Monthly Photo Awards at P.ca

[Mad Aussie]

I was wondering whether a way to attract more forum action might be for Marko (and perhaps guest photographers Marko knows) to pick out a photo from the 'Critique' or Show Your Photo' forums each month, and do an indepth review on the photo.

The photo would be a photo that Marko feels is a particularly good effort and then would discuss the photos particular elements he likes (composition, lines, patterns, technique etc etc) making it a positive review.

This would encourage members to show more photos and could be used almost like an Award. Something like ... "Photography.ca Marko's Monthly Choice Award"

Perhaps an additional idea (perhaps in a board of it's own) would be a "Members Monthly Choice" where a poll is put up with several photos to vote on.
This might even be an opportunity for a different member to be chosen each month to make the choices of, say, 5 photos including 1 of their own if they want.
Marko can set the poll to only show the results when the poll expires (I think Vbulletin does that).

http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/home/smf/Smileys/classic/searchme.gif

[Marko]

I LOVE this idea M.A.. Let's try to build on it. :highfive:

Will all members appreciate the in depth critique though from the show forum?

any other additions to this idea?

Thx
Marko

[Mad Aussie]

Will all members appreciate the in depth critique though from the show forum?


I don't see why not. As I said ... the idea is to deliver a positive critique, choose only photos that qualify for that in your mind. I realise every photo probably has some negative critique possible depending the person reviewing but in this case the photo should be good enough to ignore those.

That being the case, who wouldn't want their photo highlighted and the better attributes within it highlighted?

I realise also that some of us may take a long time to ever get a photo highlighted and some may be regulars but that's just how it is. A good race driver makes the podium often and a slower one has to work on his skills to get there one day. Same same for us. In this way we can watch and see what does make the Award (and why) and learn from this.

[EJC]

I think this is a fabulous idea! I wouldn't mind comment on improving negative aspects as well.

cheers
EJC

[Mad Aussie]

I think this is a fabulous idea! I wouldn't mind comment on improving negative aspects as well.

cheers
EJC
Well that's mostly where the Critiques forum comes in now ;)

[Marko]

I like it - and will try to do it this month (at the end of january).

We'll see how the first one goes and can build from that.

Many thanks
Marko

[kat]

I think this is a lovely idea! I'm in! :)

Anything you need I'm here

[kiley9806]

yup - sounds like a good addition!

[AcadieLibre]

A dissenting opinion here, why not just have in depth discussion when the photo is posted, lord knows I like Marko and have the utmost respect of him as a photographer. That said I think it is wrong for anyone person to discuss exclusively a photo not of their own on a forum, different if it was an Art or Photography review/ critique site.

An all involved discussion should be had when its posted, I notice a lack of discussion on photos that are posted. The depth of discussion, myself included really seems to be lacking as of late.

Rather why not get each and every member more involved in comments and discussion of photos posted. I prefer if someone is going to talk about a photo in depth it should be the artist, it will teach them to express themselves and understand more about their own work, what motivates, inspires, etc.

Photography as all artistic mediums is very subjective, therefore the Artist should be the one who explains the photo, why it works for him/her. I think Marko picking out the photo is fine but not the one who discusses the positive;artistic merits of another photographers work.

Picking out a photo a month to highlight is a good idea, just if someone is going to talk about the photo is should be the photographer. As always just me :twocents: worth.

A Devils Advocate is not always bad to have around ............

[Mad Aussie]

A Devils Advocate is not always bad to have around ............
Absolutely. It certainly helps to find more perspectives and streamline.

I couldn't disagree with your opinion more on this more though. Which would be expected I guess seeing as I floated the idea.

Possibly that's because you have more experienece than I or are more of a professional so you mind having another person speak of your work. I don't.
I don't consider myself a professional even though I do sometimes earn money from my phoptography. I still consider myself a learner that is good enough in some arenas to work within photography.

From a learning point of view I'd love to have Marko go into depth (technical if need be) on a photo so I can see why the photo is considered a worthy peice for the cause.

I agree that photography is subjective of course, but I don't think that should stop someone having their photo highlighted if they've managed to capture something that fits the bill.

I'm sure after Marko's Choice of the Month is shown each month there will be plenty of other chat about the photo and the owner can freely jump in with their own story or views as well.
Seeing as, most of the photos would be chosen from the forums then I guess much of that may have already been discussed.

Your comment makes it obvious that marko will have to ask the photo's owner if they mind their photo being his choice of the month and simply, respectively exclude shots from yourself and others that agree I guess. Which is sad, I'm certain I can learn from your photos as well.

[Yisehaq]

I like the idea too.

[AcadieLibre]

Not sure why he would have to ask my opinion if you all choose to do this, I was only making a suggestion, I am not against the idea but was just throwing out another possibility. I have always appreciated Marko's opinion on anything I have ever submitted so it is not like I don't appreciate comments I may not always agree but I appreciate them from every user on the forum. I just think it helps to improve the photographers own work if they know why it worked or they think it works. Your not asking him to critique the work, you are asking him to pick out a favourite I guess and explain why it works. so it not a bad thing, just not how I would go about it.

So I am not sure anyone would be "Against" it, just not sure that is the best way for it to work. Sometimes a photograph just works, there is not a good technique to it, it is not in perspective, the clarity might be lacking, etc. but is just works. As I said it is so very suggestive. Some of the most horrid photography I see it the most technically accurate.

If everyone wants to do it I have no problem in participating, just floating my thoughts about it. I may be surprised and find it educational, so if everyone here thinks I it is a good idea I would say go for it and ignore the crotchety old guy lmao.

[Mad Aussie]

I do hope I didn't come across as irrated or something by your comments. I don't want you to think that AL. A different view is always a welcome if it's constructive and makes people think a bit deeper and you achieved that. :)

[Marko]

Your post cracked me up A.L. 'crotchety' heheh.

I certainly would not want to analyze any photo I liked if the photographer didn't want the analysis. And by no means do I consider myself a Top Critic or anything like that. People can always disagree with me and I often learn a thing or two when they do. But I do feel confident enough in my own skills that if I took a photo from the show forum or critique forum and dissected it saying what I like about it, that some (not all of course) members and guests might learn from the autopsy.

A couple of more opinions please.

-Should the 1 photo come exclusively from the show forum (since we already critique in detail in the critique forum) or should a photo from both the show and critique forum be considered.

-Should the results be posted, podcasted or both?

-Should I also have 'guest' critiquers for this?

many thanks everyone!

Marko

[kiley9806]

just my suggestion, that any photos shared on the forum could be considered... reponses and additions to your points would be helpful, i think. and i like to have a visual (such as the photo) to go along with your analization, so i vote posted results. :)

[Mad Aussie]

I think ....

1) The photo could come what whatever source as long as it's a P.ca member's work. You might find something in someone's online album you like for instance. I would think predominently though the obvious source is both the Critiques and Show forums here.

2) Posted (but podcasted as well if you prefer)

3) Yourself and guests when they are available to you.

[Marko]

Thanks so much for all the input - this is a done deal and I'll start it within 48 hours by choosing a phot from Jan.

Thanks all - still not too late to add an opinion on this....

thx
M

[jjeling]

Sorry, I havent really had a chance to follow this thread yet. In prior forums I have been a part of, there has been an actual submission period for the contest. Basically set up as a standard photography contest in your local town. Then after all the submissions are made, they are posted up in another thread for people to vote on. After the voting period has ended, the votes are tallied up and a winner is decided. In my experience, and I think a lot of people will agree, sometimes the review board does not always make the best decisions, and humans are prone to mistakes. Now I do not have much experience with you guys as a group, and will not question your judgement. I do not really question anyones judgement, even if I think it is wrong, thats how we learn, but it generally seems to work out when we let the 'people' vote instead of the 'board'. Being an American though, I apologize for any correlation that you might pull from that. HAHA! Anyways, thats just my opinion, Ive only been here for a few days. Take it with a grain of salt. It will probably create a lot more work than necessary. And if you did go about it this way, then the 'people' voting, will probably be the same people on the 'board' anyways, which is usually how it works. Sorry, I wanted to make it quick but couldn't. Good luck. Hope that helps? :-)

[Mad Aussie]

I think if we go ahead with my 2nd idea (Members Choice see first post in this thread) as well then the member voting will be catered for as well in some way.

We may be able to add to that idea and have the winner from the previous month to be the person who chooses the selection for voting in the current month. That person perhaps should be disqualified from having a phot included, unlike my original idea.

[jjeling]

Hey, I'm just a 'member'. Whatever you guys decide. Im just along for the ride here, trying to keep this forum alive and progressing. Just let me know when to start!

[Iguanasan]

It all sounds very good to me. I've learned a lot from taking the time to look at critiques and break them down into their component parts. I do agree with AcadieLibre though that sometimes a photo is more (and less) than the sum of it's parts so it will be interesting to see how this goes. I'm thinking of my recent "Show Your Photo" shot "Happy Accident" (http://www.photography.ca/Forums/showthread.php?t=1947) where technically it kinda sucks but it's one of my recent faves because of the way I got it. :D

[Mad Aussie]

It all sounds very good to me. I've learned a lot from taking the time to look at critiques and break them down into their component parts. I do agree with AcadieLibre though that sometimes a photo is more (and less) than the sum of it's parts so it will be interesting to see how this goes. I'm thinking of my recent "Show Your Photo" shot "Happy Accident" (http://www.photography.ca/Forums/showthread.php?t=1947) where technically it kinda sucks but it's one of my recent faves because of the way I got it. :D
Yeh and again i think that's where a Members Choice might cater for such photos.

In the Marko's Choice of the Month photo the idea is it is not subjective in that it is what Marko (or a qualified guest) likes and we learn from his autopsy or simply enjoy the fact our photo was chosen.

[Marko]

Hmm now I'm not sure what is best....we could do both...

So let's say we choose one (or 2 forums) we could post a member's poll and have an Admin/Guest Pick of the month.

Certainly if members feel they would rather pick...and NOT have an Admin/Guest Pick, I would not in any way be offended...just tring to do this in a way that suits the most members.

Thx all!

Marko

[jjeling]

As a member it really doesn't matter to me. I figured I would just give my input from the other forums I have been a part of. All I was saying, is the members that would be voting would probably be the same as the admin's of the site.

[Marko]

Ok then - let's try it this way but logistically......

I'll choose a photo for January (and reveal it tomorrow in the show forum) and then members can choose one in March for February along with my choice....but how do we get members to choose THEIR favourite image in an efficient manner? A poll with all the photos is a daunting task and even going through them is daunting as there are around 70 threads posted in the show forum in January and this number is likely to jump monthly.

How can we do this efficiently? any ideas?
thx - marko

[jjeling]

Here is my thought, to make is easier on you. Instead of waiting for submissions and then creating a poll, waiting for people to vote on, create a new thread. Allow people to submit their image of choice(limit one per person), preferably a theme based contest to cut back on the number of images because it can get a little crazy if you dont. Then at the end of the month close the thread. Each person must have a title to their image. Once the month ended voting begins the following week. You can either just open up a new thread and count the votes at the end of the week or start a poll. I have never run anything like this, just participated, and given advice. Counting votes would be pretty easy it seems to me. A public vote will allow to see who prefers which image and then there can be discussions based on the contest afterwards. Anyways, just my .02 again. Good luck.

[Mad Aussie]

For Marko's Choice I wouldn't want anyone submitting anything. My idea is that Marko chooses something that catches his eye. Plenty of time during the month for that to happen. The idea is that it's ALL Marko's Choice, not ours, no influence from others at all.

For the Members Choice I suggested that Marko simply choose someone to do the first month. That person would then choose 5 photos he/she thinks are good and then a vote is added to the thread. In this way the members and the forum do all the work and it doesn't add anything to Marko's workload.
We could have a submission thread each month where members paste photos they think are worthy of being considered for the Member Choice and then the chosen member could choose 5 from that.
Perhaps after the first month, the chosen member could simply be the winner from the previous month and is then exempt from the month they will make their choice of 5 from.

[Marko]

For Marko's Choice I wouldn't want anyone submitting anything. My idea is that Marko chooses something that catches his eye. Plenty of time during the month for that to happen. The idea is that it's ALL Marko's Choice, not ours, no influence from others at all.

For the Members Choice I suggested that Marko simply choose someone to do the first month. That person would then choose 5 photos he/she thinks are good and then a vote is added to the thread. In this way the members and the forum do all the work and it doesn't add anything to Marko's workload.
We could have a submission thread each month where members paste photos they think are worthy of being considered for the Member Choice and then the chosen member could choose 5 from that.
Perhaps after the first month, the chosen member could simply be the winner from the previous month and is then exempt from the month they will make their choice of 5 from.

I must say, for now, logistically I like M.A. take on my workload. I LOVE doing this, but if a member (maybe the winning member) were to choose the 5 images and then have all members vote - that would make my life so much easier. But please keep the ideas coming and BTW - I have made January's choice here. http://www.photography.ca/Forums/showthread.php?p=10433

Thanks everyone!
Marko

[jjeling]

If that is the case it would be Kate's turn to pick the winner for February correct?

[kat]

Okay.

Little lost here...do I have to pick something?

[jjeling]

Ive been lost too. Thats why I asked the question. I'm sure we will find out relatively soon.

[Mad Aussie]

Hi Kat .... we've been discussing the Monthly Choice Awards idea and it's all lent in two directions.

Marko's Choice of the Month which you just won the January edition with that gorgeous shot of your little girl but then also a Members Choice of the Month where a second photo is chosen by the members so as to alliviate any more workload on Marko. We can't have so busy he doesn't get those podcasts out every week now can we! ;)

So, as winner of Marko's Choice for Jan what we'd like is for you to start a new thread entitled something like Feb - Members Choice Nominations and during the month of Feb people can copy and paste any photos they see posted from other members into that thread if they feel it is worthy of consideration.
Then, at the end of the month, you Kat, as winner of the previous Marko's Choice, will choose 5 of the photos you feel are the best.

You'll start a new thread for Voting perhaps called Members Choice Award - Feb and copy and paste those 5 images into the thread and we can all vote on them.
I don't see any poll option here in this forum (which I'd prefer so people can vote with anonimity and the tally is automatic) so I'd suggest when you do this that you name each photo (the owner can come in and tell you the name they'd like if they want it changed) so we are all clear on what photo we like.

I'd suggest the voting runs from the 1st of the next month for 7 days (Feb's votes would be from March 1 - 7) and then the voting is tallied and winning photo announced.

In the event someone doesn't want to take on the responsibilty of choosing the next selection of photos I guess Marko can step in and either do it himself or choose another member.

[Marko]

So, as winner of Marko's Choice for Jan what we'd like is for you to start a new thread entitled something like Feb - Members Choice Nominations and during the month of Feb people can copy and paste any photos they see posted from other members into that thread if they feel it is worthy of consideration.
Then, at the end of the month, you Kat, as winner of the previous Marko's Choice, will choose 5 of the photos you feel are the best.

This is one option M.A.

Another option is for Kat to choose 5 photos herself at the end of Feb. and members vote on the 5 that SHE chooses the first week in March.

My only concern......is that people may not want their photos copied and pasted as potential nominations and asking each person would be a hassle.

OR am I worrying too much?

thx
M

[kat]

OOOOPPPS! Here I am going all through January writing down what I liked!! Ha ha...you know I never really realized how many photos get posted till now :D

What ever you guys come up with I'm game!

[jjeling]

I think you might be worrying too much. I have no problem with anyone copying and pasting my images. Saving them in an effort to manipulate them later. They are only 800 pixels wide at most, so it would be kind of hard to do anything with them. Besides that, the reason for the copying and pasting is to honor the good work they have done, and I cannot imagine anyone complaining about that. Just my thoughts. I might just be the polar opposite though, and am too relaxed about things.

[Mad Aussie]

I can't see why anyone who has already posted a photo in the forums would then worry about it being copy and pasted somewhere else in the forums. Especially when the credit is going to the author of the photo.

My thinking for members doing the nomination thing is so that all members get some opportunity to have a say in what photos get looked at for the final 5.

[Marko]

Ok then M.A., this sounds well thought out, let's just give it a try and see how it goes. I CAN add a poll for the final images so no woories - thx :highfive:
Marko

I guess then Kat should post a thread as per the previous post copied here. (Though if for whatever reason that person lingers in posting the thread in the future, there's no real reason why anyone can't do the thread posting - the really important part is the choosing of the 5 images)

So, as winner of Marko's Choice for Jan what we'd like is for you to start a new thread (In the Show forum I guess) entitled something like February 2009 - Members Choice Nominations and during the month of Feb people can copy and paste any photos they see posted from other members into that thread if they feel it is worthy of consideration.

Then, at the end of the month, you Kat, as winner of the previous Marko's Choice, will choose 5 of the photos you feel are the best.

You'll (Marko) start a new thread for Voting perhaps called Members Choice Award - Feb and copy and paste those 5 images into the thread and we can all vote on them.

I don't see any poll option here in this forum (which I'd prefer so people can vote with anonimity and the tally is automatic) so I'd suggest when you do this that you name each photo (the owner can come in and tell you the name they'd like if they want it changed) so we are all clear on what people we like.

[Mad Aussie]

Well ... I guess the last thing to do then is perhaps make thread that explains all this clearly and succinctly.

I'm happy to do that for you Marko if you'd wish.

[Marko]

Well ... I guess the last thing to do then is perhaps make thread that explains all this clearly and succinctly.

I'm happy to do that for you Marko if you'd wish.

That would be great M.A - it's mostly just trimming a bit though - many thanks! Marko

[Mad Aussie]

Ok I'll get on it.

[Mad Aussie]

Ok ... the MCM Award (Marko's Choice of the Month Award) thread is done and you can see that here http://www.photography.ca/Forums/showthread.php?p=10551#post10551

I stuck it in Photo Assignments for now because I don't have access to the Announcements and Site Information Forum where I'm guessing you'll want to move it to.

I haven't checked it for spelling or mistakes etc so feel free to make whatever changes you want Marko, as if that wasn't your perogative anyhow :)

I'll go make a similar thread for the Members Choice version now.

[Mad Aussie]

Same same for the Members Photo of the Month Award thread Marko. :D

[kat]

Ack.

I made a thread in the show your photo thread...but maybe one should email what I should have written in it.. :)

I was also wondering..since I have to chose..can I copy and paste a photo in??? Wouldn't be right would it?

[Mad Aussie]

I see no reason why you can't nominate photos yourself Kat. By the end of the month you may still agree with your choice or you may find other peoples choices more appealing.

Looking at your thread, the only thing I'd suggest is a link to the thread I made (when Marko moves it to where he wants it) to help people understand what it's all about. You could link it now I guess and then change the link if Marko moves the thread.

[Marko]

Thanks for all the help on this...

I may change a wee bit but I'm keeping 99% of what is written. :highfive:

Small point...My choices will only be from the show and critique forums. (Just choosing from the show forum took about 45 min)

Also I'm not sure that the person that I pick for my winning photo should be able to nominate their own photos as one of the 5 - do you?
and I also think that MY photos should also be exempt....do you?

Many thx again!

[jjeling]

I just posted this in the Show your photo thread, but I am pulling myself out of this contest thing. I have stated the reasons in detail there, but thought it would be a good idea to put it here as well. I will be more than willing to help out with anything though. Just let me know. Thanks.

[Marko]

I just posted this in the Show your photo thread, but I am pulling myself out of this contest thing. I have stated the reasons in detail there, but thought it would be a good idea to put it here as well. I will be more than willing to help out with anything though. Just let me know. Thanks.

I deleted the post JJeling as it was the wrong place for it. I'll create a thread for people to opt out.....personally....if someone wants to nominate your photo, I'm not sure why you would object but it's your call.

Thx Marko

[Marko]

I think the best place for members to nominate members' photo is in the show forum so I've moved the official thread there. That's also the place where I'll post my pick as well.

There are restrictions on members posting in theAnnouncements and site information forum
(so it's not the best spot for it)

[jjeling]

With the number of images Ill end up putting up here, it just seems like it would be easier to see my name and skip by them in search for a nomination. If you dont think that would be the case then I will reconsider.

[Marko]

It's absolutely your call but I would ask that you reconsider. If someone really digs one of your photos, why should they be prevented from nominating it? You just never know when a photo of yours will touch someone so i prefer that you allow them to honour it through a nomination.
thx - M

[Mad Aussie]

Also I'm not sure that the person that I pick for my winning photo should be able to nominate their own photos as one of the 5 - do you?
I'm easy on this one. I just didn't want to see someone penalised for doing well so to speak. But then they are hardly penalised if they had a photo chosen for your MCM Award so I'm neutral.



and I also think that MY photos should also be exempt....do you?
From the MCM Awards ... yes. The objective is for you to pick our photos not yours obviously.

From the MPM Award .... hmmm ... again ... not really fussed either way personally. Wouldn't bother me if your photos were entitled as well.

[jjeling]

After reconsideration, I will put myself back into the contest. I guess it will not do any harm.. Thanks marko. Maybe it will work out for the best. This is after all marko's forum, it would be selfish of me to rain on anyones parade. So, lets do this! Let the games begin!

[Marko]

Ok then let's just give it a run. I have already nominated a photo and I'd love to see more nominations as the month progresses.

Thanks so much for all the help here M.A. and everyone else...glad you reconsidered JJ!

[Mad Aussie]

After reconsideration, I will put myself back into the contest. I guess it will not do any harm.. Thanks marko. Maybe it will work out for the best. This is after all marko's forum, it would be selfish of me to rain on anyones parade. So, lets do this! Let the games begin!
Glad you reconsidered Mary Ann ;)

[jjeling]

Thanks MA! I expect to be called a females name from now on. It looks like Im the favorite child now! HAHA! Thanks Pops!

[Mad Aussie]

Thanks MA! I expect to be called a females name from now on. It looks like Im the favorite child now! HAHA! Thanks Pops!
You've always been my favourite daughter Beth ;)

[Marko]

Gnight Mary Ellen, Gnight John boy!

[Marko]

Small point...My choices will only be from the show and critique forums. (Just choosing from the show forum took about 45 min)

I think I'm changing my mind about this...I think I will ALSO choose from the assignments forum despite the extra time.

thx
Marko

[Mad Aussie]

I think that's great marko. I included that forum in my plan because I felt those photos were likely to be photos that members took special care in creating.

[tomorrowstreasures]

You've always been my favourite daughter Beth ;)
JJ is a him.:D

[Iguanasan]

JJ is a him.:D

I think you missed a thread. Mad Aussie and "Beth" have a thing going ;)

[Mad Aussie]

JJ is a him.:D
I'm not so sure :goodvibes

It's a running joke ... JJ was being a big girly girl a few days ago so I decided he earned the priviledge of being called girls name for awhile ;) Feel free to help me out though ... Mary Lou loves it when you call him girls name :D

[Mad Aussie]

I think you missed a thread. Mad Aussie and "Beth" have a thing going ;)
He's my B..... Friend! ;)