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Fellow Photogs, I am always looking for ways to make this area more interactive so I'm always open to ideas to achieve this goal. I would hope that those who might be a little less experienced would still feel very comfortable in this section regardless of their skill level. The spirit of this section has always been to create an environment that is inclusive of EVERYONE. Even though this has always been my goal I am unsure if I am doing the best just properly translating that mission effectively.
All of that said someone messaged me earlier and suggested that we may get even more engagement if we split the Photo Contest into (2) Sections such as something like Beginner to Intermediate Level and Intermediate to Advanced. This way those who are maybe a little less experience and/or starting out would feel comfortable posting in threads where they are competing against others closer to their current level. Please vote in the poll and/or give me some of your thoughts on this.
One thing I did want to point out for clarity sakes. Both Jim (Savewave) and I are pretty experienced, but we are not eligible to win any of these contests.
I would say that the 2 might be less pressure for some and would be great, but as long as it does not deplete the overall participation. I would love to see more participation whatever it takes, photography can be a good stress reliever. I am also not eligible for winning the contests, just interested in what Forum Members think of the idea..
I consider myself firmly in the "Learning to become an Intermediate" category. My initial reaction was "No leave it like it is", but remembering my own experiences here, I voted to split the contest.
I like the concept of the contest, but many of us don't have the equipment or experience of some of the more gifted photographers here. With that in mind, I propose we try the split contest for two months to see how it goes. If participation drops off, revert back to the current format. Might stress to all involved that they can vote in both.
St. Jude Donor '13, '15-'16,'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
Leave it like it is, this is all for fun, while I am very much impressed by the " higher end" pictures it doesn't intimidate me at all. It may even encourage someone who feels they are at a beginner level to work on their game.
I voted to split only because some people do not have the desire to be experts in photography. These informal contests are fun and the only reward is a win at the end of the month. Also an experienced shooter is more likely to have more capable equipment to use. I know, in my case, my camera and lens selection is far more capable than I am as a photographer. If there is an outstanding image to capture I am the weak point. If I take a substandard image, I have a very good idea how to correct my mistake the next time around.
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
I posted this ion the wrong thread, duh!
I voted to keep it the same, it should help beginners to strive for better photos. It's all for fun, I wish more folks from the other sub forums would realize this is here, I think we'd all appreciate some new faces.
I struggled a bit with how to respond to this. I think if there was a split then there would be fewer photos in each group so less to compare overall. In other words I don't think you'd get more participation.
When I scroll through the pictures I don't worry about the skill level of the photographer I just decide if I like it or not.
I would think that if any split was to make sense it would be a professional - amateur split. Or perhaps a split based on was the photo staged/setup or did the photographer just pull out their cell phone (or whatever camera they had with them) and snap what they thought was something interesting. Is the expectation that the pictures are being judged as "art" or just something fun to see?
I struggled a bit with how to respond to this. I think if there was a split then there would be fewer photos in each group so less to compare overall. In other words I don't think you'd get more participation.
When I scroll through the pictures I don't worry about the skill level of the photographer I just decide if I like it or not.
I would think that if any split was to make sense it would be a professional - amateur split. Or perhaps a split based on was the photo staged/setup or did the photographer just pull out their cell phone (or whatever camera they had with them) and snap what they thought was something interesting. Is the expectation that the pictures are being judged as "art" or just something fun to see?
That is the great part about Photography...the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There is no expectation of "how" an image is to be judged as there have been several contests over the years where the technically "better" and/or more "skilled" photos have not won the contest. Unless someone has really studied photography they are going to always gravitate towards a subject matter or certain style they live vs. someone who is more experienced is usually going to appreciate all of the detail and the technical skill it takes to create something on top of whether or not they like the subject matter.
The spirit of this section is to 1) have fun sharing images in a non threating place and 2) share knowledge and 3) hope that those that want to grown and learn will ask questions
Nothing increases engagement in any competition better that having prizes. A little big of swag which would cost ~$20/month like a shirt or coffee mug is all that's needed and engagement would explode!
PS: I voted for keeping it as it is because there have been several beginner/intermediates photographers win the monthly contest. I personally am very inspired by your work and that of other pros.
Nothing increases engagement in any competition better that having prizes. A little big of swag which would cost ~$20/month like a shirt or coffee mug is all that's needed and engagement would explode!
PS: I voted for keeping it as it is because there have been several beginner/intermediates photographers win the monthly contest. I personally am very inspired by your work and that of other pros.
Thank you for the input. My Moderator Salary unfortunately does not cover any swag, I did however ask IB if I could get something.
I am for anything that would help engagement though a little torn with the idea of swag. To me the fun and the reward of posting is the sharing of images (and ideas if people are interested). I don't know if the swag would increase engagement, or if it does is that the engagement we want... or is it just going to lead to some people being more bitter if they don't win because now something of monetary value attached.
Good advice though so let me see if anything can be done.
The debate is not so much is it broken, but rather is it optimized. I purposely did not vote nor can I win the contests, so my goal is to try and serve this section in an unbiased manor. The most recent vote is (22) to keep as is and (8) to break it up into two separate contests. I will go with the majority rule (unless it is closer in voting than it is now)
I just voted to keep it the same. I like it all in one thread as well and I am a fair example that even people with limited equipment and knowledge can actually win the thing on occasion!! Duckvette's idea of a temporary split might be worth exploring but otherwise, I like how it is just fine. Thanks for asking though.
04-05-2022, 09:41 PM
[Poll] Change format of the Photo Contest
My initial reaction was "No leave it like it is", but remembering my own experiences here, I voted to split the contest. 
