in Japan
25th of October 2005 (Tue), 10:29
POTN G-Series Speed Challenge #38 - PEACE WINNERS
First, thanks to everyone for participating. I had a lot of anxiety after I chose the theme for this week’s challenge after I realized you probably wouldn’t have dozens of peace monuments to photograph as I do in Hiroshima. But your creativity and willingness to think outside the box, helped set my mind at ease. In fact, I’m very impressed by the wide variety of photos submitted.
Here are my thoughts which are my own, so please do not take them personally…
Don Ellis - Close Eyes, Open Mind
A wonderful photo which to me seems to be all about tolerance. Of course Leatherman by himself would make an interesting photo, but when you include Leena, the photo seems to tell a different story. I like the poses of each person - the dangling cigarette, crossed legs, and Leatherman’s arm around Leena. Nicely composed…great capture, Don. Side note: I looked at the photo at least 25 times in the last week and the more I looked at Leatherman, the less of a shocking effect he had. Anyone else have this experience?
Marie - peaceful times for Indians shopping for their squaws
Marie seems to have made a name for herself on this forum with her excellent candids (along with her sincere kindness) and this shot is no exception. I like what you’ve done in post-processing - a technique that you seem to have down pat. I do find the hangar that cuts into his headpiece a bit distracting, but I know it couldn’t have been helped under the circumstances. Nice shot of a group of people whose story we seem to have nearly forgotten.
Raw - Where I find peace…
I haven’t taken many sunset photos, so I’m always curious to see other’s work. I really like the gradating colors and the dynamic shift of the sun to the far right of the photo works for me. Too bad part of the bridge gets lost with the background, but that was probably unavoidable. It’s definitely one of those photos that requires one to stop, reflect, and find some gratitude in life. Nice, inspiring capture, Raw.
Abat - The Friendship Garden
Having lived in Japan for a while, I can identify with tranquil Asian gardens surrounded by modernity. I’ve also photographed my share of statues and I must credit you with high marks for your composition, which to me is challenging. The absence of color helps to accentuate the lines in the face more. One of my personal favorites.
TX firebug - peaceful scene
Obvious why you come here, TX firebug - it’s looks so serene and…peaceful. If we all spent much time relaxing and thinking near the sea, perhaps we’d all be better off. The solitary figure creates quite a dramatic effect and the sprinkling of birds in the foreground are pleasing to the eye. Unfortunately, the horizon is a bit unbalanced (heavy on the right). Good thing is that it’s about a 2 minute fix in PS.
Boutty - Armed for Peace
Peace is getting along with your neighbor, regardless of gender, race, religion, etc. and this photo captures that essence perfectly. Since you had to pose this shot, you also get high marks for creativity. To round out this photo, your models look quite comfortable and happy. Well done, Boutty.
Cyclone - trust
I like the title of this photo but you could have also titled it - adorable, angelic, precious or any other adjective to describe this gorgeous baby. Two things strike me about this photo. First, I think the lighting is right on. Especially considering you probably had to manage with basic household lights. Did you bounce the flash off of the ceiling? Second, I like the positioning of the man's hands. If there were ever a reason for peace, this photo pretty much sums it up. Excellent work.
Bottom Bracket - All He Was Saying Was Give Peace a Chance
A theme that is as relevant today as it was in the Seventies when Lennon wrote that song. To me the old, weathered roses complement the words, “Imagine”, in a symbolic sense - the roses probably had seen better times, but there’s still hope. Their pink color also contrasts nicely with the grey mosaic tiles. Well composed and certainly on topic. One of my favs.
KC Jewel - Peace At Last
Yet another adorable baby photo which I don’t think is coincidence. These little ones depend and rely on us for their future. I’ll go out on a limb and say that this little guy will either grow up to be a kite enthusiast or a photographer. The mood is calming and peaceful. Your family will one day be grateful for your G6 (if they aren’t already).
Teekay - Not in Our Name
By far the most political photo of the competition. I find rallies and protests particularly challenging to photograph, so I can appreciate what you were able to do with this shot. There’s no confusing what the message of this photo is. There seems to be a lot going on in this picture, so perhaps a bit of cropping could help give the photo a more dramatic feel. Just curious, how many people were there?
The winners are…
Third Place - Cyclone (trust) - Love the warm colors and the tight crop works for me. “Trust” seems to be lacking in the world today and I thought your photo captured that abstract idea quite well.
Second Place - Boutty (Armed for Peace) - This photo almost looks like an advert for peace. Again, I thought this photo captured the spirit of this particular challenge perfectly.
Drum roll please...
First Place - Don Ellis (Close Eyes, Open Mind) - Though this is a fantastic photo, I thought it also captured the essence of this challenge on multiple levels. Even the apparent dreary conditions seem to work for this photo. Great shot, Don.
Thanks again for making my week a bit more enjoyable with all of your splendid photos. Judging is a painful process that I’m not entirely comfortable doing, so I’m happy to hand the reins over to Don.
POTN G-Series Speed Challenge #38 - PEACE
Regardless what your opinion is about what is happening in Iraq, Israel, southern Thailand, Chechnya, and other areas of conflict around the globe, I think most of us can agree that peace is a good thing for mankind. I must confess that before moving to Hiroshima I never really gave much thought to this topic, but after living in a city that takes this matter quite seriously, I'm now more conscious of it than ever before. And apparently so much that I felt compelled to choose it as the next challenge. So, here we go...
What am I looking for? First and foremost, the principle subject of the photo should somehow convey peace, as in the opposite of war. Whether it be local, regional, national, political, racial, religious, ethnic, old, recent, or a symbol of peace, it mustn't promote war. If necessary, feel free to give a little background information, but please post your personal beliefs and opinions on another forum. I'll leave it at that, perhaps I've said too much already.
Looking forward to seeing your submissions. Good luck...peace out.
___________________________________
To submit, click "Post Reply" and put your Photo Name in the Subject Line. Don't forget your Camera Model.
Post until Monday noon GMT, October 31, 2005.
Host: In Japan
_____________________________________________
Please consider turning on Private Messaging in your profile.
This will allow the host to contact you about winning or ineligible photos. You turn this feature on by clicking "User CP, Edit Options, Enable Private Messaging" (about a third of the way down the page). Thank you.
_____________________________________________
Photo Submissions
1. Camera -- photos must be taken with a Canon G-Series Camera (G1,G2,G3,G5,G6) or Pro 1.
2. Time -- any on-topic photo taken at any time is eligible, although photos that have won other competitions should NOT be entered.
3. Size -- photo must be EXACTLY 640 pixels on the longest side, with NO BORDERS. Odd-sized photos ineligible.
4. Post-Processing -- do whatever you like and the host will decide if it works.
5. Posting -- ONE PHOTO per photographer in each challenge. Photo Name in the message subject line.
Camera model.
6. Photographer's Notes -- Name and camera are are you need, but you're welcome to add a story, location, photo tips, brief EXIF data.
7. No Commenting by others -- When the posting is closed, comments can be made in this thread.
Time
One challenge every week, on the following schedule:
New Topic ... As soon as possible after winning.
Posting Starts ... Right after topic is announced.
Posting Stops ... Monday noon GMT
Winners Announcement ... Tuesday noon GMT.
Hosting
1. The Challenge Host is the winner of the last challenge.
2. Choose a topic and list any special rules -- but DO NOT POST a photo. 3. Post the topic in a thread with this title: “POTN G-Series Speed Challenge #XX -- [TOPIC]”
4. At the end of competition, choose a Winner and two Runners-up and explain why the photos were selected. Comments on other photos are nice but not required.
5. Post these in a thread titled “POTN G-Series Speed Challenge #XX -- [TOPIC] -- Winners.”
6. Winner starts with Rule #1 above.
7. If the winner can't be contacted and doesn't respond by Wednesday noon GMT, the second-place winner will host the challenge.
Time
One challenge every week, on the following schedule:
New Topic ... Tuesday by midnight GMT.
Posting Starts ... Right after topic is announced..
Posting Stops ... Monday Noon GMT .
Winner Announcement ... Monday by midnight GMT..
Past winners:
#037 - Hats - In Japan, Cyclone, Boutty
#036 - Black and White - BottomBracket, Megatrixel, Partridge9
#035 - Accidents - mp2k-net, Partridge9, KCJewell
#034 - Get Closer! - es839145, mp2k-net, Bryan Bedell
#033 - Typography - Zero, mp2k-net, BottomBracket
#032 - Point/Counterpoint - Bryan Bedell, BottomBracket, In Japan
#031 - Hobby - Megatrixel, Zero, abat
#030 - History - Boutty, abat, teekay
#029 - Toys - In Japan, HungryWriter, Don Ellis
#028 - Taken Within 50cm of the Ground - BottomBracket, Marie, Megatrixel
#027 - Self Portrait - abat, rpolitsr, HungryWriter
#026 - Personal Treasures – Boutty, in Japan, HungryWriter
#025 - Wheels – Zero, Boutty, Teekay
#024 - Street Candids - rpolitsr, in Japan, txfirebug
#023 - Religion - marie, in japan , megatrixel
#022 - Animals - monkey_wrench, jesshen, fooboy
#021 - Night Shots - bang, KingSize, abat
#020 - Food - sara, abat, gewb
#019 - Shoes – Boutty, partridge9, morrisman
#018 - Blowing in the Wind - In Japan, Txfirebug, Gewb
#017 - Rain - marie, Boutty, Tonyq
#016 - Reflections - abat, Boutty, IainB
#015 - Spheres - digidog, (2) Boutty, (2) Thefly, (2) Bottombracket, (3) marie, (3) gkunning
#014 - Trees - partridge9, cyclone, Boutty
#013 - Body Language - digidog, Dchemist, Bottom Bracket
#012 - Light & Dark - IainB, cyclone, (3) teekay, (3) bottombracket
#011 - Transportation - 4nr, digidog, IainB
#010 - Making Music - Bottom Bracket, gkuenning, (3)Alexandre Gabriel, (3)pushtoexit
#009 - Hands - IainB, txfirebug, Dbump
#008 - Stop Action - Partridge9, Marie, Bottom Bracket,Thefly
#007 - Red - Pushtoexit, Marie, IainB, Megatrixel
#006 - Pencil - theFly, am_pitbull_terrier, bottombracket
#005 - An Egg - Don Ellis, Megatrixel/Samerj, Rich Lawrence
#004 - Old People - teekay, raj, thefly
#003 - Passage of Time - Booyah, Don Ellis, Rich Lawrence
#002 - Joy - TeeKay, Rich Lawrence, Pradeep1
#001 - Speed - BottomBracket, SmartImport, Rich Lawrence
First, thanks to everyone for participating. I had a lot of anxiety after I chose the theme for this week’s challenge after I realized you probably wouldn’t have dozens of peace monuments to photograph as I do in Hiroshima. But your creativity and willingness to think outside the box, helped set my mind at ease. In fact, I’m very impressed by the wide variety of photos submitted.
Here are my thoughts which are my own, so please do not take them personally…
Don Ellis - Close Eyes, Open Mind
A wonderful photo which to me seems to be all about tolerance. Of course Leatherman by himself would make an interesting photo, but when you include Leena, the photo seems to tell a different story. I like the poses of each person - the dangling cigarette, crossed legs, and Leatherman’s arm around Leena. Nicely composed…great capture, Don. Side note: I looked at the photo at least 25 times in the last week and the more I looked at Leatherman, the less of a shocking effect he had. Anyone else have this experience?
Marie - peaceful times for Indians shopping for their squaws
Marie seems to have made a name for herself on this forum with her excellent candids (along with her sincere kindness) and this shot is no exception. I like what you’ve done in post-processing - a technique that you seem to have down pat. I do find the hangar that cuts into his headpiece a bit distracting, but I know it couldn’t have been helped under the circumstances. Nice shot of a group of people whose story we seem to have nearly forgotten.
Raw - Where I find peace…
I haven’t taken many sunset photos, so I’m always curious to see other’s work. I really like the gradating colors and the dynamic shift of the sun to the far right of the photo works for me. Too bad part of the bridge gets lost with the background, but that was probably unavoidable. It’s definitely one of those photos that requires one to stop, reflect, and find some gratitude in life. Nice, inspiring capture, Raw.
Abat - The Friendship Garden
Having lived in Japan for a while, I can identify with tranquil Asian gardens surrounded by modernity. I’ve also photographed my share of statues and I must credit you with high marks for your composition, which to me is challenging. The absence of color helps to accentuate the lines in the face more. One of my personal favorites.
TX firebug - peaceful scene
Obvious why you come here, TX firebug - it’s looks so serene and…peaceful. If we all spent much time relaxing and thinking near the sea, perhaps we’d all be better off. The solitary figure creates quite a dramatic effect and the sprinkling of birds in the foreground are pleasing to the eye. Unfortunately, the horizon is a bit unbalanced (heavy on the right). Good thing is that it’s about a 2 minute fix in PS.
Boutty - Armed for Peace
Peace is getting along with your neighbor, regardless of gender, race, religion, etc. and this photo captures that essence perfectly. Since you had to pose this shot, you also get high marks for creativity. To round out this photo, your models look quite comfortable and happy. Well done, Boutty.
Cyclone - trust
I like the title of this photo but you could have also titled it - adorable, angelic, precious or any other adjective to describe this gorgeous baby. Two things strike me about this photo. First, I think the lighting is right on. Especially considering you probably had to manage with basic household lights. Did you bounce the flash off of the ceiling? Second, I like the positioning of the man's hands. If there were ever a reason for peace, this photo pretty much sums it up. Excellent work.
Bottom Bracket - All He Was Saying Was Give Peace a Chance
A theme that is as relevant today as it was in the Seventies when Lennon wrote that song. To me the old, weathered roses complement the words, “Imagine”, in a symbolic sense - the roses probably had seen better times, but there’s still hope. Their pink color also contrasts nicely with the grey mosaic tiles. Well composed and certainly on topic. One of my favs.
KC Jewel - Peace At Last
Yet another adorable baby photo which I don’t think is coincidence. These little ones depend and rely on us for their future. I’ll go out on a limb and say that this little guy will either grow up to be a kite enthusiast or a photographer. The mood is calming and peaceful. Your family will one day be grateful for your G6 (if they aren’t already).
Teekay - Not in Our Name
By far the most political photo of the competition. I find rallies and protests particularly challenging to photograph, so I can appreciate what you were able to do with this shot. There’s no confusing what the message of this photo is. There seems to be a lot going on in this picture, so perhaps a bit of cropping could help give the photo a more dramatic feel. Just curious, how many people were there?
The winners are…
Third Place - Cyclone (trust) - Love the warm colors and the tight crop works for me. “Trust” seems to be lacking in the world today and I thought your photo captured that abstract idea quite well.
Second Place - Boutty (Armed for Peace) - This photo almost looks like an advert for peace. Again, I thought this photo captured the spirit of this particular challenge perfectly.
Drum roll please...
First Place - Don Ellis (Close Eyes, Open Mind) - Though this is a fantastic photo, I thought it also captured the essence of this challenge on multiple levels. Even the apparent dreary conditions seem to work for this photo. Great shot, Don.
Thanks again for making my week a bit more enjoyable with all of your splendid photos. Judging is a painful process that I’m not entirely comfortable doing, so I’m happy to hand the reins over to Don.
POTN G-Series Speed Challenge #38 - PEACE
Regardless what your opinion is about what is happening in Iraq, Israel, southern Thailand, Chechnya, and other areas of conflict around the globe, I think most of us can agree that peace is a good thing for mankind. I must confess that before moving to Hiroshima I never really gave much thought to this topic, but after living in a city that takes this matter quite seriously, I'm now more conscious of it than ever before. And apparently so much that I felt compelled to choose it as the next challenge. So, here we go...
What am I looking for? First and foremost, the principle subject of the photo should somehow convey peace, as in the opposite of war. Whether it be local, regional, national, political, racial, religious, ethnic, old, recent, or a symbol of peace, it mustn't promote war. If necessary, feel free to give a little background information, but please post your personal beliefs and opinions on another forum. I'll leave it at that, perhaps I've said too much already.
Looking forward to seeing your submissions. Good luck...peace out.
___________________________________
To submit, click "Post Reply" and put your Photo Name in the Subject Line. Don't forget your Camera Model.
Post until Monday noon GMT, October 31, 2005.
Host: In Japan
_____________________________________________
Please consider turning on Private Messaging in your profile.
This will allow the host to contact you about winning or ineligible photos. You turn this feature on by clicking "User CP, Edit Options, Enable Private Messaging" (about a third of the way down the page). Thank you.
_____________________________________________
Photo Submissions
1. Camera -- photos must be taken with a Canon G-Series Camera (G1,G2,G3,G5,G6) or Pro 1.
2. Time -- any on-topic photo taken at any time is eligible, although photos that have won other competitions should NOT be entered.
3. Size -- photo must be EXACTLY 640 pixels on the longest side, with NO BORDERS. Odd-sized photos ineligible.
4. Post-Processing -- do whatever you like and the host will decide if it works.
5. Posting -- ONE PHOTO per photographer in each challenge. Photo Name in the message subject line.
Camera model.
6. Photographer's Notes -- Name and camera are are you need, but you're welcome to add a story, location, photo tips, brief EXIF data.
7. No Commenting by others -- When the posting is closed, comments can be made in this thread.
Time
One challenge every week, on the following schedule:
New Topic ... As soon as possible after winning.
Posting Starts ... Right after topic is announced.
Posting Stops ... Monday noon GMT
Winners Announcement ... Tuesday noon GMT.
Hosting
1. The Challenge Host is the winner of the last challenge.
2. Choose a topic and list any special rules -- but DO NOT POST a photo. 3. Post the topic in a thread with this title: “POTN G-Series Speed Challenge #XX -- [TOPIC]”
4. At the end of competition, choose a Winner and two Runners-up and explain why the photos were selected. Comments on other photos are nice but not required.
5. Post these in a thread titled “POTN G-Series Speed Challenge #XX -- [TOPIC] -- Winners.”
6. Winner starts with Rule #1 above.
7. If the winner can't be contacted and doesn't respond by Wednesday noon GMT, the second-place winner will host the challenge.
Time
One challenge every week, on the following schedule:
New Topic ... Tuesday by midnight GMT.
Posting Starts ... Right after topic is announced..
Posting Stops ... Monday Noon GMT .
Winner Announcement ... Monday by midnight GMT..
Past winners:
#037 - Hats - In Japan, Cyclone, Boutty
#036 - Black and White - BottomBracket, Megatrixel, Partridge9
#035 - Accidents - mp2k-net, Partridge9, KCJewell
#034 - Get Closer! - es839145, mp2k-net, Bryan Bedell
#033 - Typography - Zero, mp2k-net, BottomBracket
#032 - Point/Counterpoint - Bryan Bedell, BottomBracket, In Japan
#031 - Hobby - Megatrixel, Zero, abat
#030 - History - Boutty, abat, teekay
#029 - Toys - In Japan, HungryWriter, Don Ellis
#028 - Taken Within 50cm of the Ground - BottomBracket, Marie, Megatrixel
#027 - Self Portrait - abat, rpolitsr, HungryWriter
#026 - Personal Treasures – Boutty, in Japan, HungryWriter
#025 - Wheels – Zero, Boutty, Teekay
#024 - Street Candids - rpolitsr, in Japan, txfirebug
#023 - Religion - marie, in japan , megatrixel
#022 - Animals - monkey_wrench, jesshen, fooboy
#021 - Night Shots - bang, KingSize, abat
#020 - Food - sara, abat, gewb
#019 - Shoes – Boutty, partridge9, morrisman
#018 - Blowing in the Wind - In Japan, Txfirebug, Gewb
#017 - Rain - marie, Boutty, Tonyq
#016 - Reflections - abat, Boutty, IainB
#015 - Spheres - digidog, (2) Boutty, (2) Thefly, (2) Bottombracket, (3) marie, (3) gkunning
#014 - Trees - partridge9, cyclone, Boutty
#013 - Body Language - digidog, Dchemist, Bottom Bracket
#012 - Light & Dark - IainB, cyclone, (3) teekay, (3) bottombracket
#011 - Transportation - 4nr, digidog, IainB
#010 - Making Music - Bottom Bracket, gkuenning, (3)Alexandre Gabriel, (3)pushtoexit
#009 - Hands - IainB, txfirebug, Dbump
#008 - Stop Action - Partridge9, Marie, Bottom Bracket,Thefly
#007 - Red - Pushtoexit, Marie, IainB, Megatrixel
#006 - Pencil - theFly, am_pitbull_terrier, bottombracket
#005 - An Egg - Don Ellis, Megatrixel/Samerj, Rich Lawrence
#004 - Old People - teekay, raj, thefly
#003 - Passage of Time - Booyah, Don Ellis, Rich Lawrence
#002 - Joy - TeeKay, Rich Lawrence, Pradeep1
#001 - Speed - BottomBracket, SmartImport, Rich Lawrence