Contest #18 Voting

[Peter Zack]

Originally Posted by soccernut

I thought the point of making the poll anonymous was so as not to influence others. I realize that some do their picking first but to openly discuss the choices seems to defeat the purpose. Just my 1 cent - haven't earned the right yet to give 2
Some really interesting choices and Kudos to those who didn't just use the standard concept of symmetry but went that step further for their main subject.

Seems as if no one is listening sadly....

Originally Posted by rparmar

Just because the theme is "symmetry" does not mean that the image must be totally symmetrical, does it? That seems to be a very restrictive interpretation.

Totally symmetrical would ut us all to sleep. Once in awhile they are interesting images but 30-50 perfectly symmetrical shots would lack interest. I like the interpretations here. It's good to see a variety of different 'looks' from everyone. I am a little surprised there weren't more "created shots" or still life versions.

Great shots everyone.

[gpaual]

Symmetrical in common usage generally conveys two primary meanings. The first is an imprecise sense of harmonious or aesthetically-pleasing proportionality and balance; such that it reflects beauty or perfection. The second meaning is a precise and well-defined concept of balance or "patterned self-similarity" that can be demonstrated or proved according to the rules of a formal system: by geometry, through physics or otherwise.

Although the meanings are distinguishable, in some contexts, both meanings of "symmetry" are related and discussed in parallel.[1][2]

The "precise" notions of symmetry have various measures and operational definitions. For example, symmetry may be observed:

with respect to the passage of time;
as a spatial relationship;
through geometric transformations such as scaling, reflection, and rotation;
through other kinds of functional transformations[3]; and
as an aspect of abstract objects, theoretic models, language, music and even knowledge itself.[4][5]
This article describes these notions of symmetry from three perspectives. The first is that of mathematics, in which symmetries are defined and categorized precisely. The second perspective describes symmetry as it relates to science and technology. In this context, symmetries underlie some of the most profound results of modern physics, including aspects of space and time. Finally, a third perspective discusses symmetry in the humanities, covering its rich and varied use in history, architecture, art, and religion.

The opposite of symmetry is asymmetry.

according to wikipedia........

[fillerupmac]

In terms of pure symmetry, #16 fills the bill for me. Many others are close, and some are "better artistically", but many lose out for me because of non symetric aberations - clouds, other non symmetric objects etc.

I couldn't come up with a good photo for this one - a tough subject.

Congrats to all.

Al S.

[schufosi777]

Well I chose the ones that were most symmetrical and I wasnt looking for absolute symmetry. Sometimes symmetry is subtle and is merely a sense of balance. For another topic such as repeating pattern, convergence of space, surrealty...........if thats a word, then I would have chosen differently. I was really intrigued by the landscape with the two bands of cloud. One real and one a reflection and the way it creates a space that doesnt exist. I thought the topic was about negative space as well..........but I am not sure what it really is. Either way I really like this shot but I guess its not the best representation of symmetry.

[Timbuctoo]

20. I can't fold it in half but I like it.

[dstar]

Number 26 .I like this image very much.

[Bramela]

I agree fully with Soccernut. The voting is supposed to be anonymous. Here we find persons plugging for this and that photo and actually criticising some peoples interpretation of the subject whilst the voting is is still happening.
How do I know that these people who are so anxious to have their say, aren't doing so to plug for votes for their own photo?
Surely a bit of self restraint isnt to much to ask for and once the results out, Go for it!

All of you are defeating the purpose of keeping the voting anonymous. IMHO.

[xs400]

Originally Posted by Bramela

I agree fully with Soccernut. The voting is supposed to be anonymous. Here we find persons plugging for this and that photo and actually criticising some peoples interpretation of the subject whilst the voting is is still happening.
How do I know that these people who are so anxious to have their say, aren't doing so to plug for votes for their own photo?
Surely a bit of self restraint isnt to much to ask for and once the results out, Go for it!

All of you are defeating the purpose of keeping the voting anonymous. IMHO

I agree. I feel there should not be comments regarding the submissions, either positive or negative, during the voting process.

[Adam]

A few months back, I started hiding poll results from public view until the conclusion of the contest, and to my surprise, a single photo still got an overwhelming majority of votes. I've therefore concluded that commenting does not influence the overall poll results, and I'll be leaving things as they are for now.

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Congratulations to bt*ist on winning the February contest! Here's a link to his submission for further commenting: February 2008 Winner: Symmetry