National Photographic Portrait awards: Australia

[GregL]

Here's a bit of controversy. The National Photographic Portrait awards have been decided in Australia.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegrap...10140,00.html#

First one in the gallery was the winner. $AUS25,000.

One commentation stated if I saw that picture in my digital camera, I would have deleted it. Lucky the successful photographer didn't. What do others think?

[MoinMoin]

Well, after reading your post I first thought, it was the competition's looser, who gave that comment.
After seeing the winner's photo I totally agree with that opinion.
I know, art is difficult to estimate, but in this case I really can't see any "art". The boys are looking sooo unnatural (like dead ones) . No, absolutly not my taste and not worth the money!

[JAS_Photo]

He held the camera somewhat level.

Nope, I don't get it. I get almost all of the others but not that one.

[casil403]

After looking at all the other entries, all I have to say is...........HUH?

I'd be curious to know the judges' reasoning behind picking that shot as the winner over the others?

[jjeling]

Im not saying it is a bad shot. It won $25,000.

However, this is a picture I would have thrown out if I took it. Not sure what the "thought" was behind the picture. Also not sure what the man was trying to "say." Looks kind of like
"here are my two boys standing next to a hot tub." Nothing about the image is intriguing or captivating. I like the exposure, and tones in the image, but that does not overcome the lack of composition or story this picture tells.

[EJC]

I don't get it either. Who was the judge? ...His Mom???

[kat]

Ha ha. I've learnt recently that you just never know anymore.

[casil403]

Kinda reminds me of that typical "family holiday to Walleyworld" shot where Mum or Dad takes that obligatory first photo of the kids in the pool at the Holiday Inn or Best Western....lol!
Then subjects the rest of the family to "the slide show" when they get back!

[AcadieLibre]

It is so subjective who can really say which photo should have won. I don't care for it, or many of them but thats just my bias. I prefer a certain look and type of photography. That just misses for me, but I wasn't a judge so they chose what they chose I don't see what is controversial about it winning, it did.

[tirediron]

I would really like to know the rationale behind that image winning.