and they got good feedback on the blog, so I've learned there too, but I think it's down to judges' preferences, and there have been some crap judges (as evidenced by the comments they make) this year so far. Last night's was OK, and he was ruthless with awards, as the general standard was quite high.
Highlights - definitely getting a First grading for "Window and Chair" in the first print competition of 2007. Also, getting a Highly Commended grading for "Peak Heather and Barn" in the first projected competition.
Lowlights - bombing out in everything else.
Last year, my Rookie year, I did really well. I only entered the 3 Projected Image competitions and the Annual Digital Championship, and came 3rd overall in the serial projected and got a Category First and 2nd (Creative) in the Annual Digital.
So, last year, I splurged my best images, and did well. I was more "traditional" in approach, and did well. This year, I did well with the traditional stuff, and not well with the alternative stuff. So, we can draw conclusions about what works in competitions, but I am personally happy with the amount and general quality of the stuff I've submitted. I've learned about porfolios and I think have a better insight into serial competitions too. I think the larger prints do better in the print competitions, so perhaps I'll enter some larger (A3) prints in 08. I'll also enter some new pics next year, and see how they get on.
So, that's me for 2007 so far. No chance of replicating 06/07's success, unless I have a Kimi Raikonnen-style comeback in 08...
Watch this space...
Ivan
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
1st Print Competition - Ivan's result
Dear All
Well, again, a mixed bag. One bombed and one did well. When will I crack this, and get two placed in one competition?
"Shove Tuppence" did not go down well. Some nice comments regarding the reflection of the hand and that it was a nice idea, but apart from that, it did not engage or really clearly show what was happening. The hand looked in a strange position and a bit unnatural. Not good overall.
"Window and Chair" did much better. Got a "First" place grading (1 of 2 on the monos). All similar comments to those that you guys raised, and it definitely benefited from being marginally lightened up, so thanks for that input!
The overall quality of the monos was very high - I was worried about not getting anything, so it was a complete surprise (genuinely) to get a First. Because they announce it in reverse order, mine was announced last of all, so I'd given up hope by that point!
So, thus far, I have 24 points in the Projected Image Serial Compeition (round 1 of 3), and 30 points in the Print Serial Competition (round 1 of 3). Last year I got 54 points in the Projected Image competition and came third overall. This year, the standard I think is higher, with lots of talented new members, so I'll need to raise my game too, but that's a good thing.
Ivan
Well, again, a mixed bag. One bombed and one did well. When will I crack this, and get two placed in one competition?
"Shove Tuppence" did not go down well. Some nice comments regarding the reflection of the hand and that it was a nice idea, but apart from that, it did not engage or really clearly show what was happening. The hand looked in a strange position and a bit unnatural. Not good overall.
"Window and Chair" did much better. Got a "First" place grading (1 of 2 on the monos). All similar comments to those that you guys raised, and it definitely benefited from being marginally lightened up, so thanks for that input!
The overall quality of the monos was very high - I was worried about not getting anything, so it was a complete surprise (genuinely) to get a First. Because they announce it in reverse order, mine was announced last of all, so I'd given up hope by that point!
So, thus far, I have 24 points in the Projected Image Serial Compeition (round 1 of 3), and 30 points in the Print Serial Competition (round 1 of 3). Last year I got 54 points in the Projected Image competition and came third overall. This year, the standard I think is higher, with lots of talented new members, so I'll need to raise my game too, but that's a good thing.
Ivan
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Annual Digital Championship - Ivan's results
Well, quite a good night for us both actually, but here are my results.
Creative:
Catface got the top prize (First Place) and Shadowman got the Second Place. Very pleased. Bemused that "Baby Eyes" and "All in Red" crashed and burned, especially when you saw the others that came above it, but it may not have been the done thing to award all 3 spots to one person (he says modestly!). Or, the judge just didn't like them...
People:
The one called "Thinking..." got a commended, which I was pleased with, being my first people based entry. Perhaps it wasn't enough about people, being that the lady was small in the picture - more classically portrait/candid stuff did better. Again, glad that something a bit more out there got recogntition.
As I won the Creative section, my "Catface" image was up for "Digital Image of the Year", along with the other category winners, but it lost out to a great sporting shot. Still, very pleased to be a section winner and be in the top 5 (out of 116).
This may be my last post for a while - broadband plug is pulled today and I give back the old laptop too. However, we'll try to get broadband sorted out in the next few weeks. Until then, keep blogging in my absence.
G - I'll call you after Easter Monday about a beer in town
D - I'll call you at home about when we can see you when you are in the UK.
Cheers
Ivan
Creative:
Catface got the top prize (First Place) and Shadowman got the Second Place. Very pleased. Bemused that "Baby Eyes" and "All in Red" crashed and burned, especially when you saw the others that came above it, but it may not have been the done thing to award all 3 spots to one person (he says modestly!). Or, the judge just didn't like them...
People:
The one called "Thinking..." got a commended, which I was pleased with, being my first people based entry. Perhaps it wasn't enough about people, being that the lady was small in the picture - more classically portrait/candid stuff did better. Again, glad that something a bit more out there got recogntition.
As I won the Creative section, my "Catface" image was up for "Digital Image of the Year", along with the other category winners, but it lost out to a great sporting shot. Still, very pleased to be a section winner and be in the top 5 (out of 116).
This may be my last post for a while - broadband plug is pulled today and I give back the old laptop too. However, we'll try to get broadband sorted out in the next few weeks. Until then, keep blogging in my absence.
G - I'll call you after Easter Monday about a beer in town
D - I'll call you at home about when we can see you when you are in the UK.
Cheers
Ivan
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