October Challenge Results: November Judge Announced

Well thanks for the continuing participation. We did get some cool images and there were more that would have participated given time. I was impressed with a lot of the work yet again. That said, I think we should go over the basics as we proceed. The idea here is not so much to compete and win . . . it's to get out there, take photos, learn and improve.  A question was asked about getting an image and reposting it after getting some critiques...and choosing to take the image and adapt some or all of the suggestions given.  That's absolutely fine so long as the image is yours and shot during the month in questionand posted before the end of the month.  Keep in mind...the final upload must be before midnight on the last day.

I was pleased to see some people trying multiple methods of achieving the motion blur.  As usual, there were some creative and unique twists to the challenge in both methods and subjects. That's always cool. Our Guest Judge was Heather W.  and she came up with a great challenge. She selected the member who most fulfilled what she was thinking of for her challenge.  Keep in mind, everyone, these are people who don't claim to be experts and ofter worry about picking the right shots.  Their selection does not mean a shot is the best, nor does it mean that others are not good.  It's just a way to change people and ideas as we do these monthly challenges. 

So our Challenge Selectee and November judge...without further ado...is Tina's photo of the marching men.

Tina's Honor Guard

Heather: I think I best like the honor guard photo by Tina. It has a very emotional subject, something obviously close to her, and the motion is nicely done. It almost has a dream like quality to it.

Gayle (Honorable Mention):

Nanina's Owl

I chose Nanina's owl photo because I was highly impressed with the clarity of the isolated motion blur...the comp is simple and clean showing what owls do...the motion blur is the oomph element of this image....excellent effort and result!

Doyle's (Honorable Mention):

Amber's Critique

I've chosen to recognize a critique this time.  Amber Starfire made some very good points, gave helpful tips and did so without seeming to attack the photo.  This is what I call a well balanced critique.  Gayle also left a detailed critique touching on ISO...ASA to you film people...with some more good stuff to check out

Now a reminder, as I know there are new people in the group. It's called intense for a reason. It's called Challenge, not Contest, for a reason too. We're not going to have a typical, "rummage through the drawers for a snapshot or the hard drive for an old shot" photo contest here. All shots need to be taken after the project is announced and taken FOR the project.

Now, clearly, we'll be on the honor system here, but a project like "Flowers" would be no real challenge and most people already have many good flower shots. Opportunities to stretch our legs and learn more might be limited that way. Remember these things:

• Shoot a shot FOR the project . . . (Don't upload one that was taken before the project was announced, even if perfect for it . . . honor system here.)
• Photo MUST have IPC as a tag.
• Photo MUST be uploaded to IPC Group by a Member who TOOK it!
• Intense means what it says:
  If your image is 12:01 on the first day of the following month it's out.
• If a moderator disallows your image . . . check it out (or ask), something was wrong.

The project should reflect a challenge . . . something NOT too easy. The 'winner' will be able to pick the project for the following month but if it's not challenging enough we will suggest ways to make it tougher until we have an agreed on, 'perfect challenge'.

Winner will not only select the next month's theme, they will judge it! Again, we're on the honor system here. I'm assuming the judging will be on the quality of the work, not on the "this is my friend" basis. We've been good about this.

The contest runs to the last minute of the last day of the calendar month Gather time. No exceptions.

Count on a delay seeing your images. The group is moderated by myself and G-Photog to be sure all images fit the guidelines, so they will have to be approved first. Critiques should be helpful without being hurtful . . . honest . . . and, please . . . no comments like "Good shot. 10. I like it." They're ok for some places, but I'd hope IPC members were also challenging themselves on critiques. Learning properly how to give a good critique can also improve both your self-confidence and your own work. Giving good critiques is a part of the learning process! Don't be defensive, it's all opinions. YOU might love your shot, even if a pro doesn't. My sainted mother wouldn't pay $2 for a Picasso. Doesn't mean it's worthless, right? It's all about being open to what others think. In giving the critique, it's all about being respectful and trying to point out more than just what doesn't work...find something nice to say too.

Now how does a so-so beginning amateur give a critique to an extremely skilled professional photographer? I'll tell you. Instead of "I like it! Beautiful.", simply mention why you like it, or what exactly you like. What works and what doesn't. What attracts you to the shot or how does it make you feel? You'll be putting in a little more time . . . but THAT time is the price we pay to improve . . . and, though we all know it at some level . . . Everyone was a so-so beginning amateur at one point or another. As you ask yourself WHY you like shots, you begin to see what works for you! This group has ALL levels of skill represented . . . and critiques will try to be aimed at the level of experience of the photographer when known, or as assumed by the photo itself. In other words . . . a way to improve the photo will be suggested by working first on common or basic errors if they are there . . . and moving into more detailed areas when common issues aren't seen. I'd like to advise you all to look at each shot and review the comments too. If you can't shoot, you can still learn.

November Intense Photography Challenge

Too be announced SOON.