Contest Poll Contest #13 Runoff

Contest #13 Runoff · 12:03 PM

PentaxForums.com Monthly Photo Contest #13 Runoff Poll

Because we're awarding prizes this month to the top three entries, and because many photos had a close numbers of votes, we're holding a runoff vote for the top 6 photos from the previous poll.

Thanks to everyone for voting earlier- with about 250 voters, that was our largest poll to date. Can we beat that number in this poll?

You must be logged in to vote, and you may only vote for one photo! Good luck to all six finalists!

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

skaktuss · 10-21-2007, 10:06 PM

Originally posted by mtnbearhug

But what is the big deal about #3??? yeah its a good pic.. but to me it is very busy.. and hard to focus on.

Exactly! It is nice picture, but too much stuffed.

azemerov · 10-22-2007, 07:28 AM

Voted for #3 - very string composition, the next one would be #1. Other pictures are fine but not distinctive enough...

Redwood10D · 10-22-2007, 08:28 AM

I like elements of all of them, but least of all number 3. Heck, it's a great shot but pulls me in too many directions. Perhaps it is just the time of the day (early AM here) and I want no confusion.

Number 2 gets my vote. Love the tone, the "wholeness" of it all, and it "feels good" at the onset of my day. Probably will like it tonight, too.

San Diego, CA, right?

Don

jgredline · 10-22-2007, 08:34 AM

In regards to photo #3 I too must ask...What is so special about it..For one black and whites simply don't do anything for ''me''..I kow many folks and artist, like them, but besides the picture looks so busy..It does not go any place..I am simply trying to understand what makes that a great photo..

comments.

and · 10-22-2007, 08:43 AM

Its funny so many people asking about nr #3 but its killing in the poll.
Well I did already post why I voted for #3 so I guess I dont have to repeat myself agian.

cygnet · 10-22-2007, 08:54 AM

I wanted to comment on the comments, and the question about the number 3 photograph more specifically. The reason that the top 3 photos are numbers 1, 2, and 3, are although the subject matter is identifiable, they also work wonderfully in a more abstract way. The lines throughout the compositions are very simple and geometric when viewed as a whole. For example:

Number 1, really three rectangles. Looking past the trees and building on the right side, you basically have a small vertical rectangle (old building) inserted into a larger dark blue horizontal rectangle (new building) inserted into a larger light blue rectangle (the sky). Wonderful, almost perfect, but I did not vote for it because the horizon is not level, and I find the slight tilt of the reflected building disconcerting. I also would have cropped out the building on the right side.

Number 2, Wonderful vertical lines that grow in thickness from left to right, bisected by a horizontal line right through the middle. I was torn about my vote here, but again I think I would have eliminated that building on the right side that is shorter and has very little reflection. Then you would have a perfect progression from small to tall, left to right. Didn't quite get my vote.

Number 3, you've basically got two thick vertical lines on each side of the photo, with that fabulous sweeping curve running through the middle. Add the angle coming from the right bottom pointing toward the center section of the curve, and that double V coming from the left, and you've got a beautiful play of geometric chiaroscuro. The black and white format adds to the simplicity of the geometry. Got my vote.

AVANT · 10-22-2007, 11:22 AM

I voted for #3 because there are many lines that point and direct you to the freeway. Fortunately those lines are directing you to the most interesting shape on the photo, the curve.

As for difficulty tho, I'd give it to #4. To get a lightning right over the freeway requires some good timing and chance.

edwinconrad · 10-22-2007, 04:19 PM

Number #2 is by eye the better. I is rich in color and detail! It has a wonderful leve of saturation in the colors and has a classic framing.

philmorley · 10-22-2007, 07:39 PM

Originally posted by mtnbearhug

Please dont take offense to this..

But what is the big deal about #3??? yeah its a good pic.. but to me it is very busy.. and hard to focus on. The black and white does add some depth to it.

Can someone explain to me why this picture is so propular..

thanks!! Kim

its chaotic, but with very clear strong vertical lines so the chaos is not distracting as the twisting road winding through drags the eye along with it. The building on the left works like an arrow pointing to the road. The black and white helps this by removing and distraction caused by various colours. To me not a 'beautiful' image like some of the others but overall a very 'strong' image with a 'softness'? caused by the winding road. anyway thats my opinion.

So I like it a lot, but is it the best? I also really like numbers 1,2 & 5. oh! they're all good! this is really hard !!!!

JCSullivan · 10-23-2007, 05:46 AM

I certainly had not thought of it as chiaroscuro but it sure supports my original decision to vote for #3.

We're definately getting more bang for the buck with this thread - people are actually dicsussing photography not the usual "nice work, well done, I love it, etc."

jgredline · 10-23-2007, 07:01 AM

Originally posted by JCSullivan

I certainly had not thought of it as chiaroscuro but it sure supports my original decision to vote for #3.

We're definately getting more bang for the buck with this thread - people are actually dicsussing photography not the usual "nice work, well done, I love it, etc."

I agree..I voted for number 2 and my first thought was that? ''what is three doing in this group'', then I voted and was

.. So yes, people are talking about photography and I'm happy to learn,...but in saying that, I do not see how it is nicer than the other pics, truth be told it would have been my last choice..

bobwired · 10-23-2007, 08:16 AM

In my opinion, cityscapes should have people in them, and none of these finalists meet that measure.

mtnbearhug · 10-23-2007, 01:31 PM

Originally posted by cygnet

although the subject matter is identifiable, they also work wonderfully in a more abstract way. The lines throughout the compositions are very simple and geometric when viewed as a whole. For example:

Number 1, really three rectangles. Looking past the trees and building on the right side, you basically have a small vertical rectangle (old building) inserted into a larger dark blue horizontal rectangle (new building) inserted into a larger light blue rectangle (the sky). Wonderful, almost perfect, but I did not vote for it because the horizon is not level, and I find the slight tilt of the reflected building disconcerting. I also would have cropped out the building on the right side.

Number 2, Wonderful vertical lines that grow in thickness from left to right, bisected by a horizontal line right through the middle. I was torn about my vote here, but again I think I would have eliminated that building on the right side that is shorter and has very little reflection. Then you would have a perfect progression from small to tall, left to right. Didn't quite get my vote.

Number 3, you've basically got two thick vertical lines on each side of the photo, with that fabulous sweeping curve running through the middle. Add the angle coming from the right bottom pointing toward the center section of the curve, and that double V coming from the left, and you've got a beautiful play of geometric chiaroscuro. The black and white format adds to the simplicity of the geometry. Got my vote.

Originally posted by philmorley

its chaotic, but with very clear strong vertical lines so the chaos is not distracting as the twisting road winding through drags the eye along with it. The building on the left works like an arrow pointing to the road. The black and white helps this by removing and distraction caused by various colours. To me not a 'beautiful' image like some of the others but overall a very 'strong' image with a 'softness'? caused by the winding road.

These are what I was looking for!! I am just trying to understand the "professional" side of photo taking... So that way I can create better pictures myself! To me at his point it is about what makes me feel good or bad.. but I wanting to learn more about compusition and the such..

Thank you for the feedback !! It is greatly appreciated.. Kim

m8o · 10-23-2007, 02:06 PM

Originally posted by mtnbearhug

These are what I was looking for!! I am just trying to understand the "professional" side of photo taking...

It reminds me of the CD-ROM I have from the late 90's called "learning to see".

I'm going to have to dig that out. I wouldn't be surprised if it's so old it won't even run on a modern day WinTel system anymore...

Anyway, I too appreciate the informed and well-formed opinion of how others "see it". I for one voted for #1 as I love the contrasting of the old with the new, I liked the slight 'cock-eyed-ness' of the reflected building (which play to the distorted lines produced by the imperfect panes of glass), and thought I'd rather appreciate a "real scene" where you have object that are not under your control (the building on the right) and felt it was better to be authentic and real, rather then having it photoshopped out.

Originally posted by bobwired

In my opinion, cityscapes should have people in them...

so does "soilent green"... (lol! sorry, I couldn't resist)

DigiNoob · 10-23-2007, 04:31 PM

I chose number 2. To be honest, I do like them all, even number 3 (which to me looks more... "industrial"), but there was just something about number 2 I liked that I could not put my finger on until someone else mentioned it... the color! Odd how all the buildings take on a goldish hue as if every contractor coordinated the color of the buildings. I know... it has more to do with lighting and probably even filtering, but I think that's why I like it the best. Those little green ringlets lit up on some of those buildings were a curiousity I liked as well, and the reflection on the water cinched it for me. Number 6 came in a very close second for me, personally. I think due to the water reflection.

View Poll Results: Which photo should be the September Contest winner?
#1	86	25.67%
#2	49	14.63%
#3	132	39.40%
#4	19	5.67%
#5	28	8.36%
#6	21	6.27%
Voters: 335. You may not vote on this poll

Adam
	View full profile
	Contact via private message
	Find other posts by Adam
	Find threads started by Adam
	Find threads in which Adam has posted

10-22-2007, 08:28 AM	#18
Redwood10D Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Claremont, CA USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 77	Contest #13 Runoff I like elements of all of them, but least of all number 3. Heck, it's a great shot but pulls me in too many directions. Perhaps it is just the time of the day (early AM here) and I want no confusion. Number 2 gets my vote. Love the tone, the "wholeness" of it all, and it "feels good" at the onset of my day. Probably will like it tonight, too. San Diego, CA, right? Don

10-22-2007, 08:54 AM	#21
cygnet Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Hill Country Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 104	Why I wanted to comment on the comments, and the question about the number 3 photograph more specifically. The reason that the top 3 photos are numbers 1, 2, and 3, are although the subject matter is identifiable, they also work wonderfully in a more abstract way. The lines throughout the compositions are very simple and geometric when viewed as a whole. For example: Number 1, really three rectangles. Looking past the trees and building on the right side, you basically have a small vertical rectangle (old building) inserted into a larger dark blue horizontal rectangle (new building) inserted into a larger light blue rectangle (the sky). Wonderful, almost perfect, but I did not vote for it because the horizon is not level, and I find the slight tilt of the reflected building disconcerting. I also would have cropped out the building on the right side. Number 2, Wonderful vertical lines that grow in thickness from left to right, bisected by a horizontal line right through the middle. I was torn about my vote here, but again I think I would have eliminated that building on the right side that is shorter and has very little reflection. Then you would have a perfect progression from small to tall, left to right. Didn't quite get my vote. Number 3, you've basically got two thick vertical lines on each side of the photo, with that fabulous sweeping curve running through the middle. Add the angle coming from the right bottom pointing toward the center section of the curve, and that double V coming from the left, and you've got a beautiful play of geometric chiaroscuro. The black and white format adds to the simplicity of the geometry. Got my vote.

10-23-2007, 08:16 AM	#27
bobwired Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: flyover midwest, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 10	Cities have people, people! In my opinion, cityscapes should have people in them, and none of these finalists meet that measure.

10-21-2007, 10:06 PM	#16
skaktuss Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Latvia Photos: Gallery Posts: 259	Originally posted by mtnbearhug But what is the big deal about #3??? yeah its a good pic.. but to me it is very busy.. and hard to focus on. Exactly! It is nice picture, but too much stuffed.

10-22-2007, 07:28 AM	#17
azemerov Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 9	Voted for #3 - very string composition, the next one would be #1. Other pictures are fine but not distinctive enough...

10-22-2007, 08:34 AM	#19
jgredline Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: LosAngeles, Ca. Photos: Albums Posts: 10,628	In regards to photo #3 I too must ask...What is so special about it..For one black and whites simply don't do anything for ''me''..I kow many folks and artist, like them, but besides the picture looks so busy..It does not go any place..I am simply trying to understand what makes that a great photo.. comments.

10-22-2007, 08:43 AM	#20
and Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,476	Its funny so many people asking about nr #3 but its killing in the poll. Well I did already post why I voted for #3 so I guess I dont have to repeat myself agian.

10-22-2007, 11:22 AM	#22
AVANT Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: California Posts: 426	I voted for #3 because there are many lines that point and direct you to the freeway. Fortunately those lines are directing you to the most interesting shape on the photo, the curve. As for difficulty tho, I'd give it to #4. To get a lightning right over the freeway requires some good timing and chance.

10-22-2007, 04:19 PM	#23
edwinconrad Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Vadnais Heights, MN Posts: 1	Number #2 is by eye the better. I is rich in color and detail! It has a wonderful leve of saturation in the colors and has a classic framing.

10-22-2007, 07:39 PM	#24
philmorley Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: in a house in Armidale, Australia Posts: 472	Originally posted by mtnbearhug Please dont take offense to this.. But what is the big deal about #3??? yeah its a good pic.. but to me it is very busy.. and hard to focus on. The black and white does add some depth to it. Can someone explain to me why this picture is so propular.. thanks!! Kim its chaotic, but with very clear strong vertical lines so the chaos is not distracting as the twisting road winding through drags the eye along with it. The building on the left works like an arrow pointing to the road. The black and white helps this by removing and distraction caused by various colours. To me not a 'beautiful' image like some of the others but overall a very 'strong' image with a 'softness'? caused by the winding road. anyway thats my opinion. So I like it a lot, but is it the best? I also really like numbers 1,2 & 5. oh! they're all good! this is really hard !!!!

10-23-2007, 05:46 AM	#25
JCSullivan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Windsor, Canada Posts: 3,056	I certainly had not thought of it as chiaroscuro but it sure supports my original decision to vote for #3. We're definately getting more bang for the buck with this thread - people are actually dicsussing photography not the usual "nice work, well done, I love it, etc."

10-23-2007, 07:01 AM	#26
jgredline Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: LosAngeles, Ca. Photos: Albums Posts: 10,628	Originally posted by JCSullivan I certainly had not thought of it as chiaroscuro but it sure supports my original decision to vote for #3. We're definately getting more bang for the buck with this thread - people are actually dicsussing photography not the usual "nice work, well done, I love it, etc." I agree..I voted for number 2 and my first thought was that? ''what is three doing in this group'', then I voted and was .. So yes, people are talking about photography and I'm happy to learn,...but in saying that, I do not see how it is nicer than the other pics, truth be told it would have been my last choice..

10-23-2007, 01:31 PM	#28
mtnbearhug Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Emmett, Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,351	Thank you!! Originally posted by cygnet although the subject matter is identifiable, they also work wonderfully in a more abstract way. The lines throughout the compositions are very simple and geometric when viewed as a whole. For example: Number 1, really three rectangles. Looking past the trees and building on the right side, you basically have a small vertical rectangle (old building) inserted into a larger dark blue horizontal rectangle (new building) inserted into a larger light blue rectangle (the sky). Wonderful, almost perfect, but I did not vote for it because the horizon is not level, and I find the slight tilt of the reflected building disconcerting. I also would have cropped out the building on the right side. Number 2, Wonderful vertical lines that grow in thickness from left to right, bisected by a horizontal line right through the middle. I was torn about my vote here, but again I think I would have eliminated that building on the right side that is shorter and has very little reflection. Then you would have a perfect progression from small to tall, left to right. Didn't quite get my vote. Number 3, you've basically got two thick vertical lines on each side of the photo, with that fabulous sweeping curve running through the middle. Add the angle coming from the right bottom pointing toward the center section of the curve, and that double V coming from the left, and you've got a beautiful play of geometric chiaroscuro. The black and white format adds to the simplicity of the geometry. Got my vote. Originally posted by philmorley its chaotic, but with very clear strong vertical lines so the chaos is not distracting as the twisting road winding through drags the eye along with it. The building on the left works like an arrow pointing to the road. The black and white helps this by removing and distraction caused by various colours. To me not a 'beautiful' image like some of the others but overall a very 'strong' image with a 'softness'? caused by the winding road. These are what I was looking for!! I am just trying to understand the "professional" side of photo taking... So that way I can create better pictures myself! To me at his point it is about what makes me feel good or bad.. but I wanting to learn more about compusition and the such.. Thank you for the feedback !! It is greatly appreciated.. Kim

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Contest #21	atupdate	Monthly Photo Contests	0	05-19-2008 08:22 AM
Contest #15	yeahwhatever	Monthly Photo Contests	0	11-14-2007 04:22 PM
Spring Runoff	Mark Castleman	Post Your Photos!	8	05-20-2007 06:19 PM

10-23-2007, 02:06 PM	#29
m8o Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: 40°-55'-44" N / 73°-24'-07" W [on LI] Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,092	Originally posted by mtnbearhug These are what I was looking for!! I am just trying to understand the "professional" side of photo taking... It reminds me of the CD-ROM I have from the late 90's called "learning to see". I'm going to have to dig that out. I wouldn't be surprised if it's so old it won't even run on a modern day WinTel system anymore... Anyway, I too appreciate the informed and well-formed opinion of how others "see it". I for one voted for #1 as I love the contrasting of the old with the new, I liked the slight 'cock-eyed-ness' of the reflected building (which play to the distorted lines produced by the imperfect panes of glass), and thought I'd rather appreciate a "real scene" where you have object that are not under your control (the building on the right) and felt it was better to be authentic and real, rather then having it photoshopped out. Originally posted by bobwired In my opinion, cityscapes should have people in them... so does "soilent green"... (lol! sorry, I couldn't resist) Last edited by m8o; 10-23-2007 at 02:15 PM.

10-23-2007, 04:31 PM	#30
DigiNoob Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Columbus, GA, USA Posts: 33	I chose number 2. To be honest, I do like them all, even number 3 (which to me looks more... "industrial"), but there was just something about number 2 I liked that I could not put my finger on until someone else mentioned it... the color! Odd how all the buildings take on a goldish hue as if every contractor coordinated the color of the buildings. I know... it has more to do with lighting and probably even filtering, but I think that's why I like it the best. Those little green ringlets lit up on some of those buildings were a curiousity I liked as well, and the reflection on the water cinched it for me. Number 6 came in a very close second for me, personally. I think due to the water reflection.