Photo Battles?

[CRXed]

Think of them as a spin-off from the monthly photo contests.

Instead of one topic and several people, why not two people go head to head over one car or landscape?

Then pics are posted and you vote for the overall set you like best.

Pro vs pro and amateur vs amateur categories

Who's interested?

I want to see ChrisPA and ilikerice go at it!

[namdoogwerdna]

the only issue i see with that is that they could copy what the other did if they shot it together. but i would definitely give it a shot in the amateur category.

[!Funny]

pro vs. amateur i'm in. put me up against some stiff competetion.

then after wards do we have a poll of voting or somethingg?

[CRXed]

the only issue i see with that is that they could copy what the other did if they shot it together. but i would definitely give it a shot in the amateur category.

No one said they had to shoot at the same time.

Hey stealing shots happens, whoever does it better, does it better.

[namdoogwerdna]

Works for me. let's do it.

[Jeffros Spec V]

I'd love to see this.

[james_ls]

There will be blood...

[!Funny]

i'd like to participate.

[BlackTypeR]

I'll play :)

[sisforsurfing]

This could be fun.

[lagos]

This is one of those contests where the guy who spent more money will just win by default.

[i like rice]

People focus on gear way too much. I've posted pictures from a $400 set up; people who don't look at the EXIF data would never know and would think it's from my 1D MKII/70-200 2.8L IS set up.

[djb5118]

^tru dat.

[grimm]

this could be very interesting.

[HibachiZ28]

I'm game.

[cszakolczai]

I'm game as well

one thing though, can we keep the photoshop to a minimum. Granted I know most everyone photoshops but its just an idea.

[namdoogwerdna]

It would be hard to limit that though

[djb5118]

There should be a bracket

[redg2]

this sounds like a good idea actually

[Vypurr]

Maybe require the unedited image to be posted with the post processed version.

[CRXed]

I don't see why Photoshop has to be limited. Photoshop is a tool and a skill that you develop over time. It should be able to reflect in ones work just as much as their ability to use a camera and have a vision.

[redg2]

I agree with spock...the only thing is how would two people shoot the same car, it would preety much have to be at the same location and at the same time so shots would resemble each other...you know what i mean

[cszakolczai]

I don't see why Photoshop has to be limited. Photoshop is a tool and a skill that you develop over time. It should be able to reflect in ones work just as much as their ability to use a camera and have a vision.

I disagree, I've seen countless photographs where people photoshoped in new sky's and other countless elements. Photoshop is a tool that should enhance the image, not drastically change it as some people do. I think seeing the before and after Image is important. We are having a photography contest which reflects how well we use our camera, not how well we use an editing program. And as I said, photoshop is a tool, not a crutch to fall back on.

[CRXed]

Hey I never said no before shots.

[redg2]

I disagree, I've seen countless photographs where people photoshoped in new sky's and other countless elements. Photoshop is a tool that should enhance the image, not drastically change it as some people do. I think seeing the before and after Image is important. We are having a photography contest which reflects how well we use our camera, not how well we use an editing program. And as I said, photoshop is a tool, not a crutch to fall back on.

ahh i get what you mean now so yea i guess before photo is needed but final photo judged?

[Jeffros Spec V]

Somebody start making a bracket.

I saw Spock vs. Barryl

[cszakolczai]

Hey I never said no before shots.

Ok than before and after shots, and than people can choose based on what they like. I love your idea though. Just gotta figure out a way for people to do this. Its also kinda cool because it might create new friendships (not trying to sound all gay and mushy) but if 2 people get together and shoot the same topic, they may stay in touch... I don't know, but overall, good idea.

You could also have more than one event going on at a time, that way we aren't just waiting for 2 people. I like the bracket idea as well. Maybe put some money behind it to give some incentive to win. 10 bucks from every person held in a paypal account. Just another idea.

Chris

[EvlEgl]

I'm down, sounds Interesting!!!

[grimm]

We all know we all use photoshop, or some other photo editing software, that's how we convert the RAW files to jpg's or other similar file types. So i say it's either allowed or not allowed completely.
My reasoning is... When taking the RAW file into photoshop it automatically opens an editing window before you can even open the image. (unless you use a different software to batch convert them) even with just those parameters you can drastically change how the photo looks. So where do you draw the line?

If someone has the skills and the time to photoshop the image and make it so clean you can't tell, then they deserve the credit just as much as the person who has the technical skills to take a great picture that needs no editing. This doesn't have to be like the photo contest where it is about a perfect un-altered photo, this is about the photog and their abilities. one may suck at taking a technically correct photo but excel in post processing. Why shouldn't his skills be recognized?
Personally i think it should be used. It's a tool just as much as the camera is a tool.

and if they do a bad photoshop then they will obviously loose to the superior photo.

but simply put, this should be more about using your personal skills.

[Jeffros Spec V]

Spock (CRXED) Vs. Barry (Whatever his name is now)
Chris (Grimm ) vs. Bob (Black Type R)
I like rice vs. Chris PA
Evlegl vs. the dude with the camero.

[CRXed]

Well put, Grimm.

[i like rice]

Just gotta figure out a way for people to do this.

The problem with the same time, same place idea is that you have two people fighting over optimal lighting. There's only a 10 minute window within the golden hour. Add in the logistics of getting people together, choosing a location and time that works for everyone's schedule. I can tell you that my schedule from now through the end of July won't really allow me to do anything.

[redg2]

how about like photo-projects based on one subject? so not like a car but like the color Red

[cszakolczai]

We all know we all use photoshop, or some other photo editing software, that's how we convert the RAW files to jpg's or other similar file types. So i say it's either allowed or not allowed completely.
My reasoning is... When taking the RAW file into photoshop it automatically opens an editing window before you can even open the image. (unless you use a different software to batch convert them) even with just those parameters you can drastically change how the photo looks. So where do you draw the line?

If someone has the skills and the time to photoshop the image and make it so clean you can't tell, then they deserve the credit just as much as the person who has the technical skills to take a great picture that needs no editing. This doesn't have to be like the photo contest where it is about a perfect un-altered photo, this is about the photog and their abilities. one may suck at taking a technically correct photo but excel in post processing. Why shouldn't his skills be recognized?
Personally i think it should be used. It's a tool just as much as the camera is a tool.

and if they do a bad photoshop then they will obviously loose to the superior photo.

but simply put, this should be more about using your personal skills.

If we wanted to recognize photoshop skills than we should hold a photoshop competition, not a photo competition. As I stated we all use photoshop, but certain people overuse it and it comes to a certain point that it is nothing like the original image. Granted, as you stated, we should recognize their skills, but if we want to recognize post processing skills than lets start a new competition or head to head battle for that. Thats not what this is about, this is about taking pictures.

[EvlEgl]

I personally wouldn't Use photoshop that much...But thats just me.

I do on the other hand don't think it should be two people at the same place/ I know not everyone is able to meet up based on where we all live...I agree on one subject to shoot and just leave it at that...Dont complicate things to much.

[Chris_PA]

To many f'ing rules

Best photo wins
Period



Oh yeah, I'm in

Just tell me what to shoot and when

[djb5118]

yea, i agree with a common subject, but no two person shoots.

Photoshopping comes with the territory i guess, but when i use it, its mostly just some exposure changes, white balance, and sharpness...nothing too major. I think if p-shop is allowed we should have a before and after requirement

[redg2]

yea just pick a subject and before and after...but then again that doesnt hold water rly cause you can photoshop the b4 so w/e i think beter photo wins no matter wat as long as it wasnt a crazy photoshop that is unbelievable you know

[djb5118]

yea just pick a subject and before and after...but then again that doesnt hold water rly cause you can photoshop the b4 so w/e i think beter photo wins no matter wat as long as it wasnt a crazy photoshop that is unbelievable you know

i wouldnt change the original out of pure laziness

[cszakolczai]

i wouldnt change the original out of pure laziness

I don't think anyone here would really cheat to change there original photo... lets get this rollin.

[redg2]

So i guess since spock is the OP he gets to pick the first topic then the winner picks the next one

[sisforsurfing]

There's only a 10 minute window within the golden hour.

That's the first thing I thought of when i saw this, but oh well. the person with more time to spend waiting for the right light has a huge advantage.

regarding editing, I think composite images should be nixed but otherwise whatever.

[CRXed]

That's the first thing I thought of when i saw this, but oh well. the person with more time to spend waiting for the right light has a huge advantage.

regarding editing, I think composite images should be nixed but otherwise whatever.

You don't always get the chance to wait for the perfect lighting. Sometimes you have to do the best with the current circumstances, or bring your own light.

I think compositing should be allowed to an extent. You may only source your own set of photos, and not incorporate outside resources into your shots.

[CRXed]

There are a few options.

Car photos
We can set a window of time for the person to shoot. A week sounds good. The same location must be used, same car. This will allow the photographer to shoot when they have time, and / or when they feel they can produce the best picture.

How about one interior shot, one engine bay shot, and three exterior shots. You can go wide, macro, whatever. Input please.

[djb5118]

i dont know about restricting it to car photos.

[EvlEgl]

The first Competition should be Car based, Then move it on from there...I agree with letting Spock choose first then make a poll from there on out

[sisforsurfing]

You don't always get the chance to wait for the perfect lighting. Sometimes you have to do the best with the current circumstances, or bring your own light.
I agree. There's no substitute for good natural light but a better photographer will have better workarounds. I was just observing that someone with a lot of time to spend on this will have more chances for good results, obviously.

I think compositing should be allowed to an extent. You may only source your own set of photos, and not incorporate outside resources into your shots.

eh, sounds fair. either way.

[Tigawoods]

i'll be down. this thread blew up quick! let me just look through it to see whats going on

[!Funny]

i'm in too. . . spock start it up dude. . .

[YellowMSP]

i'd be down for this. sounds like a good idea

[WhiteXFire]

I say make it like Iron Chef...have the big 3 or 4 "Champions" and rotate challengers who get to pick their opponent. Whoever's running the contest (Spock) will pick the secret ingredient (the subject) and everyone votes on the winner. :mrgreen:

[CRXed]

^ Eh that's too complicated. Who decides who's the champions anyway. I don't think people should be forced to shoot what others what.

Since it was my idea, I'll go first. Who else wants to step into Picture Club?

http://thesituationist.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/fight-club.jpg

[jspek]

id do it, but oh yea i moved. gay.

[CRXed]

Move your ass back!

[HibachiZ28]

Picture Club... lol... The first rule of picture club is...

[grimm]

I'm thinking it probably would be easier to have both photogs shoot on the same day but they are each allowed like 15-30 mins with the subject. granted the lighting will be slightly different, but if it is done at night or during mid day, then the lighting changes won't be so significant between the two sets. but this way it's more or less a true battle. Like Iron Chef they have a limited time to create their dishes.

I dunno i think this would be fun, just don't know when i could find the time.

[redg2]

yea getting evryone together at the same time would be a little hard

[Chris_PA]

What about:
-Set a topic (i.e. car, portrait or something a little more specific)
-Pick two people to go at it
-Set a deadline

I know the photos and everything would be really different, but part of what makes a photog good is what they are able to envision in a certain topic

I don't know
Just a thought

[djb5118]

What about:
-Set a topic (i.e. car, portrait or something a little more specific)
-Pick two people to go at it
-Set a deadline

I know the photos and everything would be really different, but part of what makes a photog good is what they are able to envision in a certain topic

I don't know
Just a thought

this is along the lines of what i was thinking too.

its very hard to get people at the same location.

[redg2]

this is along the lines of what i was thinking too.

its very hard to get people at the same location.

preety much what i suggested too that way with a deadline both photog would have time to get the pic they wanted

[cszakolczai]

preety much what i suggested too that way with a deadline both photog would have time to get the pic they wanted

I like that idea, why not just give it a shot. Lets try this and if it doesn't work we'll go back and make adjustments, to much talking about this and not enough actually acting on it.

[95legenddriver]

this should be allot of fun im interested to see how each person bring their style to the assignment

[raceMpower95]

Count me in for sure.

Here is my take on how I THINK it should work though:

The winner of the contest picks the subject for the next one. (Spock will start if off)
The subject will be specific. If the topic is cars, then a specific car must be picked. If it's portraits, then it has to be the same person.
The twp photographers then have ONE WEEK to shoot that subject in any location at any time in any lighting. I don't think the spots should be the same. I think a big part of being a well-rounded photographer is knowing how to pick a location for a shoot that will compliment the subject they are shooting. Mandating a location for both limits the creative potential of both shooters.
As long as they are both creating images of the same subject, that's all that should matter. In the professional field, they would be the ones getting the clients the better shots.
As for post processing, it should be open to any and all methods, programs, styles, etc. Being a photographer in today's digital age means that your processing abilities are just as important as your initial shooting abilities. The end result, regardless of how it is reached, is your final product, and that's what matters. If we were shooting for a newspaper, then staying true to the original would matter, but we're not. Shooting a car is about making the car look good, in any way you deem fit.

Anyway, someone contact me if I'm picked to throw down.

[james_ls]

^^ That makes almost too much sense. ^^

Very nice Dave.

[raceMpower95]

^^ That makes almost too much sense. ^^

Very nice Dave.

Haha, thanks. I just think that makes the most sense since every photographer has their own style, and in this day and age, most of them convey that style through their post processing. To me, technical lighting and camera knowledge and the ability to properly process a digital image is what separates a camera owner from a true photographer.

[jb1830]

Everyone's pitched ideas are pretty good.
I agree it should be the same subject (Car, person, whatever) and the photographer should be allowed to do whatever he wants within a weeks time (choose time, location, etc).

I do think we should time limit photoshop use. Everyone agrees they wont spend more than 5 hours in post.

The finals though should be something like a studio shoot. That way both photographers have access to all the same equipment and the picture really depends on their talent.

[grimm]

Hey so i was actually thinking about this the other day... and thought up what i believe is a cool idea.

Instead of a battle, it could be more of a photo scavenger hunt. we set up a few ideas for subjects, and then we all go out and take photos to meet the requirements, then submit then and then vote to see who's photos are better of the individual subjects. no meeting up at the same time same place, but still allowing for some competition :) i dunno just a though?

[brucehunglo]

Hey so i was actually thinking about this the other day... and thought up what i believe is a cool idea.

Instead of a battle, it could be more of a photo scavenger hunt. we set up a few ideas for subjects, and then we all go out and take photos to meet the requirements, then submit then and then vote to see who's photos are better of the individual subjects. no meeting up at the same time same place, but still allowing for some competition :) i dunno just a though?


that does sound a good idea. one thing tho someone would have to moderate the whole thing and also the person who does the poll to vote u should keep their names off of the picture until the end of the contest(so you know its not a popularity contest like flickr's explore page).

[raceMpower95]

Hows about we stop talkin about this, and just do it. Get one round out of the way and then work out the kinks for the next round. At some point in this whole ordeal I wanna be put up against the almighty Spockinator...

[Vypurr]

I like the scavanger hunt idea! I will run it if you guys need someone to just step it up.