"Which Photo for Comp"

[Longshots]

For what its worth - compositionally Golden Dawn is probably technically the best. Subjectively, they're all really good and I can see why you'd have trouble choosing one.

But to be specific - I personally would crop the lefty of the frame (the sun) out of :
"Untitled Sunrise"
because its not needed, and its distracting and my eye is led out of the image

Just put your hand up to block the left out and you'll see what I mean

Same for:
"Sunrise 2-7-11"
But I would also darken down the bottom left to keep the viewer on the splash of the wave.

"Aqua Wave"
I'd darken down the left side of the water - again containing the viewer to the horizon, what you "want" the viewer to see.


"Concrete Lines"
and
"The Gorge"
Both good, but not standout enough (in comparison with what you have) - the others are stronger.

Which to me leaves Golden Dawn as the strongest image in its present state. HTH

[William]

Thanks William, Is that a standard size for Exhibitions in Comps ?

@rickstew, There is 2 categories, "Active and Healthy Seniors" and an "Open Subject" Matt board is to be no thicker than 4mm , This comp is for 50+ Photogrphers

[Longshots]

Thanks William, Is that a standard size for Exhibitions in Comps ?

@rickstew, There is 2 categories, "Active and Healthy Seniors" and an "Open Subject" Matt board is to be no thicker than 4mm , This comp is for 50+ Photogrphers

No not neccesarily a standard size for exhibitions or comps as far as I know - However it just happens to be the same size Matt/max print size for the Australian Professional Photographic Awards - and all corresponding AIPP State Awards. A lot of people do make the mistake of assuming that just because the Max Size of 20 x 16 (inches) that the image either has to be that size, or that the image has to be a corresponding image size.

Its a good standard though. And if it helps - while this is purely a subjective view - stick to either off white or white for the Matt surrounding the image. Coloured matt boards IMHO distract from an image in a judging scenario.

[William]

Yep , Matt board will be White, Thanks for the info William, If i win this or get a place it will pay to fix the 24-105 repair , Here's hoping

[fabian628]

golden dawn or aqua wave for me.

The portrait shots feel tilted to me, although the horizon is stright, it may be the elements in the foreground. I think in general many landscape shots feel off balance even with straight horizons.

overall processing wise, pictures have good depth and feel

[Old Skool]

Aqua Wave for me, but is it just me but it looks a little leaning to the right??

[William]

Thanks Russell, Yep just checked it and your right, Just sent the reworked version to the printers , As well as Golden Dawn

[Boofhead]

All great shots Bill. "Sunrise 2-7-11" with the conduit cloned out would get my vote but you can't go wrong with "Aqua Wave". I will keep my fingers crossed for you

[ksolomon]

Quote : "Photographs will be evaluated by a judge with paricular reference to , Quality, technique, originality, and interpretation of the theme" These are for the Open category

Thanks Kassy , I was always leaning towards Aqua Wave , Should look good in Pearl

Bill, it will look great in Pearl, I see you have sent it to the printer
I do like the re-work of Golden Dawn, why can't you enter two (or do the rules restrict you to one entry). Anyway good luck, lets hope this gets your lens repaired. I believe either one are quality images and would win if it were up to me

[William]

Kassey , Your allowed 2 entries , In total ,So far it's going to cost , With framing $50 each, Gotta watch the $$'s , So I'll go with the saying , You only need one to win

[Cage]

Hey Willy

Mate, IMHO, I find most of the shots 'too much in my face with the foreground", the foreground is dominating the shot and is not contributing a lot to the overall result.

For me, Aqua Wave is the stand out, and I'd like to see you play with the levels to bring some more Red/Orange/Yellow in the sky.

Good luck with whatever you decide to go with.

[William]

Thanks everybody , You've all been very helpful Much appreciated I have to have the entry in by the 8th August, Judging and display will be on the 25th August , Will definatly keep you all informed on how things go
PS : Well at least I'll get to keep a nice print for the wall. BTW , 1st $500, 2nd $200, 3rd $100 in both Categories

[alf6]

I think the best shot is "sunrise 2-7-11". What makes it happen for me, is that the lines all lead in some way to the compelling starburst wave in the middle of the image.

[geoffsta]

Golden Dawn for me Bill. I think it's clean, pleasing to the eye and has some wonderful colours throughout. Nothing wrong with the others though. Your choice.

[mikew09]

Good like Bill that was one of the two I thought would be a go also - let us all know how you go mate. Definitely in with a chance, magnificent photo.

[ksolomon]

Bill, Did you pick up your print from the printer today? Dying to hear how it looks on the pearl paper

[William]

Ordered it yesterday arvo, And it was ready to be picked up after 12 noon today (Got an Email) Will pick it up first thing tomorrow , Aqua wave is the one I decided on , Will certainly let you know in this thread , Southport is a long drive from Palmy !!

[William]

Image , Printed and framed, Looks great in "Fuji Pearl" , Just got to submit it on the 8th August , Display starts on the 25th Aug,

[antongorlin]

my choice is #2 - "Golden Dawn" because it has the best composition out of these.
and also - it has a very well balanced lighting throughout the photo (unlike the Aqua wave, which has too bright bottom right, too dark wave and gradual filter leftovers on the rock)
as a 2nd choice I'd take the Untitled Sunrise because of its great light that reveals rocks structure

good luck

[littleblightie]

Golden Dawn for me... Definitely.