It was competition time at NDPS.
The digital competition round 2 carried a theme of ‘Traffic’.
The instructions for this theme are shown below:
For the purposes of the competition traffic will strictly be interpreted by the judge to mean the movement of vehicles, ships, trains, or aircraft between one place and another. Traffic also refers to the people and goods that are being transported. Images can be in colour or monochrome, but the main subject of the image should emphasise multiple and NOT singular examples of traffic. For example a photograph of cars in a traffic jam is ‘on theme’ whereas a singular aircraft crossing the sky is not.
I have to say upfront, I disliked this theme from the moment it was announced many months ago, and I had zero motivation for it.
I should’ve had a go at it but I ignored it for weeks and months, then the deadline crept up on me.
I decided to look at some images from the Old Buckenham Airshow from a couple of years ago, and decided to punt in a shot of two spitfires.
Image 1 (Tandem Manoeuvre)
As mentioned above, I chose this shot due to apathy, laziness and lack of motivation.
Self-critique (pre-judging)
The shot is OK. There’s a bit of movement in the propellers.
I would expect to scratch an 7.5 to 8.5 if I am lucky.
Judge’s verdict
The judge said this was two planes having commented earlier on the merits of an odd number of planes or objects in a scene.
They were not sure this image meets the theme of traffic, but said it does meet the rules.
They said the planes were diving and there was some movement in the propellers by use of a shutter speed, so that we knew they weren’t airfix model planes.
They said the image doesn’t shout traffic and awarded the image 8/10.
Post-judging thoughts
I have no grumbles as described above.
I must admit, I thought there were quite a few good images and I do regret not putting more effort in and trying to get something new and more inventive.
See my overall reflections further down.
Image 2 (Glacial Lagoon Aurora)
I chose this shot from my recent Iceland trip for obvious reasons, quite simply it’s a banger!
I am proud of capturing this image as I learnt on the trip how to take these types of shots (thanks Steve) and how to edit them (thanks Justin).
Self-critique (pre-judging)
I am hoping for a straight 10.
I have wondered if the composition is a little flat, I.e. the angle of view is a little dull, but wow, that Aurora!
Judge’s verdict
The judge said the title tells us this image is a glacial lagoon, we don’t know where.
They said it was a super shot, and we also have a shooting star.
They said the rock on the left and its reflection was a little too bright, and they would brighten it down. The judge held the image back, and in the final assessment, awarded the shot 9.5/10 and third place.
Post-judging thoughts
On the one hand, I’m very pleased it scored high and got held back.
Regrettably, my main feeling is one of disappointment that this image should’ve got a 10. However, this is on me. It pains me greatly to say that the judge was right.
I had brightened that rock and in fact, now I look a little closer, I think it’s very obvious when comparing it to the rest of the scene where there’s snow, and perhaps there’s a slightly different temperature to it too.
#gutted
As a final note, I have had some feedback from fellow club members saying they think this image should’ve won, or that some of those scoring higher were over scored or had obvious flaws in the image missed.
But that’s what we all do, criticise the judge.
It’s OK, since my sour grapes feeling will eventually dissipate – well after a few months anyway! 😳
Reflections
Overall, 17.5/20 or 87.5% isn’t disastrous, but not the standard I want to achieve and maintain, but it is on Me this one. Can’t blame the judge. I might have a grumble or two on the theme though!
Axe grind on the ‘Themed Round’ (Traffic)
The ‘Traffic’ theme was utterly naff!
Is my bitching unwarranted? No, it appears not…
The club chair admitted the theme was ‘too ferocious’ in its definition and too narrow, and that next time they will choose something a little wider.
Thanks to this naff theme, the number of entries was 21 which by my reckoning is at least a third, maybe more, less entries than we usually get. With the club wanting to encourage more entries, it’s shot itself in the foot on this one.
As I stated above, I am a little sheepish that I gave up before I’d even tried. This laziness has lost me some points but then does it matter? Many members are unaware or assume there is no overall POTY cumulative competition this year. Regarding my score, that’s not on the club, it’s on me.
Change to club rules – ‘Moaning Minnie’ Me
There was confusion for rules too and a difference in the judging to that originally stated.
Originally, we were advised both images had to be on-theme. Then, once I think it dawned on the club that folks weren’t motivated, it said the second image could be open but that there wouldn’t be a winner.
They also stated this would be a knockout competition implying no scores. Most members want and need a score as a measure of how good or not so good the image fared. It’s part of our learning on how to improve.
As it turned out, the judge did offer scores, and there was a winner for each round.
The club has moved the rules around to placate those who get demotivated if they don’t win round one. However, a member has always been able to win individual rounds and cumulative points competitions are what they are.
If we look at sports leagues as an example, a team isn’t going to complain to a governing body when they lose the first game or three that come the end of the season they don’t win the league. It’s the whole point of a cumulative points competition.
For those of us of a more mature age, or maybe a few who are not, and especially where we’ve played sport or have a competitive persona, we’re fully on-board with cumulative competitions. Not doing well in an early round or even along the way is something that hurts but as the saying goes “Suck it up buttercup”!
The club bowing to snowflakes or delicates is just losing the interest of its established membership base. To coin another phrase, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it!”
I’m aware I’m being direct, but I write it to get it off my chest and this is an honest opinion.
I often try and find a song lyric to sum up my feelings – in this instance, it’s “Too Real” by Fontaines D.C. Take a look/listen, jump to 1:50 for a shortcut.
Looking forward
Coming up soon is the second and final print competition round on the far more agreeable and achievable theme of ‘Taken in Norfolk’.
I’ll be all out on that one and hope to do much better.
Onwards and upwards…