I missed the livestream, and I appreciate your contest rant. Many years ago (I'm about your age), I entered a few contests for just the reasons you mentioned--recognition and affirmation. I quit entering them after a group project in which participating photographers were invited to shoot the same model in the same set with the same lighting (hot lights) to see what they could do. Photographers could select an image to have the event host project and other photographers could comment. The image I entered was of the model in a fur coat and my instructions to her were to pretend it felt wonderful to wear. She did a great job! My job as photog was easy: camera on tripod, exposure measured with in-camera meter, shutter fired with release cable because the shutter speed was a full second. Anyway, when my image first projected, there were gasps in the room, then silence. Then one photograph complained about something in the photo. Then another photographer complained about something else, and it degenerated into a piling-on session full of nit-picks but not good suggestions. After the meeting broke up, the host came to me and apologized for all the bad feedback I got. I told him it was OK because I heard their initial reaction. I wish the model could have been there to hear their gasps and see the image.
Hi Joe, sorry I missed the live stream. I think you presented your case very convincingly. Gatekeeping like this in any endeavor can be quite pernicious. It tends to stifle creativity and rarely fosters any kind of communal good feelings. Glad you are calling it out for what it is. Rant on!
Hi Joe, watching on catch-up in UK. Great passion showing there on PSA and competitions. Another aspect is the impact of AI, as well as the cynical staging of ‘environmental’ images. Sony and CEWE, for example, are two high-profile competitions publicly caught out by this recently. Who knows how many others have escaped detection? The most valuable recognition to me is 1-2-1 critique by a photographer that I respect/admire. From this, I learn, always. I am ambivalent about entering competitions, but I would not shape my photography to meet competition requirements.
Thanks for these livestreams. As a budding photographer, these livestreams are like a refreshing breeze. They’ve ignited my passion for photography. Thank you!
Let's add to the algorithm especially because of a discussion I had in another art form competition: Dance. The partner of a famous swing dancer (currently in the Swing Dance Hall of Fame} told me about her experience in dance competitions (she was in her mid 70s when relating this story). She stated, "I decided dance competitions were not my thing!". Why? "We always got disqualified, because I would always inadvertently break some rule". "I just always danced what I heard and felt, and I didn't care what others thought". The woman making this statement has been recognized by the Swing Hall of Fame. It's another voice that supports your argument - proceed with caution, and be aware of the benefits, limitations,and pitfalls of certain competitions.
Couldn't make it live but I just had to say I really support your view on photography competitions. If you find them fun then go for it, but unless you use them selectively they won't help you improve your photography.
I am on your side photography is a passion first and foremost. Competition and its accompanying recognition is only a small part for certain people. Photography is a creative activity not merely technical skills to be mastered.
Siena international photo awards. You can enter one image for free. If you win an award, there are 5 days of fantastic events. I was lucky enough to win a "commended" for a leopard picture. It was phenomenal and I have a calm now about photography that I never did. Trust me, I've never lacked confidence, but getting that sort of validation has been wonderful. Got to meet my tribe. It's the one to enter.
Yes, everyone deserves a participation photography award. Damn Joe, stop drinking those 16 table spoons of Coke suger water. Looking out for your health dude.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
This Gentleman Has Soul :-) Love your Crusade, We need Your Advice as it is Honest :-) Champion Joe
100% agree with you on Photo comtests. Not counting jurors who favor their friends; incompetent jurors; and satisfying jurors for the ego trip
I missed the livestream, and I appreciate your contest rant. Many years ago (I'm about your age), I entered a few contests for just the reasons you mentioned--recognition and affirmation. I quit entering them after a group project in which participating photographers were invited to shoot the same model in the same set with the same lighting (hot lights) to see what they could do. Photographers could select an image to have the event host project and other photographers could comment. The image I entered was of the model in a fur coat and my instructions to her were to pretend it felt wonderful to wear. She did a great job! My job as photog was easy: camera on tripod, exposure measured with in-camera meter, shutter fired with release cable because the shutter speed was a full second. Anyway, when my image first projected, there were gasps in the room, then silence. Then one photograph complained about something in the photo. Then another photographer complained about something else, and it degenerated into a piling-on session full of nit-picks but not good suggestions. After the meeting broke up, the host came to me and apologized for all the bad feedback I got. I told him it was OK because I heard their initial reaction. I wish the model could have been there to hear their gasps and see the image.
Hi Joe, sorry I missed the live stream. I think you presented your case very convincingly. Gatekeeping like this in any endeavor can be quite pernicious. It tends to stifle creativity and rarely fosters any kind of communal good feelings. Glad you are calling it out for what it is. Rant on!
Hi Joe, watching on catch-up in UK. Great passion showing there on PSA and competitions. Another aspect is the impact of AI, as well as the cynical staging of ‘environmental’ images. Sony and CEWE, for example, are two high-profile competitions publicly caught out by this recently. Who knows how many others have escaped detection? The most valuable recognition to me is 1-2-1 critique by a photographer that I respect/admire. From this, I learn, always. I am ambivalent about entering competitions, but I would not shape my photography to meet competition requirements.
Thanks for these livestreams. As a budding photographer, these livestreams are like a refreshing breeze. They’ve ignited my passion for photography. Thank you!
Let's add to the algorithm especially because of a discussion I had in another art form competition: Dance. The partner of a famous swing dancer (currently in the Swing Dance Hall of Fame} told me about her experience in dance competitions (she was in her mid 70s when relating this story). She stated, "I decided dance competitions were not my thing!". Why? "We always got disqualified, because I would always inadvertently break some rule". "I just always danced what I heard and felt, and I didn't care what others thought". The woman making this statement has been recognized by the Swing Hall of Fame. It's another voice that supports your argument - proceed with caution, and be aware of the benefits, limitations,and pitfalls of certain competitions.
Couldn't make it live but I just had to say I really support your view on photography competitions. If you find them fun then go for it, but unless you use them selectively they won't help you improve your photography.
I do love "your crusade"
Watching the replay from Hawaii - work conference! And taking lots of sunrise pix
Hey Jo watching replay couldn’t make live one sorry
I do not normally comment on videos, but want to say I appreciate you telling it like is.
Not live but checked in from Toronto
I am on your side photography is a passion first and foremost. Competition and its accompanying recognition is only a small part for certain people. Photography is a creative activity not merely technical skills to be mastered.
Found this today.. thanks. From Canada.
Thailand
Siena international photo awards. You can enter one image for free. If you win an award, there are 5 days of fantastic events. I was lucky enough to win a "commended" for a leopard picture. It was phenomenal and I have a calm now about photography that I never did. Trust me, I've never lacked confidence, but getting that sort of validation has been wonderful. Got to meet my tribe. It's the one to enter.
Yes, everyone deserves a participation photography award. Damn Joe, stop drinking those 16 table spoons of Coke suger water. Looking out for your health dude.