Amateurs & Professional Photographers

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Just an idea I've had for some time. I'm hoping that others are thinking the same thing.

Could there somehow be a way to have photo contests for amateurs & the one for professional?

Same topics, same week, etc. but something a bit more equal to all.
I think it would be more enjoyable & also make more people participate.

 

[WDWFigment]

Some or most of the best photographers here are amateurs so I don't really think that would level the playing field too much.

 

[zackiedawg]

i can see where you are coming from with the idea...but not sure it would work. Like WDWFigment said, a lot of great photogs here are amateurs as it is...and then you've always got that question of where to draw the line between the two - is the pro just someone who is very skilled and knowledgable with a camera, or someone who earns a living with a camera...or anyone who makes some money with photography but not a living? Tough call.

And the other argument is that the photo contests are just purely for fun...nothing else. No prizes, no glory. To be perfectly honest, the 'best' photo often doesn't win - many times it's the subject matter, the cuteness factor, the 'wow'ness of the photo, the person most folks know or like...there are so many variances as to what determines the winner that many times the amateur takes the win over some seriously nice pro-type photos.

 

[MICKEY88]

Some or most of the best photographers here are amateurs so I don't really think that would level the playing field too much.

Truth spoken by one of the best photographers on this site

 

[MICKEY88]

i can see where you are coming from with the idea...but not sure it would work. Like WDWFigment said, a lot of great photogs here are amateurs as it is...and then you've always got that question of where to draw the line between the two - is the pro just someone who is very skilled and knowledgable with a camera, or someone who earns a living with a camera...or anyone who makes some money with photography but not a living? Tough call.

And the other argument is that the photo contests are just purely for fun...nothing else. No prizes, no glory. To be perfectly honest, the 'best' photo often doesn't win - many times it's the subject matter, the cuteness factor, the 'wow'ness of the photo, the person most folks know or like...there are so many variances as to what determines the winner that many times the amateur takes the win over some seriously nice pro-type photos.

I agreee 100%

 

[rtphokie]

Just an idea I've had for some time. I'm hoping that others are thinking the same thing.

Could there somehow be a way to have photo contests for amateurs & the one for professional?

Same topics, same week, etc. but something a bit more equal to all.
I think it would be more enjoyable & also make more people participate.

Actually, participation in the photo contests is waning a bit. I'm open to any suggestions but as others have pointed out, amateurs come out on top as often or more than pros.

 

[MICKEY88]

Actually, participation in the photo contests is waning a bit. I'm open to any suggestions but as others have pointed out, amateurs come out on top as often or more than pros.

I don't know about other people, but for me this time of year is so busy that I don't have as much time for the dis, so I haven't been entering the contest

 

[rtphokie]

I don't know about other people, but for me this time of year is so busy that I don't have as much time for the dis, so I haven't been entering the contest

You raise a good point and the decline did start mid May, as it always does, it's just a bit deeper this year.

 

[Master Mason]

Actually, participation in the photo contests is waning a bit. I'm open to any suggestions but as others have pointed out, amateurs come out on top as often or more than pros.

With me, it has been a matter of time and timing. The times I have had the time, when I looked at the subject for that week it was often WDW specific and my WDW pics are very limited as I have only been there twice.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Actually, participation in the photo contests is waning a bit. I'm open to any suggestions but as others have pointed out, amateurs come out on top as often or more than pros.

What about a separate contest for non-Disney photos? The current assignment seems to be doing pretty good. For me, I look at pictures I took even 6 months ago and I'm not really as happy with them as the ones I took last weekend on the beach. It's not that I'm intimidated at all, but over the last year, I've seen hundreds and hundreds of Disney pictures on the Photography Board and many have left me speechless. After looking at them and then looking at mine, I think mine look like crap sometimes.

Now, I'm not complaining, not even a little bit. You guys on here have inspired me like you will never know. In fact I don't want the contest to change, really for the sole reason that one day I hope to win a couple against the best on here. Not to Look like I'm all that to the next new guy, just so I can say to myself "You're getting better" and actually believe it. The only downside is, I can't use what I've learned in a Disney contest right now unless I go back tomorrow and apply it. However, if there were a contest for a sunrise, sunset, motion, etc....I could go out tomorrow and start shooting for it.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Just an idea I've had for some time. I'm hoping that others are thinking the same thing.

Could there somehow be a way to have photo contests for amateurs & the one for professional?

Same topics, same week, etc. but something a bit more equal to all.
I think it would be more enjoyable & also make more people participate.

I agree with what's already been said.

And not to be a Debbie Downer or anything but a lot of work goes into the Contests and the Assignment threads. I don't know that doing separate threads would serve much purpose and therefore whether the participation (or lack thereof) would justify the time put in. I'd say if it's something you're willing to take on, then go for it. Otherwise, the Contests and Assignments are open to everyone. I make a point on the Assignment threads of saying that everyone, regardless of skill level or camera type is welcome, so hopefully people feel comfortable posting. My own feeling is that (I know it can be intimidating, but) people should just join in and they'll get better as they go and learn!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

I agree with what's already been said.

And not to be a Debbie Downer or anything but a lot of work goes into the Contests and the Assignment threads. I don't know that doing separate threads would serve much purpose and therefore whether the participation (or lack thereof) would justify the time put in. I'd say if it's something you're willing to take on, then go for it. Otherwise, the Contests and Assignments are open to everyone. I make a point on the Assignment threads of saying that everyone, regardless of skill level or camera type is welcome, so hopefully people feel comfortable posting. My own feeling is that (I know it can be intimidating, but) people should just join in and they'll get better as they go and learn!

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

What about a separate contest for non-Disney photos? The current assignment seems to be doing pretty good. For me, I look at pictures I took even 6 months ago and I'm not really as happy with them as the ones I took last weekend on the beach. It's not that I'm intimidated at all, but over the last year, I've seen hundreds and hundreds of Disney pictures on the Photography Board and many have left me speechless. After looking at them and then looking at mine, I think mine look like crap sometimes.

Now, I'm not complaining, not even a little bit. You guys on here have inspired me like you will never know. In fact I don't want the contest to change, really for the sole reason that one day I hope to win a couple against the best on here. Not to Look like I'm all that to the next new guy, just so I can say to myself "You're getting better" and actually believe it. The only downside is, I can't use what I've learned in a Disney contest right now unless I go back tomorrow and apply it. However, if there were a contest for a sunrise, sunset, motion, etc....I could go out tomorrow and start shooting for it.

I agree in some part with this, I went on a Cruise 3 weeks after I got my camera and didnt know how to use my camera very well. I have to wait until my next trip to be able to come close to competing in the disney photo contest. A seperate phot contest wouldnt improve my odds of winning but would provide myself (and others I'm sure) with more opportunities to apply what we have learned to improving our skills with those of all the Incredible photographers on the board...

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Actually, participation in the photo contests is waning a bit. I'm open to any suggestions but as others have pointed out, amateurs come out on top as often or more than pros.

I am in need of new material.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

I agree in some part with this, I went on a Cruise 3 weeks after I got my camera and didnt know how to use my camera very well. I have to wait until my next trip to be able to come close to competing in the disney photo contest. A seperate phot contest wouldnt improve my odds of winning but would provide myself (and others I'm sure) with more opportunities to apply what we have learned to improving our skills with those of all the Incredible photographers on the board...

That's what I was trying to say