Photography Competition; Winners Announced

[alexarch]

The following are the winners for the first two themes.  If the judges are able, they will give some comments about the winners.  Please have patience with us.  We're all spread a little thin.

For Adam:

Crumpet


ArikK



For Sam:

Crumpet


Congratulations to you guys.  It looks like Crumpet already has a brilliant start out of the gate.  Someone please tackle her; cut her off at the knees.  Just because she studies art, she thinks she's all that.  Show her she isn't.   

[alexarch]

Open Theme Winners:

Jessica Thalman

Judges' comments:
There's something quite mystical about this image. The one thing that really strikes me as strong in this image is the deliberate placement of all the objects, and the way they appear.
I love the way the seat is covered, as though we were saying goodbye to something, or leaving something important behind, and more so by the fact that the chair is placed against said couch with it's back turned to it.
My favorite element to this image and what holds it together is the half figure in the frame, and though I'm sure it's not intentional, the protrusion from the belt almost looks like the butt of a gun.

There is a strong emotional element in the design of this image, and I think it is the strongest of the group.

The diffused light, the off balance of the elements and the insinuation of something coming to pass has cast a its spell on me.

Junior

Judges' comments:
I sense a bit of photoshoping is involved, but if I remove what I think has been done, such as suface bluring and a little keylighting with  levels or curves, I think that the composition still holds strong.
I like what appears to figures around a tree,a nd the strong backlight almost suggests to me that it's burning.  I like the juxtoposition of different textures and the use of shadows.

shaunmcg

Judges' comments:
I want to start by saying what I don't like about this image, and that is the color balance, because the design is cold and calculated, but the sterility of the composition is lost in its warm color cast.

What I like about this image is it's depth, the fact that the door in the back is sharp, as is the foreground. I like the lights looming down on the office space, and would have like a little more highlight on the plastic.

Film Winners:

arikk

Judges' comments:
It seems a little set up, yet there's something about he use of multiple lights and the angles of those lights that give this an old school charm.  I feel like I'm stepping back in time, as if I was about to watch an Alfred Hitchcock movie, or so low down dirty film noir from the 30's.
The image is crisp, and the placement of the two real canister is in perfect synchronicity with the reals on the projecton.


arikk

Judges' comments:
There's a human element to this that others don't and though it's not as well executed as his other images, I like the fact that there a person in the picture, and that there's something happening.  I harken back to my early childhood and think of the first time I picked up a camera, and that's what this image reminds me of.  A bit of depth of field control, maybe a little closer on the attention the child is bring to the yellow flower, but overall this is a winner.

[alexarch]

Winners: Spot

moviejunkie1

Judges comments:
Tom Says:
"Spot Drive In" really hits home for me. it is what I envisioned this contest being. A scene that the shooter has seen before but was inspired to take another look at in a very creative way. I agree on the de-saturation in the background, and I love the framing element provided by the mirror. For me the, clear winner.

Tony Says:
I also like shot "Spot Drive in" for it's use of color and black and white, and how the trick of de-saturating the background has great effect and emphasizes the reflection.  The reflection, which is technically the background, is now the foreground, and the fact that THE SPOT (which is round) sign is a sign has a hint of wit.  He could have shot the sign, but he didn't.

Runner-up (eligible for final prize):moviejunkie1





Open 2 Winners

crumpet

Judges comments:
Tom says:
"Spine" - The spine of the leaf is perfectly sharp. It looks like a macro lens or lensbaby or just photoshop was used, but the effect works and the composition is striking. The reflections in the background are distracting to me but not so much to ruin the image. A good choice for me.

Tony Says:
"Spine" has a very nice feeling to it, a sense of depth and dimension, and the colors compliment each other as the red leaf floats in the grayish blue of the background, and without ground or horizon, it feels ephemeral and surreal.  It's a soft image.

runner up (eligible for final prize) moviejunkie1

Judges comments:
I like the idea of the shot.

[alexarch]

Last week's winners.

Very important announcement:
When it comes time to vote, I will be clearing out all the messages from this thread that don't include the winners to make it easy on the voters.

Massacre Theater Winners
Jessica Thalman

Judges Comments:
I didn't realize what I wanted to say until I read Tom's review, and his words are just perfect. The use of negative space is great, and the contrast between the black and the white is perfect, on top of that the headstones are grey, forming an almost perfect balance.
I really like the composition in this one, and the horizon is perfectly situated, and there's a sense of uneasiness in the balance of it all.  The white emptiness represents  how a grave can leave you feeling, empty!  Brilliant.

Movie Junkie

Judges Comments:
It took me a while to get it, but I remember saying that I am also looking for a bit of wit in the images.
I really like the interpretation of Massacre theater: Blades of Glory, not only because of the image, but how it really exemplifies FilmSpotting's creative humour, this is a listener who deserves credit.
I like the image, and the impending machine that will cut them down to size out of focus in the background.  Good use of space, depth control, composition and angle.  Very funny.

Listener Feedback
Movie Junkie

Judges Comments:

What a great image, warm and sweat, you can almost imagine what she's whispering in his ear.
The one thing I really like about this image is that it is in Black & White, and that bleeds out all the color elements that could influence us, because colors do add emotion. It's pure.
The second thing I really enjoy is the cropping, because it's as if the photographer is trying to bring us in closer to hear what she's saying.  Eyes are smiling, there's a palpable happiness in the man's face.

Arik K

Judges Comments:
It's really very subtle, but the money in the tray does tell you exactly what people think of this musician.  Good concept.

[alexarch]

Last winners:

Crumpet


Comments:
Tom Says:
I want to also nominate "Cause to Move in a Particular Direction" (airplane engine). The light in this image is so beautiful to me. As you know, chrome can be so difficult to make a compelling picture out of, but the engine is so pretty with the subtle highlights of the afterglow in pinks and oranges. If you have no objections, lets put this one in there as well.

Tony Says:
Yes, indeed, I feel a sense of tranquility when i look at this image, I love the Chrome and the way the colors live through the reflection of it's surface.  The background has a sense of openness and infinity to it that is very nice.

mountaingoat99


Comments:
Tony Says:
I think this image is fabulous, the feeling this gives off is on target for open.
I love the figure is in silhouette, and the there's just enough slack in the chain to make it seem like she's still climbing.  Of course the tree in the bottom right, gives the whole image its perspective and weight.  There's a little tilt in the tree, that carries your eye to the right, giving the whole image a sense of continuing motion.

The glow of the sun with the hanging ponytails at the center and the gradation of the clouds work really well in rounding this image's great sense of openness and freedom.

Tom says:
Let me agree with you about the image you chose...it has the "feel" of the subject, weightless and free. I love the pigtails as it makes for a much more interesting silhouette. My only complaint is that the sun is too "hot". While it serves to highlight the pigtails, it is distracting to me. Maybe if the head were centered in it, but this is a little thing. A great shot.

[alexarch]

Voting starts now!!

Anyone that sent a photo to the pool needs to send an email to me at: alex@baldingangrily.com.

In the email you will put:

1) Your board name.
2) Your flickr name.
3) Your choice for first.
4) Your choice for second.
5) Your choice for third.

You cannot vote for your own photo.  Your choices are to come from the winning photos above.

Your choices will be weighted.  A vote at 1st place will gets 3 points.  A vote at 2nd place will gets 2 points.  A vote at 3rd gets 1 point.

In the event of a tie at first place, we will have a run-off vote.

Votes are due in my email box by 6:30 am, Tuesday, July 17th, US Central Daylight Time.

[alexarch]

Hello, out there!  I only have 5 people voting so far.  Please get in your vote!

[winrit]

We can't vote unless we submitted a photo, right?

[alexarch]

We can't vote unless we submitted a photo, right?

I thought you did, Ang.  The answer to your question is yes, unfortunately.

[winrit]

No I didn't submit any pictures. I was on vacation most the time, I just couldn't get it together. Next time.

[alexarch]

Since the competition is all but over, I'm going to open up the group at flickr.  That way anyone can send any amount of photos to the group.  I'll also change the name to be less competition focused.

[m_rturnage]

Since the competition is all but over, I'm going to open up the group at flickr.  That way anyone can send any amount of photos to the group.  I'll also change the name to be less competition focused.

That's awesome. While you do that, I'll bring sexy back. Yeah.

-RT

[alexarch]

While you do that, I'll bring sexy back.

Less fearsome bunny puppets.  More glistening abs in sepia tones.

[Junior]

The group could be a great way to keep us snapping pics. There could be weekly or monthly or whatever themes.

[alexarch]

The votes are tabulated, and there are 3 top spots with no ties.

Thanks to everyone for playing.  Everyone turned in great, great work, and I think everyone stretched themselves past where they thought they were.

1st Place - Jessica Thalmann


2nd Place - Crumpet


3rd Place - Movie Junkie


Adam or I will be in contact with you to get your prizes to you.