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Weekly Photo Contest - 23 February through 01 March, 2015
- Thread starter jkramerbob
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Contest Closed
The contest is now closed. I will begin reviewing photos soon and post the results within 24-hours. I would like to thank everyone for the many submissions!
The contest is now closed. I will begin reviewing photos soon and post the results within 24-hours. I would like to thank everyone for the many submissions!
and the winner is..
If nothing else, this weeks photos remind me how much of the world I have yet to see. A large quantity of quality photos to sift through this week. Here we go!
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Keleko - Cinderella castle is at the heart of Magic Kingdom and has long been the Disney logo. The castle is nicely exposed, and the fireworks captured nicely. I especially like the backlighting on the crowd. I cant see too much I would change in this nice photo!
stillcrazyman The Jeep has earned a place in US history. First on the battlefields in Europe and as a formidable off-road machine. This is a well shot photo with spot-on exposure. If I were to change anything it might be to isolate the 7-slot grill and round headlamp. Both are recognizable details of this American built icon.
gasworks I will admit that initially I did not pay much attention to this photo. For no other reason than the size of the posting. However once I clicked on it to view a larger format, I was taken back. It is an excellent photo with a wonderful detail. Excellent night sky, reflections in the water and the exposure of the building is spot-on. Well done gasworks!
kenoh Unfortunately I have not as yet had the privilege to visit Edinburgh. I look forward to visiting this historically beautiful city. The sky in your image appears a bit washed out and the structure is a difficult subject because of the great contrast of deep shadows and brightly lit exterior. Regardless, the amazing details are nicely represented in your photo. Keep up the good work kenoh.
Laird Knox I have never been to Las Vegas but I assume there are not eight Statues of Liberty but instead you have created a kaleidoscope image of a single statue. Or possibly this is an image of eight souvenir cigarette lighters? Maybe you had passed-out and when you regained conscious you snapped this photo from you back? Regardless, as they say, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. A fun and creative photo Laird Knox!
Meister The beautiful sky dwarfs the Alps. Where exactly was this shot Meister? I like the many gray tones of the photo which add depth to the photo. Nice photo Meister!
AlexH If nothing else, this photo may leave our non-US friends bewildered. Of course, Icons need not be classy. There is very little I dislike about this photo. The lighting is perfect. The mood almost has an aroma. I strain to see what the employees are doing behind the counter. Nicely done AlexH. I glad to see its not just the Brits that can have fun with this contest!
VirtualRain The Eiffel Tower may just be the ultimate icon. Universally recognized and an unmistakable silhouette. I like the perspective of your photo which accentuates the enormity of the structure. Beautiful cloud filled sky. This could be even more powerful in black & white. Regardless, well done VirtualRain.
anotherscotsman A nice perspective from the Brooklyn Bridge. There are many US icons to be photographed in New York but the Brooklyn Bridge probably offers the most photo opportunities. I like the skyline in the background. I really like the sky color. If the sky were not as dark at the top, the photo would be a bit boring. Given the absence of many tourists on the walkway, I would guess you got up pretty early in the morning for this shot. I like the early morning hours for the light but oftentimes it is nice to have some solitude as well. The couple walking in the distance adds some interest as well. Overall, a nicely done photo.
someoldguy This photo just exudes the American West. Many photos in this area are taken early or late in the day. The warm sun is often pure magic on the rocks at those times. It looks like you found yourself there mid-day and, although beautiful, the rocks appear a bit washed-out from the intense overhead light. You were fortunate to capture a cowboy in the foreground which really makes this photo interesting. I might consider cropping the right and lower portions of the photo so that the cowboy is in the lower/right 1/3 of the photo and the large rock/mesa is off-center. Still, and good iconic photo. Everyone loves a cowboy!
CharlieBrandt09 OK. This is my first exposure to Lucy the Elephant. I am anxious to hear of any of the other contestants have seen or heard of Lucy before? Here is a Wikipedia link to educate yourself: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucy_the_Elephant - Constructed in 1881??? Another bright sunny mid-day that is seldom color-friendly and often produces deep shadows. Still, this is a nice head-on, in-your-face, Lucy pic! Given I have never before seen Lucy I cant offer too much advice on how this could be a better photo. Thanks for sharing the fun CharlieB!
Fireman32 Your photo of the grist mill has so much going on and yet so well done. The mill, the bridge, the stream, the massive stone and the fall foliage all add to a wonderful photo. I might have cropped a bit more from the right & upper portion of the photo to make the mill both more predominate and off-center. The sky has some with chromatic aberrations around the tree above the mill. Still, this is a beautiful photograph you should be proud of!
truetray Coca-Cola is a true iconic brand. Im glad to see you spared no expense and have the true glass bottled Coke (which was probably bottled in Mexico). This is a wonderfully framed photo with a pleasant summer background. Taken late in day when the sun is warm. This photo has me longing for my childhood. Well done truetray. I dont think I would change a thing.
taptic I have only had the opportunity to visit San Francisco once and cross the Golden Gate Bridge a couple of times however my memories are vivid. It was hazy the day I visited as well but did not make it any less impressive. Most enormous structures loose something in my photos. I dont believe that I have ever been pleased with a capture of something this imposing. I think you photo does well a capturing the scope of this bridge. The towers and even the main cables dwarf both the pedestrians and vehicles. I enjoy your photo taptic and dont have any immediate suggestions for change.
Obibob Thanks for posting one of my favorite icons. It looks like your photo of Lady Liberty was taken from the boat as you arrived or departed the island. Its a nice photo and probably a good reminder of your photo. If you want to capture unique photos you will need to take yourself away from the crowd. Find unique lighting, early or late in the day or even nighttime to capture a photo that no one else has. Thanks again for sharing your photo Obibob!
Ish I really enjoy photos of building reflected in from other buildings. The Shard is so obviously unique and your photo is supremely well done. The things I like? 1) The gray tones. 2) The hazy background. 3) The contrast of the curve in The Shard against the straight lines of the reflecting building. 4) The plants at the bottom which both soften the photo and compliment the shape of The Shard. What I dont like? Very little. Maybe the subject placement directly in the center. However I would probably have done the same. Well done Ish!
needfx I would expect nothing less than a Lego Big Ben from the always creative needfx. My lack of understanding the dialogue here prevents me from a valid critique. Regardless, Im sure it is quite humorous or possibly even compelling to our many British entrants. I like the black & white treatment which only adds to the powerful message. Thank-you again needfx.
imac wannabe Probably the most beautiful peaks in the Rocky Mountains. I visited Maroon Bells a couple years ago and it is well worth the drive. Because of the beautiful colors I honestly never considered a black & white version. This is wonderful photo imac. I cant say I would change a thing unless it would be to include more water (if only to pick-up more of the fantastic reflections). Nicely done imac.
JDDavis A nice early evening shot of the Washington Monument. The sky and water blues provide a great backdrop for the monument. The monument is perfectly exposed and not washed-out which is not that easy in nighttime photos. The one light is a bit of a hot spot/distraction but there is probably little done aside from significant post processing to eliminate this. A well composed photograph JDDavis!
teleromeo This is a wonderful perspective on a powerful icon. What makes this so special is that it is unique while at the same time, anyone familiar with the Eiffel Tower would recognize the graceful curved arch and intricate ironwork. Your summary of the photo sums it up; We took the stairs.. When we take the path less traveled we often have the opportunity to discover images that many others would never see. Thanks for taking the stairs teleromeo!
Chappers I really enjoy photos from unique perspectives. Your photo of the London Eye almost makes me queasy. I especially like the many angles and intersecting lines. Its getting late in my day so I dont have much more to say other than I enjoy your photo Chappers!
Hughmac How fitting for a MacRumors posting. Did you take this on an assignment for an iconic photo or is this something you had in stock? Regardless, you pretty much nailed the iconic photo theme. The photo itself is well done. Seamless background and nicely lit. Well done Hughmac!
acearchie Is this in Miami Airport? I think so if I recall. Miami is a colorful city in the Sunshine State and both are well represented here! I really like the wash of color on the floor from the window glass. Nicely shot acearchie. Makes we want to be in a warmer climate.
rx7dude The Toronto skyline is wonderful and I love the city. Your photo is well exposed and I only have a couple of issues. The tops of vehicles are a bit distracting and I almost always find wires a distraction. Especially when they cut through the subject. Oftentimes there is little you can to about that. Nice photo of a great city rx7dude.
MacRy Lighting is very flat (so I know it was taken in the UK). The composition and camera angle is excellent. This feels almost surreal. Even staged. Plus, what could be more iconic! Keep up the good work MacRy!
filmbufs I like your Venice photograph. But, even with my own photos, I would change things if I could. If you could have isolated a single gondola rather than two it might feel a bit more romantic. Also, the color appears almost blue and feels a bit cold. A brown tone might feel a bit warmer. Again, I am jealous of your travels! Thank-you filmbufs for your submission!
----------------------------------------
This was a week of wonderful and entertaining photos. Please remember that any suggestions or comments are what I would do and might not make your image any better. As I do not have the credentials to accurately judge the quality of each and every photo, I will use the purely subjective method of picking this weeks winner based solely on what I like. Actually I like each of these photos for different reasons.
This week, more than ever, I expect many of you to disagree with my picks. I understand.
My third favorite photo(s): teleromeo - Thanks for taking the stairs!
My second favorite photo: MacRy Did you stage this photo?
My favorite photo of the week: Ish I love this photo probably more than The Shard itself.
OK Ish. Congratulations and its your turn to get the next contest started!
If nothing else, this weeks photos remind me how much of the world I have yet to see. A large quantity of quality photos to sift through this week. Here we go!
----------------------------------------
Keleko - Cinderella castle is at the heart of Magic Kingdom and has long been the Disney logo. The castle is nicely exposed, and the fireworks captured nicely. I especially like the backlighting on the crowd. I cant see too much I would change in this nice photo!
stillcrazyman The Jeep has earned a place in US history. First on the battlefields in Europe and as a formidable off-road machine. This is a well shot photo with spot-on exposure. If I were to change anything it might be to isolate the 7-slot grill and round headlamp. Both are recognizable details of this American built icon.
gasworks I will admit that initially I did not pay much attention to this photo. For no other reason than the size of the posting. However once I clicked on it to view a larger format, I was taken back. It is an excellent photo with a wonderful detail. Excellent night sky, reflections in the water and the exposure of the building is spot-on. Well done gasworks!
kenoh Unfortunately I have not as yet had the privilege to visit Edinburgh. I look forward to visiting this historically beautiful city. The sky in your image appears a bit washed out and the structure is a difficult subject because of the great contrast of deep shadows and brightly lit exterior. Regardless, the amazing details are nicely represented in your photo. Keep up the good work kenoh.
Laird Knox I have never been to Las Vegas but I assume there are not eight Statues of Liberty but instead you have created a kaleidoscope image of a single statue. Or possibly this is an image of eight souvenir cigarette lighters? Maybe you had passed-out and when you regained conscious you snapped this photo from you back? Regardless, as they say, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. A fun and creative photo Laird Knox!
Meister The beautiful sky dwarfs the Alps. Where exactly was this shot Meister? I like the many gray tones of the photo which add depth to the photo. Nice photo Meister!
AlexH If nothing else, this photo may leave our non-US friends bewildered. Of course, Icons need not be classy. There is very little I dislike about this photo. The lighting is perfect. The mood almost has an aroma. I strain to see what the employees are doing behind the counter. Nicely done AlexH. I glad to see its not just the Brits that can have fun with this contest!
VirtualRain The Eiffel Tower may just be the ultimate icon. Universally recognized and an unmistakable silhouette. I like the perspective of your photo which accentuates the enormity of the structure. Beautiful cloud filled sky. This could be even more powerful in black & white. Regardless, well done VirtualRain.
anotherscotsman A nice perspective from the Brooklyn Bridge. There are many US icons to be photographed in New York but the Brooklyn Bridge probably offers the most photo opportunities. I like the skyline in the background. I really like the sky color. If the sky were not as dark at the top, the photo would be a bit boring. Given the absence of many tourists on the walkway, I would guess you got up pretty early in the morning for this shot. I like the early morning hours for the light but oftentimes it is nice to have some solitude as well. The couple walking in the distance adds some interest as well. Overall, a nicely done photo.
someoldguy This photo just exudes the American West. Many photos in this area are taken early or late in the day. The warm sun is often pure magic on the rocks at those times. It looks like you found yourself there mid-day and, although beautiful, the rocks appear a bit washed-out from the intense overhead light. You were fortunate to capture a cowboy in the foreground which really makes this photo interesting. I might consider cropping the right and lower portions of the photo so that the cowboy is in the lower/right 1/3 of the photo and the large rock/mesa is off-center. Still, and good iconic photo. Everyone loves a cowboy!
CharlieBrandt09 OK. This is my first exposure to Lucy the Elephant. I am anxious to hear of any of the other contestants have seen or heard of Lucy before? Here is a Wikipedia link to educate yourself: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucy_the_Elephant - Constructed in 1881??? Another bright sunny mid-day that is seldom color-friendly and often produces deep shadows. Still, this is a nice head-on, in-your-face, Lucy pic! Given I have never before seen Lucy I cant offer too much advice on how this could be a better photo. Thanks for sharing the fun CharlieB!
Fireman32 Your photo of the grist mill has so much going on and yet so well done. The mill, the bridge, the stream, the massive stone and the fall foliage all add to a wonderful photo. I might have cropped a bit more from the right & upper portion of the photo to make the mill both more predominate and off-center. The sky has some with chromatic aberrations around the tree above the mill. Still, this is a beautiful photograph you should be proud of!
truetray Coca-Cola is a true iconic brand. Im glad to see you spared no expense and have the true glass bottled Coke (which was probably bottled in Mexico). This is a wonderfully framed photo with a pleasant summer background. Taken late in day when the sun is warm. This photo has me longing for my childhood. Well done truetray. I dont think I would change a thing.
taptic I have only had the opportunity to visit San Francisco once and cross the Golden Gate Bridge a couple of times however my memories are vivid. It was hazy the day I visited as well but did not make it any less impressive. Most enormous structures loose something in my photos. I dont believe that I have ever been pleased with a capture of something this imposing. I think you photo does well a capturing the scope of this bridge. The towers and even the main cables dwarf both the pedestrians and vehicles. I enjoy your photo taptic and dont have any immediate suggestions for change.
Obibob Thanks for posting one of my favorite icons. It looks like your photo of Lady Liberty was taken from the boat as you arrived or departed the island. Its a nice photo and probably a good reminder of your photo. If you want to capture unique photos you will need to take yourself away from the crowd. Find unique lighting, early or late in the day or even nighttime to capture a photo that no one else has. Thanks again for sharing your photo Obibob!
Ish I really enjoy photos of building reflected in from other buildings. The Shard is so obviously unique and your photo is supremely well done. The things I like? 1) The gray tones. 2) The hazy background. 3) The contrast of the curve in The Shard against the straight lines of the reflecting building. 4) The plants at the bottom which both soften the photo and compliment the shape of The Shard. What I dont like? Very little. Maybe the subject placement directly in the center. However I would probably have done the same. Well done Ish!
needfx I would expect nothing less than a Lego Big Ben from the always creative needfx. My lack of understanding the dialogue here prevents me from a valid critique. Regardless, Im sure it is quite humorous or possibly even compelling to our many British entrants. I like the black & white treatment which only adds to the powerful message. Thank-you again needfx.
imac wannabe Probably the most beautiful peaks in the Rocky Mountains. I visited Maroon Bells a couple years ago and it is well worth the drive. Because of the beautiful colors I honestly never considered a black & white version. This is wonderful photo imac. I cant say I would change a thing unless it would be to include more water (if only to pick-up more of the fantastic reflections). Nicely done imac.
JDDavis A nice early evening shot of the Washington Monument. The sky and water blues provide a great backdrop for the monument. The monument is perfectly exposed and not washed-out which is not that easy in nighttime photos. The one light is a bit of a hot spot/distraction but there is probably little done aside from significant post processing to eliminate this. A well composed photograph JDDavis!
teleromeo This is a wonderful perspective on a powerful icon. What makes this so special is that it is unique while at the same time, anyone familiar with the Eiffel Tower would recognize the graceful curved arch and intricate ironwork. Your summary of the photo sums it up; We took the stairs.. When we take the path less traveled we often have the opportunity to discover images that many others would never see. Thanks for taking the stairs teleromeo!
Chappers I really enjoy photos from unique perspectives. Your photo of the London Eye almost makes me queasy. I especially like the many angles and intersecting lines. Its getting late in my day so I dont have much more to say other than I enjoy your photo Chappers!
Hughmac How fitting for a MacRumors posting. Did you take this on an assignment for an iconic photo or is this something you had in stock? Regardless, you pretty much nailed the iconic photo theme. The photo itself is well done. Seamless background and nicely lit. Well done Hughmac!
acearchie Is this in Miami Airport? I think so if I recall. Miami is a colorful city in the Sunshine State and both are well represented here! I really like the wash of color on the floor from the window glass. Nicely shot acearchie. Makes we want to be in a warmer climate.
rx7dude The Toronto skyline is wonderful and I love the city. Your photo is well exposed and I only have a couple of issues. The tops of vehicles are a bit distracting and I almost always find wires a distraction. Especially when they cut through the subject. Oftentimes there is little you can to about that. Nice photo of a great city rx7dude.
MacRy Lighting is very flat (so I know it was taken in the UK). The composition and camera angle is excellent. This feels almost surreal. Even staged. Plus, what could be more iconic! Keep up the good work MacRy!
filmbufs I like your Venice photograph. But, even with my own photos, I would change things if I could. If you could have isolated a single gondola rather than two it might feel a bit more romantic. Also, the color appears almost blue and feels a bit cold. A brown tone might feel a bit warmer. Again, I am jealous of your travels! Thank-you filmbufs for your submission!
----------------------------------------
This was a week of wonderful and entertaining photos. Please remember that any suggestions or comments are what I would do and might not make your image any better. As I do not have the credentials to accurately judge the quality of each and every photo, I will use the purely subjective method of picking this weeks winner based solely on what I like. Actually I like each of these photos for different reasons.
This week, more than ever, I expect many of you to disagree with my picks. I understand.
My third favorite photo(s): teleromeo - Thanks for taking the stairs!
My second favorite photo: MacRy Did you stage this photo?
My favorite photo of the week: Ish I love this photo probably more than The Shard itself.
OK Ish. Congratulations and its your turn to get the next contest started!
Thanks jkramerbob for picking an interesting subject and your time invested in the reviews. Looking forward to what Ish has in store for us next 
Great job judging a very difficult contest. Great entries all around. It's actually a early morning shot in DC. Sunrises are pretty nice, especially in the spring and summer. The Washington and the Jefferson make for nice sunrise photos especially with the tidal basin. My favorite time to take pics there was from about 2am to sunrise because there are very few people in the shots and everything is lit pretty well.
Well done everyone. I'm glad I wasn't judging this week! I kind of forgot to take my photo for this one, but it was a lame idea so no loss.
Nice critique Jkramerbob. Good to see some UK landmarks in your top three!
Looking forward to the next one.
Nice critique Jkramerbob. Good to see some UK landmarks in your top three!
Looking forward to the next one.
No it wasn't! I thought it was a great idea. Few things are more iconic than our red phone boxes. Nice shot.
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Great challenge this week and thanks for the comments. Washed out sky? Mate, it is Edinburgh in February!
In Scotland, it feels like we have 2 seasons - June, and winter!
Some great pictures this week. Not too many pictures of the obvious choices and the waffle house was my fav. Reminded me of the Edward Hopper picture...
I think you misread my post. The idea I was going to shoot was lame, not MacRy's red phone boxes (which I love).
That's why I didn't take it and post this week.
Thanks jkramerbob - very good commentary on what was an exceptionally difficult contest to judge - so many excellent photos. Congratulations to the deserved winners.
Thanks jkramerbob for your kind comments! Also for all the feedback. It was a very geometric photo, hence the decision to place the Shard in the centre. Anything else just looked wrong.
Some lovely photos once again this week, all of a very different character. I especially liked teleromeo's view through the Eiffel Tower and MacRy's iconic telephone boxes. Anyone get the reference if I comment "Oops!" to that?
Special mention also has to go to kenoh's response to the washed out sky, lol! It's just the same here at the moment.
I'll post the next one later today.
Some lovely photos once again this week, all of a very different character. I especially liked teleromeo's view through the Eiffel Tower and MacRy's iconic telephone boxes. Anyone get the reference if I comment "Oops!" to that?
Special mention also has to go to kenoh's response to the washed out sky, lol! It's just the same here at the moment.
I'll post the next one later today.
Thanks jkramerbob for judging this thing . I sure wouldn't want to have to .
Glad that Lucy made an appearance . My pic was indeed shot at mid day , and was just luck . I had walked out on the point a few minutes before , passing a fenced area with a sign saying 'Your picture on horseback , $5.00 (or some such price)' . Not me ! Anyway , I was about to get into my car and continue on when a truckload of tourists from one of the local lodges pulls up , everyone pours out and starts snapping away .At this time a guy on horseback rides out from the fenced area onto the point . Ends up he's paid by the lodge to give the tourists a shot. Anyway , just got lucky .
Glad that Lucy made an appearance . My pic was indeed shot at mid day , and was just luck . I had walked out on the point a few minutes before , passing a fenced area with a sign saying 'Your picture on horseback , $5.00 (or some such price)' . Not me ! Anyway , I was about to get into my car and continue on when a truckload of tourists from one of the local lodges pulls up , everyone pours out and starts snapping away .At this time a guy on horseback rides out from the fenced area onto the point . Ends up he's paid by the lodge to give the tourists a shot. Anyway , just got lucky .
Last edited:
New contest is now up: https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=20775512#post20775512
Have fun!
Have fun!
Thanks for taking the time to judge the contest.
I didn't want to comment during the contest.
This is the statue out in front of New York, NY - there are actually two statues in town.
The image was shot on a large format film camera (4x5) with black and white film. It is actually eight exposures on a single piece of film. The only Photoshop work was making it a true B&W from the green cast scan, removing dust and scratches and applying a bit of a curve for contrast. Otherwise it was all shot in camera. It took about an hour to shoot.
Weekly Photo Contest - 23 February through 01 March, 2015
I nearly entered my Shard pic for this competition and I'm glad I didn't now as Ish's was so much better.
I deliberately got the rusty beam in the shot as a counterpoint to the gleaming modernity of the Shard itself.
I nearly entered my Shard pic for this competition and I'm glad I didn't now as Ish's was so much better.
I deliberately got the rusty beam in the shot as a counterpoint to the gleaming modernity of the Shard itself.
I nearly entered my Shard pic for this competition and I'm glad I didn't now as Ish's was so much better.
I deliberately got the rusty beam in the shot as a counterpoint to the gleaming modernity of the Shard itself.
Definitely not, just completely different.
Ish is ON FIRE!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Super Congratulations!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Jkramerbob for the extensive feedback!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To the next one!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think I need a few more exclamation marks!!!!!
!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Super Congratulations!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Jkramerbob for the extensive feedback!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To the next one!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think I need a few more exclamation marks!!!!!
!!!!
