Notice The TP 52 Challenge for 2021 chat / discussion thread Week 52 Showcase

[Cobra]

I got the shot yesterday I must have some psychic power to know in advance.

Doesn't count
( if I was being pedantic, the theme starts on a Thursday not a weds. )

 

[Kell]

There was me thinking this week’s might be ‘Regular’

Annoyingly, this year is one of the first my friends won’t be hosting their Halloween party.

Had some great pics from there in the past.

Funnily enough, my profile pic was from one of them.

 

[Deleted member 68495]

Cobra says:

That was the way I was slowly moving it to, more relaxed, its supposed to be fun
1 image a week? pah! that's easy!
That is of course until we try to do it, especially as the weeks seem to only consist of 3 or 4 days, nowadays.
Retirement boring? I'd answer, how the hell did I find time to go to work!

I'm not expecting everyone to give in depth critique on everything,
But reciprocal comments here and there, are always appreciated, by everyone.

I was just slightly saddened ( and becoming a little disheartened if I'm honest) that any comments were becoming very scarce, from some people.
Even "I like that" etc. would be nice, and give, I feel, would give the poster a little boost, or encouragement,
which I feel we all may need at some point.


I am still here having just (about) caught up but I'll probably not do the free-lensing as I'm paranoid about just changing lenses with regard to dust etc. so to try and take a picture with it off altogether is a bit like being an arachnophobe in a garden shed.

Regarding next year (I've got further this year than ever and will almost certainly finish it), here are some suggestions:

Perhaps the themes could be a little looser so that people could comment on the picture and/or the interpretation of the theme. For example, and this is only one example, one of this years themes was RED which kinda paints one into a corner. I know there are many things that are red but actually finding an artistic interpretation that stands out is really quite difficult and it's the sameness of the images that reduces the comments that can be made. If I have ten submissions that are RED then what can I say after the first one or two that doesn't make me sound like a parrot. Perhaps more abstract subjects would give wider scope for imagination, e.g. emotions (like love or hate for instance), religion (different places of worship or different people and attitudes), conservation, nature, pollution, sport. These examples are more categories than subjects, perhaps that's the way to go.

One photograph on one subject each week, is that a problem? What about one subject for a month during which four photographs on the concept should be entered -- all at once or at any time during the month, weekly even, perhaps leave that up to the contributor.

Let me give an example. The hypothetical subject for month 1 is, say, weather. That gives me 30 days or so to come up with four interpretations and I might submit 'people in the rain', 'a cloud formation', a picture of an interesting weather vane and finally, an image of wind generators (sorry, they all sound pretty dull to me as well but I'm just trying to make a point).

These are only thoughts and in no way am I criticizing the way it is now. This year has kept me thinking about photography, and pictures in general, but I have felt a little restricted at times both in the subject (not least Halloween which is almost impossible for me living where I do in blissful isolation) and in finding things to say about other's images; indeed some of my own I have put comments on to try and subtly discourage others from bothering as even I think the picture was rubbish. One shouldn't have to just say something for the sake of it. If a picture doesn't move you then say nothing except maybe a thumbs up to acknowledge that you've seen it. Often just an acknowledgement that a picture exists is quite enough if even the photographer isn't happy with it.

Now I don't know if this is possible or even desirable but what about an anonymous score system (must be anonymous to avoid favouritism). I can see that might be fraught with problems in that lower rated photographs may well dissuade the photographer from ever posting another picture while at the same time causing angst among the top players in case they lose their favoured rating. Even as I write this I can see it is very likely a non-starter.

Cobra, I think you are doing a sterling job which cannot be easy and must take a fair bit of your time so if you choose to continue as we have then that's fine by me, I'm just adding a few thoughts in the hope that you won't stop.

Also give my thanks to whomsoever does the spreadsheet, it's good to see how well or badly one is doing against other people.

 

[Cobra]

Perhaps the themes could be a little looser

If they were any more loose they'd be a long necked goose, the themes are mostly ambiguous, and can be interpreted in more than one way.
An on line thesaurus will help if you are stuck.
I'm surprised you struggled with Red, there are red things everywhere you have to look and post what you see.
It doesn't have to be artistic.

Perhaps more abstract subjects would give wider scope for imagination,

I do that from time to time, they cause the most "complaints"

What about one subject for a month during which four photographs on the concept should be entered -- all at once or at any time during the month, weekly even, perhaps leave that up to the contributor.

I took straw poll on that sometime ago. It seems more people are less likely to do a 12, they will forget was one reason,
Weekly seems the most popular as it gives people something to look forward too.

but I have felt a little restricted at times both in the subject (not least Halloween which is almost impossible for me living where I do in blissful isolation)

Not every theme suits everyone, the subject may well not be "on their doorstep" or is something way out of their comfort zone, as I said its designed to make you think.
I neither have a pumpkin, or a residential ghost, so I need to think about it too.

Now I don't know if this is possible or even desirable but what about an anonymous score system

Its not a competition and was never designed to be so.

Cobra, I think you are doing a sterling job which cannot be easy and must take a fair bit of your time so if you choose to continue as we have then that's fine by me, I'm just adding a few thoughts in the hope that you won't stop.

If you or anyone else wants to take over, that's fine by me, now is the time to say so...
(not said in spite BTW. Genuinely if someone fancies the challenge [sic] of running it I'll happily step down)

Also give my thanks to whomsoever does the spreadsheet, it's good to see how well or badly one is doing against other people.

That'll be Tim @LC2

 

[Deleted member 68495]

Oh dear, I was trying to encourage you based on your post regarding getting a little disheartened; looks like I failed in this. My thoughts were posted because you said that the number of comments was decreasing and I was trying to suggest ways of getting them up again, this obviously didn't work. Seemingly I'm not helping as much as I thought I was. Never mind, my comments about your work on our behalf still stand and I'm sure most of us appreciate them. Perhaps others will have something to say in this regard (about now would be a good time before I over-explain myself).

 

[Bebop]

Is that instead of the lens or as well as a lens?????

I just kept the lens on the camera and then shot through a magnifying glass.

@ShinySideUp - a magnifying glass or spectacles is an idea for you too? I was also worried about exposing my innards

 

[robj20]

I find I do two types of photograph.
Ones with artistic intent. The other is just a "shot". If I fall too far behind I just get some shots with the theme in mind, as in my mind in still thinking about interpreting the theme.
I prefer the first kind of photo though, but not always possible with the weather and busy life.

 

[Kell]

I don’t want this to feel like we’re all ganging up on you, but I think a theme like RED is a good example of you/us as photographers being able to bring something to it to help bring it to life.


Here’s how I approached that week


RED - the colour, simply photograph a red object. But there’s a massive variety of objects to snap. Is it something traditionally always red? A red phone box, a post box, a London bus, a poppy, a fire engine?

And how do you approach the one subject?

From the archives: a London bus six ways






Is it something that could be any colour but just happens to be red? A car, a jacket, a light, a crayon?

I did also think of things which are traditionally red, but aren’t. For instance, near me there’s a Gold Post Box to celebrate Steve Redgrave’s Olympic Gold win. Or you could change the colour of an abject in post.

ETA: It's not Steve Redgrave as I (mistakenly) thought - though there is a statue of him in a nearby park, it's actually to celebrate the Paralympian Naomi Riches:

Golden Post Box - Wikimapia

To commemorate British gold medal winners at the 2012 Summer Olympics and 2012 Summer Paralympics, Royal Mail painted a number of post boxes gold. Each gold medallist had a post box painted in recognition of their achievement, usually in their home-town. In Marlow red post box had been painted...

wikimapia.org

RED - As part of a phrase. Red light district, red letter, red letter day, red herring, Eric the red, red wine, paint the town red, red meat, red admiral. Just Google ‘phrases with red’ and see if anything sparks an idea - literal or lateral.

RED - I also thought about trying to subvert this by use of humour (you can be the judge of whether or not it would be 'funny'). SO you take an old gag like what’s black and white and red (read) all over? Then taking a picture of a newspaper or newsstand. And then that led me to thinking of maybe a dog-eared book and claim it as 'Read' as a homynym.

And then, of course, there’s the added conundrum of location. Anything coastal themed for example is going to be hard for me as I live pretty much slap-bang in the middle of the country so it would need some thought.

In the end I went with something that was easy to do as I could walk to what I had planned.

Personally, I like the weekly pressure - even though I sometimes find it a struggle.

I also like the more friendly approach to commenting though I am acutely aware that I don’t always comment on other people’s work.

Very often, I post my own photo and then am not on here for days. So don’t get to see the comments other people have left. I’m also aware that when I post something that I see as trying to be helpful might come across as ‘who the f£ck does he think he is?’ telling me what to do.

I try to avoid just saying ‘nice shot’ and add in something to explain why I like it. Or if someone puts in more than one (like I almost always do) I’ll go through what my thought process would be if they were mine and mention which I would have chosen and why.

Most of all, I would hope that everyone enjoys it and if it ever starts to feel like a chore then doesn’t feel pressured into carrying on for the sake of it.
I’ve missed a few weeks and sometimes had to to post some archive shots to catch up, or combine a couple of weeks into one.

But I think that’s still in the spirit of it - as long as it’s not every week

And finally a continued ‘Thank you’ to Cobra and LC2 for the work to keep it going.

 

[Cobra]

Oh dear, I was trying to encourage you based on your post regarding getting a little disheartened;

No offence taken I was just replying how / what I know / have learned over many years of running it.
The offer was, If people are thinking its getting stale, they are welcome to put a total new spin on it.

I was also worried about exposing my innards

William Wallace had the same fear I believe

Here’s how I approached that week

That was a brilliant post Kell

 

[FlyPhot]

That was the way I was slowly moving it to, more relaxed, its supposed to be fun
1 image a week? pah! that's easy!
That is of course until we try to do it, especially as the weeks seem to only consist of 3 or 4 days, nowadays.
Retirement boring? I'd answer, how the hell did I find time to go to work!

I'm not expecting everyone to give in depth critique on everything,
But reciprocal comments here and there, are always appreciated, by everyone.

I was just slightly saddened ( and becoming a little disheartened if I'm honest) that any comments were becoming very scarce, from some people.
Even "I like that" etc. would be nice, and give, I feel, would give the poster a little boost, or encouragement,
which I feel we all may need at some point.

I must admit that my commenting has been scarce recently |(but i'm trying), but a new job, new pup and a lot of other 'life stuff' has kept me away from the computer, and camera, for a large proportion of my time recently. Hopefully I can get back into the swing of it over the coming weeks.

I am trying, honest guv

 

[Deleted member 68495]

Kell,

Firstly, may I say you have taken good pictures of red things in different situations and your MO was very interesting.

My reference to the subject of RED was just an example subject, I could have said anything, and my point in mentioning it was not to comment on the difficulty, or not, of finding a subject to photograph but about the limitations put on to people with their commenting. Cobra's post referred to the lack of commenting and I reiterate that it may be that for most of the pictures submitted there is nothing to say except 'nice picture', 'fits the theme' and if that's all people have to say then they may not say anything at all and that is the reason for the lack of comments. My suggestion about themes based on concepts rather than subjects was intended to broaden the possibilities for comments, not widen the scope for the photograph itself.

Does this make sense? I n my own head I see exactly what I mean but perhaps I'm not getting it a across very well.

 

[Scots_quine]

I like the challenge, discipline and the format of a weekly post. It concentrates the mind better than trying to get 4 pics in a month on the one theme. And if you don't like that week's theme, the next week rolls on pretty quickly. It has been a weekly goalpost for me in what has turned out to be a very personal challenging year.
And thanks to @Cobra for all your hard work in running the show, And to @LC2 for updating the spreadsheets.

All in all I think the last 2 years have been pretty challenging for all of us in different ways and the fact we are about to complete another successful year says a lot for the determination we all have shown at a time when our worlds have turned upside down.

 

[Kell]

Kell,

Firstly, may I say you have taken good pictures of red things in different situations and your MO was very interesting.

My reference to the subject of RED was just an example subject, I could have said anything, and my point in mentioning it was not to comment on the difficulty, or not, of finding a subject to photograph but about the limitations put on to people with their commenting. Cobra's post referred to the lack of commenting and I reiterate that it may be that for most of the pictures submitted there is nothing to say except 'nice picture', 'fits the theme' and if that's all people have to say then they may not say anything at all and that is the reason for the lack of comments. My suggestion about themes based on concepts rather than subjects was intended to broaden the possibilities for comments, not widen the scope for the photograph itself.

Does this make sense? I n my own head I see exactly what I mean but perhaps I'm not getting it a across very well.

It all makes sense.

I've said this before, but I work in a creative industry, and 95% of what I do doesn't see the light of day, so I'm used to people not liking something I've done and saying so - sometimes quite bluntly. But I'm also aware that many other people don't have that history and can be put off by criticism - constructive or otherwise.

I *think* it's this that tends to put people off posting 'improvements' - you're never sure how they're going to be received. So people end up just putting 'nice pic' without making any suggestions on things they'd have done differently - or even just saying something like "Why did you decide X and not Y?"

Like everything else, the more you get to 'know' someone, the more you can push that sort of stuff.

 

[Cobra]

Like everything else, the more you get to 'know' someone, the more you can push that sort of stuff.

Its strange, over the years and going back quite away, it was a true critique challenge.
Some people left as they felt it was too harsh.
As I slowly made it (tried to make it) more relaxed some people left because it was " too wishy washy"
Maybe now I've found that balance, I hope so.
Although I'm not in favour of the like button generally, yes I do use it if I'm stuck for time,
Even that can be encouragement. I've said before even a "I like that" can be encouragement.
But if people are getting no feed back not even a it can discourage them...
So if you don't feel qualified to give full crit, then at least acknowledge the post(er) on way or another...

However, if you want to test yourself ( anyone) Hopefully more challenges will be forth coming next year POTY for one.
(That'll be 12 subjects one a month)
The current ones are HERE
And the maybe's HERE

edit one last thing for now
I've also noticed that some people don't reply if someone leaves a comment.
That may also discourage people commenting one way or another, on those threads
A quick thanks is all it takes, even if its in a multi-quote.

 

[Kell]

Its strange, over the years and going back quite away, it was a true critique challenge.
Some people left as they felt it was too harsh.
As I slowly made it (tried to make it) more relaxed some people left because it was " too wishy washy"
Maybe now I've found that balance, I hope so.
Although I'm not in favour of the like button generally, yes I do use it if I'm stuck for time,
Even that can be encouragement. I've said before even a "I like that" can be encouragement.
But if people are getting no feed back not even a it can discourage them...
So if you don't feel qualified to give full crit, then at least acknowledge the post(er) on way or another...

However, if you want to test yourself ( anyone) Hopefully more challenges will be forth coming next year POTY for one.
(That'll be 12 subjects one a month)
The current ones are HERE
And the maybe's HERE

edit one last thing for now
I've also noticed that some people don't reply if someone leaves a comment.
That may also discourage people commenting one way or another, on those threads
A quick thanks is all it takes, even if its in a multi-quote.

On your last point - I do normally go through my thread and 'like' any comments that have been left. I am hoping that's enough...

 

[Cobra]

On your last point - I do normally go through my thread and 'like' any comments that have been left. I am hoping that's enough...

Its something at least, some don't even bother with that

TBH it seems to be heading the way of, people just posting for their own satisfaction, of completing the weekly theme, with no interaction.
I don't see that as a problem if that's the way its slowly heading...

 

[seaodyssey]

With all the talk about critique, maybe people could put in thier thread title if they want critique or not?

A silly thought maybe

 

[Deleted member 68495]

Its strange, over the years and going back quite away, it was a true critique challenge.
Some people left as they felt it was too harsh.
As I slowly made it (tried to make it) more relaxed some people left because it was " too wishy washy"
Maybe now I've found that balance, I hope so.
Although I'm not in favour of the like button generally, yes I do use it if I'm stuck for time,
Even that can be encouragement. I've said before even a "I like that" can be encouragement.
But if people are getting no feed back not even a it can discourage them...
So if you don't feel qualified to give full crit, then at least acknowledge the post(er) on way or another...

However, if you want to test yourself ( anyone) Hopefully more challenges will be forth coming next year POTY for one.
(That'll be 12 subjects one a month)
The current ones are HERE
And the maybe's HERE

edit one last thing for now
I've also noticed that some people don't reply if someone leaves a comment.
That may also discourage people commenting one way or another, on those threads
A quick thanks is all it takes, even if its in a multi-quote.

Some two years ago or so I was looking for the POTY challenge but could only find the Film Photographer of the Year. I could have sworn I saw a POTY challenge once, am I right or wrong?

 

[Cobra]

I could have sworn I saw a POTY challenge once, am I right or wrong?

You are right.
There used a be a POTY a few years ago now, But for reasons I'm not going into,
there was a massive fall out and it was ended ..
However Marc ( staff) will be resurrecting it for 2022.

 

[Kell]

With all the talk about critique, maybe people could put in thier thread title if they want critique or not?

A silly thought maybe

That's a good point. I will change my thread title to invite critique.

 

[Deleted member 68495]

That's a good point. I will change my thread title to invite critique.

Yes, I might to do that but for individual photographs. Some of my submissions are there just to keep up and are not worthy of any sort of critique (or even worth looking at for that matter) but there are others on I would like a genuine opinion.

 

[Cobra]

With all the talk about critique, maybe people could put in thier thread title if they want critique or not?

A silly thought maybe

That's actually not a bad idea.
I will change the guidelines to reflect this, for new and old customers in 2022

 

[Harlequin565]

Some of my submissions are there just to keep up and are not worthy of any sort of critique

This is how I feel about almost all of my entries. It's like I know how bad they are

 

[-Oy-]

Here we are again after another 4 day week! The eve of the theme hath loomed again!

 

[Bebop]

I've noted in my thread this week that it is not worth commenting - it is SUCH a rubbish shot - but it is on theme and I'm just trying to keep up. I have also learnt something in the process - so it's all worthwhile, rubbish though it is.

This is how I feel about almost all of my entries. It's like I know how bad they are

My feelings about my own thread too. I have really enjoyed seeing your posts Ian, so they can't be all that bad and you're using film which I find utterly amazing

I think the balance is about right @Cobra. I really like that it is not too serious and I can be brave enough to publish my rubbish. I think my problem is that some weeks I'd like critique and others I wouldn't, but I think I do often ask for help/opinions if I need it.

The weeks zip by and it's always good to move on....

 

[Cobra]

I've noted in my thread this week that it is not worth commenting - it is SUCH a rubbish shot

I've not looked yet

I think the balance is about right @Cobra.

That was was the general consensus last time I asked the question.
And as so few people replied, the others either don't care or ass you say, tis about right.

The weeks zip by and it's always good to move on....

Maybe this weeks theme should be this?

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bK7HJvmgFnM

 

[Bebop]

I've not looked yet

Best not

And that is one of my all time favourite albums

 

[HelenC]

Just adding my two penneth to the discussion pot. I can understand Martin's point of view. Having taken part in the 52 for a couple of years now there are weeks when it seems like a chore... but as I said in an earlier post I also appreciate that it gets me off my backside and out with the camera at least once a week - begrudgingly or not . I've learnt not to stress too much if I think my submission isn't exactly quality - depending on time, inclination, inspiration and many other factors - sometimes a phone snap will just have to do... a case of PABD! I don't think any of the other 52'ers every object as we have all been there and done it (well.. most of us I would think). We all have a life outside the forum and sometimes, especially in the last two years, other issues take over and we fall off the radar for a while. As far as comments go, I do try to feedback but it's not always possible. I don't get offended if there are few comments on my submissions and don't take offence at any helpful/constructive critique. In my experience of the 52 I've found those active to be considerate and supportive fellow TOGs so thank you all

 

[SimonH]

As a (relative) newbie to this only starting towards the end of last year, and being a not very creative snapper rather than a good photographer, I’ll stick my three penn'orth in here.

• It’s clear to me that many if not all of you are much better photographers and more creative than me - you are, don’t argue , however, I feel I’m not competing with you, but challenging myself And learning from what others post
• The biggest challenge I have is time (and I’m retired!) so all of you working and managing to do this kudos! The weeks do come around very quickly!
• I'm happy to have any feed back - good feedback especially, but critique also welcomed as it’ll help me improve my techniques and shooting, so consequently…
• I like a like but comments always appreciated.
• Some themes (and especially some techniques) I struggle with, but I'll always give it my best shot (sic).

Bring it on!

 

[Cobra]

I feel I’m not competing with you, but challenging myself And learning from what others post

And that is the crux of the matter, as per the guidelines there are no prizes just self satisfaction.
All I was saying above I've noticed a dwindling amount of comments over the last couple or so years.
Covid may be responsible for some of that, but it started before covid did.
Its also curious to note those who have replied, to my mini rant. I was pretty sure I knew who would and who wouldn't ..
I wasn't "disappointed"

 

[Deleted member 68495]

Its also curious to note those who have replied, to my mini rant. I was pretty sure I knew who would and who wouldn't ..
I wasn't "disappointed"

We aim to please.

 

[Cobra]

We aim to please.

Well some of you anyway

 

[Deleted member 68495]

Well some of you anyway

I am going to arbitrarily include myself in that group

 

[Cobra]

On to week 44
Underneath.

New tech.
Composite.

There is a lot of fun to be had with that one, however I can think of 2 separate meanings.
Pick either one.

Just as a heads up, next week is snappers choice.

 

[SimonH]

Underneath. Ooer… maybe just caught theme in time……
Then again……

 

[Simonbrown16]

Interesting theme and tech! I’ll have to get my thinking cap on!

 

[Scots_quine]

I like it a lot - Underneath! Determined to have another shot at the last Technique. And I love this new technique.

 

[ecniv]

Just to clarify, composite is mixing two photos to produce a different final image... Usually via photo shop type program... If the camera supports it, does double exposure count?

 

[seaodyssey]

Just to clarify, composite is mixing two photos to produce a different final image... Usually via photo shop type program... If the camera supports it, does double exposure count?

That would be the more difficult option to use.

 

[Cobra]

. If the camera supports it, does double exposure count?

Interpret it as you see fit