I don't know about anyone else, but I often have trouble choosing which image to select each month for the theme and/or open selection.
I was thinking we could help one another here...perhaps post a handful of images you can't decide between and ask for feedback/input. Not necessarily critique per se, but perhaps feedback on the strongest image for submission.
I'll start! Here are a few images I like for February's "cold" contest:
https://ianscreationsllc.pixieset.com/thecold/
I'm leaning toward to the two ducks...realizing the first two are a bit more abstract and the others are more landscapes. But curious if others have different thoughts.
I like # 3. Felt more cold. The duck image with that warm color didn’t feel cold, and I was put off by the ducks too f as t to right and looking off stage.
Ian, this is exactly the type of request for input that is appropriate to the twice monthly reviews. We need to build participation in the reviews. Yes, there is a limit to the number of images but, with before and after, up to 4 can be submitted. I worry about dispersing our collective efforts. Next review is before the "cold" submittals. Hope to see you there. Bruce
They are all amazing photos (says this beginner photographer), but the ones that draw my attention in terms of composition, color, etc., are those taken at sunset on the lake/pond--especially the one with the buoy in the foreground and the one right after it with the trees on the horizon. I think that the colors are lovely in the photo with the ducks on ice. To me, though, it feels like having a horizon in the distance would be really helpful (and yes, I suspect that to do that, you would have had to navigate down some slope and/or would have scared the ducks away by changing position).
Ian, thanks for sharing your wonderful photos and thanks for requesting feedback. Tough to choose but I like #3. On a couple of the images, I think cropping off some of the sky would help the image. On Tuesday I am giving a presentation on how to easily share your images to a web page from Lightroom Classic or Lightroom and as part of the presentation I was considering discussing what you brought up here. Now on Tuesday I will show an example and discuss sharing images for feedback. I believe something like this would blend nicely with the twice monthly photo reviews.
I think I agree with Bruce. The forums work fine for this kind of thing, and it was worth trying out, but more can be gained in the group discussions we have during our photo reviews.
Thank you for the feedback! Bruce, I understand your concerns. I don’t wish to replace or detract from the review sessions. I actually reached out to another CCC board member before posting for this reason. What I’m struggling with is narrowing down options for the review sessions. I’m not good at critiquing my own work well enough to narrow down the strongest contenders. And I was hoping a thread like this would support others like me who could benefit from a second opinion when we have more options than the allotted limit allows. But I’m happy to withdraw this type of conversation if you are concerned it jeopardizes the value of the larger group meetings and discussions.
Everyone, I appreciate your feedback and thoughts. Reviewing the considerations here and other discussions I had offline, I've decided to work directly with a CCC mentor rather than risk detracting from the value and importance of our regular meetings by posting here.
Ian, I liked the two duck image. Question is how much ice is in the foreground to convey the cold theme. The vineyard images might be better in the minimalist category later on. The upcoming presentation will help me figure out what qualifies for minimalism. I will say that your post got more responses than many posts. I will be interested to see which images you bring to the review. Stay warm. Bruce
Ian's comment prompts me to remind everyone that the Executive Committee encourages beginning and intermediate photographers in the club to seek out mentors among our many highly experienced and knowledgeable "advanced" photographers. I can't think of any of our more advanced members who wouldn't welcome an email from any other member who wants advice on any aspect of photography or the workings of the club. Just open the the club directory on the CCC website, pick out someone whose photography you admire, and give it a go!
Ian, For me, your top photo (the long-range image that comes up first) is quintessential Virginia cold. All the ducks are huddled around the opening in the ice, because it is the only spot with a temperature above 0C. Everything else in the image seems frozen solid. I like the idea you propose of soliciting help to winnow down the images you want to bring to photo review. You didn't ask for help in improving an image; you asked for help selecting an image to submit to the photo-review group for suggested improvements. As we can see, that is a good conversation starter. I hope it catches on!