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Posted on 24/06/05 09:32:29 AM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 6934 Reply  |
Re: Contest 50: The first half century
What a weird week it's been! My decision to offer a prize sparked off a huge discussion about competitiveness and the nature of these Challenges, and I'm hugely gratified to see that most of you are in it for the fun of entering, and not for the competition element of winning. The issue of titles was raised, bringing into question whether this polluted the contests by introducing a further sense of competitiveness. The titles are there to recognize outstanding personal work, and shouldn't be seen as me deciding on a 'winner' each week: a title is awarded for personal advancement, based on the track record of each entrant. So many of you have improved your Photoshop skills enormously over the weeks, and it's really pleasing to see how you come along. The results of the poll were most interesting: the clear winner was 'I'm not bothered either way', which is exactly as it should be. So the titles will stay, partly because they're fun to award and partly because it puts my alliterative ambitions to the test. Holding off until today for entries proved an unpopular move, and may have highlighted the sense some of you get of not being able to pursue and idea if someone else got there first. I'd like to stress that this is an unnecessary concern: it's the quality of work and thought that we're looking for, and if you feel you can do the same idea in a different way then that shouldn't hold you back. That said, and after all the debate, we've ended up with just three entries for this 50th contest! But they're all of such outstanding quality that I'm going to take a little more space than usual to discuss each one in some depth. First off was Glen, with a stunning charm bracelet. Turning items into metal is something discussed in the book, of course, so in theory you should all know how to do this. But there's a world of difference between grasping the theory and implementing it in practice. Glen's entry is magnificent, I'm sure you'll agree: and the addition of jewelled inserts really helps the overall impression. I spotted 18 past Challenges in this image, including the baked bean and the table lamp. His first entry was truly excellent, then I had the downright cheek to chuck it back at him with a request for reflections in the table surface. This was an almost impossible task, and one which Glen rose to with some success. I have to point out the errors, though: the two most glaring are the reflection of the taxi (the solution here would have been to split the side and the front into two separate layers and shear each one individually) and the bottle of polish at the back - the curve on the reflected text should match the curve on the original, not invert it! Sometimes even Photoshop masters like Glen can have difficulty with this one. But top marks for the shine on all the items, Glen - it remains a fantastic piece of work. Neal's approach includes 18 previous challenges as well, as far as I can tell (do correct me if I've missed any). As a piece of classically photographic montage, it shows enormous skill. Not only are almost all the items positioned with a strong sense of perspective and appropriateness, there's also a huge number of extra features to intrigue us - and you all know how much I enjoy these throw-away details. For those of you who may not have spotted them all, let me point out a few of the more elusive details: the reflection of the egg cup in the side of the computer, and the reflection of the pumpkin in the mirrored front; the fitting of the taxi image within a Photoshop window on the monitor; the translucent quality of the alphabet stencil, with its faint but convincing shadow; the shadows cast by the cat and the beer tin; and the immaculate cutout of the plant against the new window. One or two errors and omissions here, and I hope you don't mind me pointing these out. The fish has a shadow above it, as did the original model on that wall, but the shading indicates that the fish is lit from above (and why is its shadow cut off on the left?). The wooden desk is a little out of perspective in that view, and its angle tends to lead the eye out of the picture rather than back into it. Flipping it horizontally would have helped here. Similarly, the angle of view of both the beer can and the chocolates is too top-down (and aren't they both a little too big to be truly convincing?). There's no sense of glass in those windows: this could easily have been fixed by simply increasing the contrast on the view in the gap between them. And there's still the reflection of my venetian blinds in the wall facing the fox! But these are all reall nitpicking points: it was a really great idea, executed with tremendous fun and great techniques. Tabitha says her entry includes an astonishing 40 previous Challenges - although I can only make out 35 (my eyesight must be failing me). Can you see them all? Among the harder-to-spot elements are the treehouse seen through the window on the left, and the fact that the window itself is from my office; the bottle of milk beneath the mammoth; the motorbike, two digital cameras and boiled egg on the table; the door from the open-the-door Challenge; and the double instance of the fox through the window on the right. There's some fantastic detail to explore here. The number plate from the Ferrari my brother smashed up on his birthday has grass growing in front of it; the mammoth reaches out through bars from a previous Challenge; the fox is creeping through the cat flap; and the expressions on both the cat and the fish make perfect foreground elements. How the hell do you get an expression on a fish??? A couple of small errors - the perspective on the tiny taxi doesn't fit its positin in the scene (I know you hate perspective, Tabitha, but moving it higher up the page - on the table, perhaps - would have solved this). The hand is a little too blue for the ambient warm lighting: Curves could have sorted this one out easily. And you stopped smudging out the cat's fur before you got all the way around! For a cat lover like you, I'm surprised you didn't give him a final grooming before he faced his public. But there are so many perfectly placed objects: the table lamp fits perfectly on top of the mammoth's cage, the logos on the board are spot on, and all the cutouts - the doors on the right, the door seen through the chair, and so on - are picture perfect. So we need a winner, right? Never has the task been tougher. We have here three entries of tremendous skill and invention, and it's the difference of approach that makes the task of choosing both more difficult and more intriguing. So let's turn our attention away from mere Photoshop skills, and look at such elements as composition and viewer interest. Glen's entry is a perfect montage, or at least it was before I threw a spanner in the works by insisting on a reflection. (Next time, use a slate table!) It's an ingenious solution to the problem of how to fit a load of objects together seamlessly, and the execution matches the vision. But no element in this picture draws my eye more than any other: the eye travels in a circle around the bracelet, and we could really do with a single central focus to captivate the viewer. There's little doubting the skill and effort that went into Neal's entry, and it's exactly as cluttered and messy as it should be, given the theme he's chosen. But while all the elements draw the eye through the window, the composition falls apart on the right: the desk and the fish seem disjointed, and too surrounded by a void of empty wall to belong properly in this scene. It may not be photorealistically perfect, but Tabitha's entry has an energy and drama to it that, for me, makes it stand out and scream for attention. It tells a real story, as the eye travels from left to right across the image. You can't take this one in at a single glance - it's like walking through a house that's crammed with mementoes, and the viewer comes upon each new object with a sense of discovery. And telling a story is, ultimately, what creating any image is all about. So congratulations, Tabitha - your evocative montage wins this week's contest! A copy of Martin Evening's Adobe Photoshop CS2 for Photographers for you, together with the title Feline Foto Fanatic. And - seriously - well done, all of you. We all really appreciate the work you've put into this one. |
Posted on 24/06/05 09:52:37 AM |
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maiden
Golden Gif Gagster Posts: 471 Reply  |
Re: Contest 50: The first half century
Great work from everybody, and congratulation Tabs for fitting so many challenges into one image I totally agree with Steve's choice, not to take anything away from Neal and Glen. Actually I'm begining to feel intimidated to post anything because you're all so much better than me. Becky _________________ mad as a badger and twice as furry |
Posted on 24/06/05 10:28:33 AM |
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tabitha 1
Guest Reply |
Re: Contest 50: The first half century
Now I would have thought that a keen eyed person such as yourself Steve would have found my few 'hidden' images! The blue lorry from a couple of weeks ago driving behind the Taxi? The Golden Syrup can hiding on the table? And my piece de la resistance-- Chelsy sitting in the back on the white taxi - you can just about make her out! I do have an apology to make, I have used 40 of the original 55 images posted for the challenges (as some challenges had 2 images!). So hands up to my appalling maths! Many thanks for your kind comments and my new title, anyone would think I have a thing about Cats? And Maiden, you are the queen of this site and I for one cant wait for you to start posting again very soon. _________________ "A positive attitude will not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort." Herm Albright. |
Posted on 24/06/05 11:47:32 AM |
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trinityofone
Guest Reply |
Re: Contest 50: The first half century
Great work everyone! Congratulations Tabs, a fine montage! _________________ It must be Thursday, I never could get the hang of Thursdays |
Posted on 24/06/05 12:16:53 PM |
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tweaknik
Pixel Perfector Posts: 49 Reply  |
Re: Contest 50: The first half century
An impressive amount of work from all three entries, and three lovely montages. Well done all! And thanks Steve, for taking the time to provide such helpful feedback to everyone. |
Posted on 24/06/05 1:37:19 PM |
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mj
Guest Reply |
Re: Contest 50: The first half century
Great job everyone. Congrats Tabs. Steve, thanks again for the site, it seems to get better each week. _________________ -Never met a PS'er I didn't like- Will Rogers |
Posted on 24/06/05 2:58:58 PM |
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Neal
Master Manipulator Posts: 322 Reply |
Re: Contest 50: The first half century
Congratulations Tabitha! Truly, Your work is the best. But just you wait until the 100th Challenge! I'll be back. And be afraid, be very afraid. |
Posted on 24/06/05 3:54:54 PM |
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Glen
Montage Maestro Posts: 282 Reply  |
Re: Contest 50: The first half century
I couldn't agree more - conratulations Tabitha - I think the pinched fish did it for me. Wanted to download the big version and zoom in, in fact I shall now you've pointed out the 'hidden' extras - BUT - as Neal said, there's always the 100th challenge and now you have two gunning for you !! (oh, can I borrow the book when you've finished with it please?)  _________________ minds are like parachutes - they only work when they are open |
Posted on 24/06/05 5:55:39 PM |
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NW Rain
* Posts: 37 Reply |
Re: Contest 50: The first half century
Steve, you are so right about this being an interesting week. Congratulations to Tabitha, that must have taken a tremendous amount of time to create and it is just wonderful. Kudos to Glen and Neal, you guys continue to amaze! David and Maiden, sure would like to see you back here creating your magic once again. Congratulations to Steve for creating 50 successful challenges. Looking forward to the next 50. |
Posted on 24/06/05 5:57:55 PM |
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Atomicfog
Virtual Visualizer Posts: 238 Reply  |
Re: Contest 50: The first half century
Excellent entries. _________________ -Atomic |
Posted on 24/06/05 7:08:54 PM |
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trinityofone
Guest Reply |
Re: Contest 50: The first half century
I'm sure it'll happen, I'm rushed off my feet at the moment  _________________ It must be Thursday, I never could get the hang of Thursdays |
Posted on 25/06/05 1:01:15 PM |
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BobbyJo
Image Imaginator Posts: 250 Reply  |
Re: Contest 50: The first half century
Cracking stuff  I didn't have time this week but have looked at the entries and they're brilliant. Well done Tabitha._________________ BJ - Image Imaginator |
Posted on 21/06/05 6:17:36 PM |
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Neal
Master Manipulator Posts: 322 Reply |
Re: Contest 50: The first half century
Becky, I'm so glad you're not angry at me. It would kill me if you were. I miss your entries. I wish you had more time to create your art. There's nothing wrong using this forum a sounding board for new ideas. If you or anyone has an idea to improve this site, I'd like to read about it. What I like about this site is the speed it loads and people who participate in it. I visit Worth1000 from time to time, and I hate how long it takes to load. And some of the people who participate are nasty and evil. Their critiques are harsh. I like David's comments. Can you change my title to "underpaid"? |
Posted on 21/06/05 6:33:46 PM |
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maiden
Golden Gif Gagster Posts: 471 Reply |
Re: Contest 50: The first half century
Nothing worse than a snooty harsh critique which goes back to what I was saying in the other thread. A Critique isn't necessarily harsh criticism but a constructive assessment of a piece of work which is helpful and full of useful advice. A Critique should never be negative but should seek to be helpful. Criticism is often negative and designed to belittle and put down. If I have some advice for someone I usually qualify that advice with an example or demonstration of what I mean. Steve has a brilliant manner about him when helping us through a difficult image problem, he's not condesending nor overly praising which has made him a great mentor to myself and from the feedback all of the people who visit this site as well as read his books. I know about having my confidence completely destroyed from a few careless comments, I almost gave up art altogether when my early stuff was sniped at, I thought I'd never amount to very much from the comments from my peers, luckily there are always a few really genuine and nice people out there who helped me along. In that sense I've been lucky, but there are many not so fortunate and it riles me to see someone come down with personal comments and rudeness upon another person's heartfelt hard work. That's my personal bug-bear. Becky _________________ mad as a badger and twice as furry |
Posted on 22/06/05 10:36:18 PM |
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Einstein D Kid
Teen Trickster Posts: 281 Reply  |
Re: Contest 50: The first half century
Can someone please PM me with an idea for this challenge, I had some good ones but they don't seem workable. _________________ Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker. |
Posted on 23/06/05 03:56:07 AM |
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Atomicfog
Virtual Visualizer Posts: 238 Reply |
Re: Contest 50: The first half century
I don't think Ia am going to do ths challenge since I do not have enough time (too bad since I have most of the images cut out in PSD files). Good luck everyone. _________________ -Atomic |
Posted on 23/06/05 10:40:05 AM |
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Paul McFadden
Dream Decryptor Posts: 138 Reply  |
Re: Contest 50: The first half century
What a joyless place the Friday Challenge forum has become this week !! Even when I have no time to enter myself, I enjoy checking in every other day to see what others, esp Neal and Glen, are submitting. I have never seen anyone copy another's idea, and if they did - WHO CARES??? You'd think the prize was a car! As for Multiple entries - wheres the harm ? Neal's second treehouse entry (Wacko Jacko) had me laughing for about 5 minutes !! _________________ |
Posted on 23/06/05 2:25:47 PM |
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Neal
Master Manipulator Posts: 322 Reply |
Re: Contest 50: The first half century
It's Thursday! And my ideas is this: After 50 Friday Challenges, Steve's office must be a mess. All those objects have got to be pilling up. A big thank you Paul! I appreciate your complement and placing my name in the same sentence with Glen's. I admire his work and sharp wit.  |
Posted on 23/06/05 5:32:41 PM |
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Pooch
** Posts: 110 Reply  |
Re: Contest 50: The first half century
Hello all ! Not been on for a while, where did all the images go? Glen yours looks great as usual. Looking forward to seeing all of your great images. Maiden I know what you mean about the new job. I have recently started a new job and I am getting up at 5.30am and not getting back home till 8.30pm. Not had much photoshop time for a while. _________________ Those are my principles. If you don't like them I have others. Groucho Marx (1890-1977) |
Posted on 23/06/05 5:41:55 PM |
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Glen
Montage Maestro Posts: 282 Reply |
Re: Contest 50: The first half century
First off thanks Paul, Neal and Chris (sorry mate can't quite get my head around 'Pooch' yet) for your comments. Really enjoyed this challenge and looking forward to trying to fit 100 in next year ! Neal, great mess in the office. After keeping some of the polish Steve so kindly found for me I spent a good few days trying to get a mirror like finish, aint quite there yet and I can never get rid of all the smudges but... 
_________________ most of the lack of sunshine in our lives is caused by us standing in our own shadow |
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