**Please Read: March Photo Contest Theme Comment Thread.**

[Solly Mack]

February 27, 2011


Good morning! (it’s afternoon here)

Big THANKS!! to Mira for stepping up to host last month’s contest and for doing so even after being injured.

2 contests in one short month and it’s already time to think about the March contest. Whew!

Good thing it’s fun!


March Theme Suggestions

1. Faces (human faces, animal faces, or perceived faces in everyday objects and nature)
2. Macro
3. Black and White
4. Negative space
5. Reflections
6. Motion
7. Food
8. In 3’s (grouping of 3 - of the subject matter)
9. Tilt (was originally Doors but that's been covered as a theme)
10.Shapes

Please give your opinions, as well as any other suggestions for a theme. We’ll narrow the theme suggestions down to 5 or 6 for the poll. I will start a poll on March 2nd based on your feedback in this thread.


A theme will be announced sometime on March 4th. The theme will be determined by the poll, so PLEASE vote.


I tried to base some of the ideas on comments made over the last several weeks. I didn’t include flowers as a primary theme because of the ‘scenes of spring’ contest. Some of the ideas come up monthly - and some are because I thought they sounded interesting.


The submission thread will open on the 17th and will remain open until 30 entries are reached or until March 19th. (whichever comes first) There will be an additional day (the 20th) for any final changes - after which time I will close submissions and prepare the preliminaries to begin on the 21st.


I know it all feels rushed and crowded with 3 contests running back to back (It does to me anyway) but I want everyone to have enough time to get their entry ready. Hopefully, 12 + days will give everyone the time they need.


This is my first time hosting and I am bound to make mistakes - apologies in advance.


Thank you!

Solly

[Celebration]

1. Thanks, Solly

For getting this going early, and congrats again on your win. Just want to mention that we did "doors" a couple of years ago. I have my favorites from above but no matter. My only preference is to have anough time to try to do a few new things, whatever the topic, whether I use the shots or not.

Thanks again.

[Solly Mack]

2. Thanks! Has 'Decay' been done before? I can switch doors to decay.

[Celebration]

3. I think so, before my time

And we did Wabi-sabi :rofl: which is sort of close. The "faces" is close to "portraits of strangers", too, which we also have done. But there are a lot of new people here since then, and it isn't exactly the same. I personally don't like sticking my camera in someoene's face unless they are performing, but that's okay because I don't have to enter every contest, or, I could use a performer.

[Solly Mack]

4. Well, dang. How about Tilt? Open to interpretation.

I still like faces since it can be any kind of face (real or perceived)...human, animal...in rocks, clouds, trees, flower...etc.

Thank you! (for your help)

And I think you should tell me your favorites...to help with the final poll. :)

[Celebration]

5. I'm really fine with all but Doors

And good point about faces!!

Macro isn't my favorite as I am more of a landscape person. But I think my contest results are sometimes inversely correlated with subjects I like, so I have learned to let all that go, and just enjoy trying to do different things, as time allows.

[Solly Mack]

6. You know, a lot of times... rock formations , cliffs and trees tilt and make wonderful

and interesting landscape photos. :)

I'm not big on photographing people myself. I want to learn but it's not something I feel comfortable about...and I've found that many people don't want me taking their picture either. Groups of people are easier - they aren't paying attention to me. lol

I really hope you enter.

[rdking647]

7. themes

black and white would be a good subject as what looks good in b/w doesnt always look good in color.
2 other suggestions

lanscapes
children

[Solly Mack]

9. Thanks, rdking647

We'll see what excites people the most and narrow it down to those 5 or 6 ideas.

I'll be checking the thread for comments and marking which ideas gain the most traction...then make the poll.

[NV Whino]

8. I like faces and negative space

Negative space forces you to think differently. Great theme to spark creativity.

I see no problem with repeating themes. We have a lot of new people who haven't participated and the themes are spaced far enough apart that we old timers will (should) have new material.

[Solly Mack]

10. If I was just going to outright pick a theme it would be negative space.

For the reason you mentioned and because I can just see this group turning out spectacular shots.

I can also see people finding faces in different kinds of things....and how cool the photos could be.

If enough people want to include Doors it is always something we can use in the poll.

Thanks, NV Whino.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

45. Ummmm

I know what negative space is, sorta. How does it translate to a photo? Can you post an example? :shrug:

[Solly Mack]

49. Some links and a few examples of mine.

http://photodoto.com/negative-space-can-have-a-positive-effect/
http://digitalphotography.wordpress.com/2007/08/04/negative-spaces-positive-spaces-in-digital-photography/
http://www.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&tbs=isch:1&q=negative+space+,+photography&btnG=Search&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&sout=1&biw=1579&bih=703

Not the best - and really simple - but gives an idea



the sky is the negative space - the lamp the subject.



the grass is the negative space - the frog the subject




the black background is the negative space - the gargoyle the subject.


The thing is, we all use negative space already in our photos. We just might not think of it as such. Be sure to look for more examples on the web.

Hope this helps!!

Solly

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

55. Thanks!

:toast:

[NV Whino]

57. Your description is correct

but in the samples you provided, the negative space is not the subject. Cropping in on those so the background (negative space) becomes the subject is what we're looking for.

[Solly Mack]

58. I wasn't thinking in terms of the negative space being the subject...though

maybe I should have done so.


I was thinking more on the lines of the dynamic/best use of negative space to bring the subject out better...to make it pop. Picking subjects that allow for utilizing negative space for the best effect.

I'm sorry I wasn't more clear!

[CC]

39. Can you remember if we did "doors" as the

actual contest or did we expand that one to "portals" so it had a wider interpretation?

The group does need to figure out a time frame so we can repeat some contest. It isn't fair to newer people if some themes are off the table because there were done 4 or 5 years ago. I could see a 2 year ban only because then we don't get in a rut of repeating some themes yearly. Just throwing that out there. We can start a new thread to discuss if need be.:)


Solly Mack, if you don't make any mistakes hosting we might have to vote you permanent host.:evilgrin: You will do fine and we are all here to help.

[Solly Mack]

41. Thanks, CC! I think that's a good idea about deciding on a reasonable

time limit for repeating themes. It would be good for the newer people and it will allow others a chance to show their new material. (as people do move and new doors, for example, are discovered...and views and landscape do change)

I'm one of the newer people and I don't know all the themes covered since the group began.

I'll be sure to make a mistake now. ;)

[NV Whino]

56. I think it was expanded.

But it's been a while.

[Celebration]

59. It ended up being gates and doors

or something like that. But they were mostly doors.

[CC]

61. Yep we did a Gates & Doors and we

have also done a portals. Must be a fav subject for a few of us.
Portals has more links to the rule/guideline making. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=280x17274

[handmade34]

11. Congratulations on your win...

the photo was truly a winner!

I have been swamped with work and not taking many pictures... all suggested themes are good; motion is very interesting...

many interesting faces from the rallies yesterday in Springfield...

IMG]



These guys were way across the street so not such a good photo but they were interesting...

[rdking647]

12. rules

one question (since im new here) when you have the contest is it only open for photos taking during the month? Ie marchs contest only for phots taken in march..

[handmade34]

13. all photos past and present...

on edit... unless otherwise stated :-)

[Blue_In_AK]

34. I think at some point we had a rule

that said you couldn't enter the same photo in more than one contest, but I might have been dreaming that.

[CC]

40. We did/do on not using the

same photo for more than 1 contest. Not sure I would want to change that one. I like seeing the new photos and interpretations for each theme. Even if the "new" photos are from someone's archive. They are new to me.

[Solly Mack]

44. So...what does CC like for a theme?

:D

[CC]

48. I like a lot of them.

So am thinking. :) A lot of good ideas thrown out there. Negative space is in the lead for now. Though a doors contest might make me get around to trying to get photos of a hard to get to door I keep telling myself I will try.

[Solly Mack]

52. Thanks! I like doors too.

My husband collects photos of doors (that he does himself) and I sometimes make a point of it. (which I give to him...and then he goes and takes a picture of the door and gives me mine back) lol

I'm sorry I removed it from the list now - but it's still on the table if enough people want it. It's early yet.

I was wanting to get a theme as quickly as possible so everyone would have more time to shoot.

[Solly Mack]

42. Thanks for adding that!

[Solly Mack]

19. handmade34 is correct...all photos old and new.

From your archives or shoot to the theme.

A lot of times people like to get new material even if they already have the theme in their archives.

[Solly Mack]

16. Thanks, handmade34

Love your photos! Wonder what they're looking at in the last one? Whatever it is, they can't believe their eyes. lol

The little girl is studying hard on whatever she is looking at...

Just plain happy in the second.

I think motion could be fun.

[alfredo]

66. I love faces, but like the challenge of negative spaces.

[alfredo]

68. Did we do "Wheels"?

[Solly Mack]

70. Circles has been suggested....that would include wheels

[alfredo]

99. Thanks.

I haven't been able to connect to DU. Did OpenDNS to get access again.

[Solly Mack]

100. Welcome back! I know they're not exactly the same but well...

I did add wheels to my tally list. I'm waiting untl a little late to post the poll.

[alfredo]

102. I still have to change my DNS settings to log on to DU.

Wheels would be fun, but it is your call. You don't need to do what is popular because people will suggest something they are comfortable with. Part of the fun is taking us out of our comfort zone.

[Solly Mack]

103. If you need help posting your entry because of the DNS problems

we'll work to get it posted.

The theme poll is up...circles made it on positives. :)

Go vote! :)

[alfredo]

104. I have a workaround given to me by a DU member that is

also on Facebook.

[Solly Mack]

105. Yay!!

I've been off line with computer problems. I even lost some photos! :( Hadn't moved them over to my external drive yet.

Oh well...

[alfredo]

106. It is working now. All clear

[Earth_First]

14. March theme suggestions:

'Mirrored' Images
Transportation
Outdated

[Solly Mack]

17. I like mirror images.

We'll see which ideas get the most mention and base the poll selection on those.

I hope everyone reads the thread to see what everyone is saying.

Thanks, Earth_First.

[Earth_First]

27. Sounds good!

No, thank YOU!

[rdking647]

15. 2 more suggestion

sports

contrasts

[Solly Mack]

18. Thanks, rdking647

[Mz Pip]

20. We've done

decay, portrait of a stranger, repeating patterns in black and white, motion, transportation, and something old.

Another suggestion from the past not used - metal

[Solly Mack]

21. I like metal!

I consider faces to be different from portrait of a stranger...since a face can be human or animal...or even a potato that looks like it has a face. Course, I could be alone in my thinking. lol

Thanks for letting me know about motion.

I was thinking - on black and white...just a straight up photo of anything shot in B&W.

[handmade34]

22. face of building...

so many faces... I like motion, though metal is good... or

[Solly Mack]

31. Hmmm..let me guess...wood? :)

I like your photo!

I like the door...the reflection.

[Callalily]

23. All good themes, but I'm

wondering . . . not everyone has a macro lens, would this be a fair topic?

I'm uncomfortable with faces. I too never take photos of people without their permission, and then I'd have to go back and ask permission to post.

Someone is going to have to clarify negative spaces.

Just my two cents . . .

[Earth_First]

28. +1 on macro

I too, am in this group...

[Solly Mack]

29. Thank you. I worry about topics that will cause people not to enter -

due to a lack of equipment.I don't want to do that to anyone.


Macro isn't getting any support so far anyway. I'm going to narrow the list down for the poll. There won't be 10 on the poll and some of the ideas that make it to the poll won't necessarily be the ones I've listed.

I don't do people shots either. Occasionally I'll get a crowd of people that aren't paying attention to me. But most people I've come across don't like getting their pictures taken. However, a face need not be a person - it can be an animal...it can be cloud that looks as if it has a face...it can be flower or a fruit or a piece of wood or a rock. That said...there's been a lot of negative feel about a theme for faces and support as well as negatives will be taken into consideration for the final poll.


Negative space as the empty space that's around the positive space - the (shapes and form of the) subject.

A flower surrounded by a black background - black is the negative space. A plane in the blue sky - blue (gray) is the negative space. A person captured diving in a pool/lake/river/ocean where all you might see is the person and the water...the water would be the negative space.

A palm tree on the beach on the lower half and a little ocean showing with a bold blue sky above...the sky again would be the negative space.

A tree as the subject and the blue sky above...blue sky is the negative space.

The use of negative space enhances your subject - makes it pop. Creates mood. Think a person sitting in a chair with a dust-bowl background....all sandy and dusty...that helps to frame your photo and captures a mood....the sandy background is the negative space.

[Mira]

46. That is an excellent explanation full of visuals expressing the answer extremely well.

I think you're already doing a heckuva job hosting and paying attention to the questions.

we have an unusual number of new people - great timing!
and should it become the theme it's a good foundation for presenting the concept to the voters in gd

[Solly Mack]

53. Dang, Mira. Did you have to use "heckuva job"? :)

Just teasing you!:)

Thank you!

People use negative space to great effect already but I think maybe they haven't thought about it in those terms before. I usually associate the term with drawing or painting. I try and give myself little assignments and I'm working on my composition....and though negative space would be both interesting and would yield some spectacular results form everyone.

[Mira]

47. That is an excellent explanation full of visuals expressing the answer extremely well.

I think you're already doing a heckuva job hosting and paying attention to the questions.

we have an unusual number of new people - great timing!
and should it become the theme it's a good foundation for presenting the concept to the voters in gd

[Mira]

51. don't know how this double post happened n/t

[Callalily]

69. Ahhhhh . . . excellent negative space

description. And yes, that would take some thinking, but this group is always up for the challenge.

[Solly Mack]

71. I think so too! I truly believe this group could turn out some

amazing shots utilizing negative space. Should it be the theme.

[Alameda]

81. I agree 100% It's rude to take photos of peoples' faces...

and maybe even illegal to post them without permission. I for one have anyone taking my photo and if they posted them online without my permission I'd be livid. Regarding macros, not that many have access to a macro lens.

FWIW, I like reflections.

BTW my laptop went out of commission, thus I was not able to enter the last contest. Never again will I get a laptop from Fry's.This is the second time I've had to bring my computer in for repair. The last time it took 2 months, this time it will probably be the same. It's not an old laptop.

I have a loaner now, but it doesn't have my apps on it....grrrrr...........

[alfredo]

24. I like faces because it can take us out of our comfort zone.

[Mz Pip]

25. That it would!

At least for me. I never take pictures of people except at family gatherings. It's kind of ironic because I used to work as a portrait photographer, but that was in a very staged environment.

I'll have to figure out if I can post to DU from Mr Pip's iphone. We'll be without much internet access during the submission period.

I'd probably end up submitting a picture of my cat...

[alfredo]

26. e-mail it to Solly or someone else and have them post it

for you. I'm sure that can be worked out. I've submitted from a local library when my connection was down at home.

BTW, I stopped photographing strangers for a couple decades. For some reason I became real shy. I think I was projecting my desire for privacy onto others.

I might buy a Sony NEX because I'd be able to shoot from the hip using the swiveling LCD. The wide angle lens allows further stealth (if the camera isn't pointed directly at them, they don't think they are the subject). You can also get a hood for the lens that has a mirror that allows for shooting at a 90 degree angle. I used that in situations where the subjects were known as camera shy.


The best place for photographing people is during civic events like art fairs, and concerts. There seems to be less of an expectation of privacy at such events. A point and shoot camera is less intimidating than a big professional looking DSLR. And if they take offense, beat you up and smash your camera, you haven't lost a lot of money.

[Solly Mack]

32. Oh no! I hope you'll decide to email it to me or someone else.

The theme won't necessarily be faces. It's still early in the process and negative reaction is a determining factor as well. Faces is getting some support and a good deal of negative reaction.

[Solly Mack]

30. It can...but it doesn't have to...faces can be found on other things besides people.

There's been a lot of negative about the idea and I'll take the negative into consideration as well.

I want people excited about the theme...not dreading it.

[Blue_In_AK]

33. We'll be out in Nome during the posting time

for the finish of the Iditarod (March 14 to 24), so I'll be sitting this one out.

[Solly Mack]

36. Well, poo! I'm sorry Blue - is there anyway to email your entry?

Have fun!!

[Blue_In_AK]

37. If we have the topic before we go,

I might be able to dig something out of the archives and send it to you -- if I've got something good enough.

[Solly Mack]

38. I'm posting the theme on the 4th.

So...what idea do you like?

Metal and mirror images have also been suggested. As well as children, wood, transportation, outdated, contrasts, landscapes...and I can't remember them all right this minute. I could check my list. lol

[Blue_In_AK]

43. Oh, you guys pick one, I'll just go along.

Somewhere in these 10s of thousands of photographs I have laying around here, I'm sure I can find something to fit in.

[Solly Mack]

35. *** Just to let everyone know ***

I'm keeping a list, to include ideas suggested in this thread, and using a plus/minus system. Every positive gets a + and every negative gets a - ...and then I'll do the math. lol (Yes, I make lists...not for everything but for many things)


I know I can't please everyone and I feel bad about that. I would love to have everyone excited about the theme. I'm new to photography even though I've been taking pictures for years (those two things are not the same thing at all) and I've learned a lot from this group and know I'll learn even more.

Thank you for your patience.

Solly

[Mira]

50. What i have learned...

being one to not yet - since finding you - sit one out, is that once a theme is decided i have about five minutes full of panic and self doubt

(except of course my pet theme "stairways")

then things just start to pop in my mind or memory, and i'm off and running and seeing and learning.
even before i bought my half price craig's list macro lens which i have no experience using yet, i would have participated with the best close up i can muster had macro been chosen.

what the hey, it's about participation, opening your eyes and having fun.

[Solly Mack]

54. That's how I feel about the themes. I try and challenge myself even

if I'm not strong in the theme. For example, the theme "portrait of a stranger" would have sent me into panic mode...but I'd give it a try. Though if I didn't like the results I probably would sit the contest out. I've tried taking photos of people and they have reacted badly....so the photo came out poorly. lolol

I do a lot of macros with the macro setting on my point and shoot. I don't have a lens designed specifically for macros...though the ones I do have can also do macros...but not the real close up kind I enjoy seeing.

As for things like faces - I would find a face in a rock or a tree or food...or create one myself using light/shadow and various objects.

Still, I want people to feel confidant about the subject ....that it is something they can do.

[Solly Mack]

60. It's after 2AM here, so I'm going to bed. Thank you everyone!!

I'll check back sometime (much) later today.

I appreciate all the comments and feedback!!

Goodnight all!!!

[Solly Mack]

62. Up, out and about, and back home again.

So far...

No one has specifically mentioned

Food
In 3's
Tilt
Shapes

So I think I can write those off now.

Motion has been mentioned.

Doors has been re-offered and people have commented that repeated an old theme should be OK after so much time has passed - for newer people and for newer opportunities for new shots.

Faces has sparked both positive and negative comments.

Macro has gotten some negative and positive comments.

Negative space has gotten positive comments and inquiries. Though there has been confusion - my fault. Sorry!!

Mirror images has been suggested and I see it as reflections....so I do like the idea whether it is called mirror images or reflections. Mirrors/glass reflect, water reflects....so that leaves a lot of choices for getting a mirror image.

Metal, landscapes, and contrasts have been suggested. And I think any of them would bring about wonderful photos.

As well as sports, transportation, and outdated. I like transportation the most from this grouping.

Children was also suggested. The same negative feel about faces would be attached to this as well, I feel.

So I'm seeing my short list (so far) as

1. Mirror Images/Reflections - to include object being reflected...that way the viewer can see that it is a "mirror" reflection.
2. Metal
3. Landscapes
4. Contrasts
5. Transportation
6. Doors
7. Negative Space




If I'm reading the thread wrong, please let me know. If I am trying too hard...please let me know. :)

I'd like to only have 5 or 6 on the actual poll.

Thank you!

Solly

[NV Whino]

63. Circles

Inspired by your hay bales.

P.S. mirror images could also include things like twins, which would not be included with reflections.

[Solly Mack]

64. I agree...mirror images don't have to be just something reflected

by water or glass or a mirror...twins is a good example of that. 2 people facing each other, each mirroring the other's actions...structures with an element, such as 2 staircases that are the same or a 2 walls meeting at a corner and having the same decor/window arrangement...would suggest a mirroring effect.

People could go many ways with the theme.

If enough people jump on board the circle wagon then it would make the short list.

[Celebration]

65. If I am the only one that mentioned landscapes

You can take that off. Circles are fine, but my vote is as follows:

I'll vote for whatever looks the most likely to beat doors. :silly:

[Solly Mack]

67. You weren't the only one to mention landscapes. :)

But it doesn't have to be on the poll.

So that's 2 nods for circles.

I'll write that down on my list.

Thanks!!

[Alameda]

85. reflections and doors

I love the way reflections look, but they are not all mirror images. They are different.

Here is an example of a reflection, not a mirror image.



and another...



yea....I love cats...they are such nice subjects. Anyway, I get along with them.

[Solly Mack]

88. I miss my cats. :(

I love cats but haven't felt ready to bring a new one into the house yet.

I think cats make interesting subjects...they have such wonderful faces.

[Alameda]

92. awww...I know how you feel. I was catless for a few years,

Each cat has such a unique personality too, don't they? During my catless years I learned how to befriend other cats.

[Solly Mack]

97. That they do. My older cat would talk back to me when she thought

I was being unfair to her. She was very independent and never forgave me for bringing a puppy home.. The younger one was feral and it took years for him to be comfortable being held. First he would only tolerate it if he was in a box. Once he came out of his shell - he was pure loving. The oldest was 20 and the younger cat was around 16 when they died. Different kinds of cancer.

[Swampguana]

72. Personally

I like either faces or reflections.

[Solly Mack]

73. Thanks, Swampguana!

I'll add that to my +/- list.

[Richard D]

74. Reflections

But only because I have a photo I'd enter in that category.

[Solly Mack]

76. That's a very honest answer. lol

What do you think about mirror images? Still a reflection...

[Richard D]

93. I like.

I've got a few of those in waiting. It'll be an interesting contest. Pretty easy to fall into cliche, so it'll take some good creative eye to avoid that.

[Solly Mack]

96. I like it too

Still, "Reflections" is getting more responses.


Maybe down the road some...

[MissHoneychurch]

75. Favorite picture 2010

I really liked the theme that came in second for the February contest.

[Solly Mack]

77. Thanks, MissHoneychurch!

I'll add that to my tally list.

[Mira]

78. overnight

i had some really cool ideas for additional possibilities, gathering them now....

:rofl:

[Solly Mack]

80. Mail? Hotels? things like that?

Thanks, Mira!!

[Solly Mack]

79. Last day for comments and suggestions and letting me know

what you want to do most and do least.

Be sure to read the entire thread to see what others are suggesting.

I'm still keeping my running tally of positive and negative reaction to ALL suggestions. (to include those that get no additional response)

The short list is changing as more people weigh in...

Poll goes up tomorrow.


Thank you!!

Solly

[Callalily]

82. Reflections works for me!

I've got a ton of them, and can take a ton in a heartbeat! :rofl:

[Solly Mack]

83. LOL! Reflections is getting a good deal of positive response.

And the poll will reflect the suggestions throughout the thread that get the most positive responses.

[Callalily]

84. Bwahahahahaha . . .

"and the polls will reflect!" Nice play on words. :rofl:

Sorry . . . :blush: It's been a (ahem) serious day here at work, and your comment just hit my funny bone.

[Solly Mack]

86. I'm sorry for your work day...but I'm glad to give you a laugh!

:)

[bluedigger]

87. "Faces Reflected in Circular Metal Landscapes"

OK, I got nothing to contribute...:shrug:

[Adsos Letter]

89. ...and rendered in Black and White...

:D

[Solly Mack]

91. LMAO

[Solly Mack]

90. LOL!

I wouldn't have anything either.

Tomorrow is the poll and people will vote for the theme.

I'm pretty sure you can drop "Faces"...negative response has been real negative...not just kinda negative or a little negative...but negative on a visceral level.

[Mira]

94. in the choices

i sure would like to see "negative space"
it intrigues me because now that's all i see...

[Solly Mack]

95. It's shaping up to be in the final poll.

I'm even going through my archives to see if I can improve my photos by adjusting the negative space. I'm hoping to improve how I "see" the scene before I actually shoot it.

Thanks, Mira!

[Solly Mack]

98. ...

[Solly Mack]

101. The poll is going up later today. Thank you again!