Home competition winners - why they won
A very interesting competition this one. As usual, the standard was high but there were also some very strong themes coming through from those who entered. Clearly a lot of you think that pets, children and fireplaces signify 'Home' more than anything else. Given this, Gladys and I thought we'd pass on a bit of advice which you can either take or leave. When you think of a picture to send in, dismiss your first idea. As this competition proved, plenty of other people will have had the same idea, giving you an even bigger battle to be in amongst the cameras in the final judging. But enough of the waffle let me tell you why we picked this selection as our favourite three…
1st place. This is a great nature shot in its own right. Technically speaking, the image is lovely and sharp, plus the mouse is correctly exposed. But what lifts it up to the winning position is the fact that it fulfills the brief perfectly. We saw lots of shots of birds in nests and dogs and cats in baskets, but this shot is a cut above and thoroughly deserves first place.
2nd place: Some detractors might say that this is a less obvious interpretation of the brief, but these buildings represent home to someone, so it's alright by us! In truth, it's the technical aspects of this image that have given it deserved success. Many photographers who shoot night scenes actually go out too late at night. But this proves that shooting just after the sun has set is much better. There's still plenty of light in the sky which embellishes all the colours from the buildings. Technically spot on, this is a worthy second placer!
3rd place: A more traditional approach to the Home brief, but all the better for it. This shot has a very homely theme to it with the warm light beckoning us in from the cold weather. Technically it's well executed too; sharp and the exposure is spot on too, white snow like this can often go grey but there are no such problems here. Placing the house off to one side also ensures that the shot complies with the rule of thirds so it's a balanced composition that's pleasing on the eye.
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right choices and sound advice regarding the winning ones. I did think the 3rd place would be in with a shout I missed the other 2 but both very well deserved winners.
Archie
http://www.myfinepix.es/blog/archie2012
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Congratulations to all the winners. Brilliant shots. Thanks for posting Fred
Just posted.....My latest mini adventure a Photographer's fun blog ' Smile say Cheese' http://www.myfinepix.es/blog/77182/401471
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There are lessons for us all here Fred. I guess, that's what the site is all about. Thanks for putting us in the picture again regarding why you chose the three winners. Joint first place in my view. Excellent.
Cheers and Happy New Year by the way.
Steve
My gallery: http://www.myfinepix.es/gallery/117
My Photoblogs: http://www.myfinepix.es/blog/117
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Jaquie's was my favourite. All nice shots though.
Fraser
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I disagree with First shot being perfect as there is something in the top right corner that actually takes you away from the picture IThink third is the best
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Congrats to all the winners! All three are excellent choices, especially Jacquie's. I've learned a lot on this site and am still learning. Thanks for posting this about why the winners won.
Regards,
Chucky
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Hello Ben,
<<Clearly a lot of you think that pets, children and fireplaces signify 'Home' more than anything else … dismiss your first idea >>
I don't share your opinion, which concerns a great number of participants. Home is also for me the feeling of freedom, ease, warmth, children laughing, pets running and barking, …
And it is not easy at all to translate this feeling into an expressive image.
Very best regards,
Tilman
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what a thankless task you have,i for one would like to thank, you & gladys for putting in the time and effort in choosing the winners carry on the good work...............just a note to tilman in a competition what would YOU prefere 500 fireplaces with dogs in front of them or something original & different to judge?
cris...
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@Tilman, I think you've mis-interpreted what I said. My comment wasn't questioning the validity of those subjects fitting the brief, it was pointing out that a lot of entrants had the same idea, so getting one to stand out (and therefore do well in the competition) is a tougher task. In my opinion, dismissing your first idea actually increases your chance of winning. Hope that clarifies.
PS Who's this Ben? My name's Fred!
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Hello,
Ok, Fred from now on
!
to crissyb: it is not a thankless task to be in a jury but a very gratifying work. And if a theme is HOME, you get what people associate with HOME. This is not a problem for me.
to Fred: I heard a little bit "oh, again a fireplace !!!" out of your comment. I think that participating should not be directed by the only goal to win or to be the most different, but mainly by the satisfaction and the pleasure to take a photo that fits well to a given theme.
Fred, I also want to thank you for your great work. It is an enormous pleasure for me to participate here.
Very best regards,
Tilman
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Although it is a very endearing and lovely shot (and it is great to see a local lad win even if he is from across the bridge
), I have to agree with Micklemass about the distraction in the 1st place image as it is something that jumped out at me too.
Also further to Fred's advice, my first ideas for the competition were a traditional cottage scene or image from my home town but I thought these too obvious and dismissed them for a different take on the theme.......damn!!! LOL.
However, many congratulations to the winners and thanks to Fred for another very enjoyable competition. Well done and enjoy your new cameras.
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/467757
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Hi This is the first time I have been to your site on comments ,why you have picked these pictures I agree that the first choice Is not perfect ,I think the 3rd choice should have won .
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thanks Fred for your reasons, its a very hard job you and Gladys have and its always good to know what your criteria are
Congratulations to all the winners
gallery http://www.myfinepix.es/gallery/62093 Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/whitedove7/
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@cathtec: Fred justified very well the decision of the jury. And, of course, everyone has his own ideas. This is normal
!
Tilman
PS: I appreciate very much that you explain the result, Fred!
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Many thanks for this blog Fred. Three great pics however you placed them. The input about your reasons is very helpful and as always the judges decision is final.
Christine
Pen Dinas blog http://www.myfinepix.es/blog/1424/465611
Cosmeston blog ht
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I'd love the third one and also its environment.
http://www.myfinepix.es/blog/679853/392307