32 replies to this topic

[Mystic]

Only a few more sleeps until Santa comes, bringing lumps of coal or better. I usually like to get out and around the area I am living at night to see what lights are out, and if I can manage to actually get a decent pic or two.

Went out with Shane earlier tonight to see what was on around Queenstown, but we got cut sho0rt by rain showers.

This one is far from perfect, and must try and go back to get a better shot before Xmas. A four shot pano (click the image to view larger)

Anyone else shooting anything specifically seasonal?

[Shane V]

Not bad Mystic...I haven't looked at my shots from last night yet, will post a few when I have

[Cascade]

Good effort Mystic... Not the easiest of subjects. long exposure required to fit in all the light changes.

[dave]

xmas.............bah humbug!!!.......................nice pics, not an easy subject!

[midgetyone]

Here's an idea why don't we have a Christmas light comp just for fun?

[Mystic]

A lights comp can easily be done, though not much time left before Xmas. Will have to talk to Santa and see what he thinks of the idea.

[Cascade]

Nice idea midgetyone, and as always Mystic comes to the fore and runs with it.....

But I reckon another couple of rules should be added (as per Section 1) or perhaps have two sections (as per Section 1 & Section 2).

Section 1) NO panorama's and NO photoshopping, straight shot only with available LIGHTS.

Section 2) Anything goes........

Hmm... Now, how can I fit that in... And where can I go????

[Mystic]

Could be included Cascade, but no photoshopping is a tricky one to figure. For example, both Shane and I shoot in RAW, as I am sure do others. Those have to be converted somehow, and will show photoshop in the EXIF data.

Will have a chat with Shane when he gets back from his current wanders and see what we can come up with

[Cascade]

Hehe I shoot in the Raw sometimes as well....................

[midgetyone]

Hmmm I tend to think that panoramas should be included in the rules as it may be hard to completely capture a whole yard of lights......

[Cascade]

midgetyone, on 21 December 2010 - 04:39 PM, said:

Hmmm I tend to think that panoramas should be included in the rules as it may be hard to completely capture a whole yard of lights......

Would be covered under "Anything goes"

Mystic... I believe most higher end camera's also allow you to shoot raw & jpg together.

[Mystic]

True Cascade, and there is always the option to shoot in straight JPEG mode. I think I would have to RTFM to figure out how to do it though

The main problem I see though is how to tell if post processing has been done? EXIF data can be stripped or changed to anything a person wants it to be.

The original idea did state this was just to be a fun kind of thing......

[midgetyone]

Surely people can take it as a fun thing on the shoulders? Like if rules say don't edit where's the fun in cheating? Cheating is eliminating challenge. Should just come back to having a conscience and feeling the guilt of stripping something from someone that was honest to you in the comp.

Give it your best crack and may the best win. There is more than enough help in this community to ask advice. Never be to proud to ask.

[Cascade]

Not sure why my original sugestion created so much discussion and I never even suggested anything about anyone cheating.

Simply put....2 types of entry. And it would still be fun to do. Either 1 entry in either catagory or even 2 entries per person with 1 in each catagory.

Catagory 1) Use your photographic skills to create a properly exposed photo using existing light with your bare camera and whatever lens you choose.

Catagory 2) Get your photo / photo's and present them anyway you choose whether it be a panorama, OOB, HDR or any other method of manipulation.

I would imagine that a 5 or 6 shot HDR could be fairly speccy and would likely ensure all of the lighting display was captured.

Having made my sugestion thinking that option 1 might create more of a challenge for members, I'll pull my head in again and abide by whatever the final decision turnes out to be.

[Mystic]

Just to clarify your suggestion a bit further Cascade...you are suggesting that any image that has had basic contrast adjustments should be classed the same as something that has been completely photoshopped into an OOB or an HDR?

[dave]

I think what cascade is saying is

#1 straight off camera, no manipulation whatsoever, not even basic lightining or darkening, it is "as shot"

#2 whatever floats your boat, PP to your hearts content

I think there should be a #3 in here as well just to confuse things even more, a category for a P.S. with no PP

[Shane V]

OK...I thought this was supposed to be a bit of fun???

Let's just chuck em all in the same category and see which one takes the cake.

Mystic and I have discussed this and have decided to leave the rules as they stand to avoid confusion.

[midgetyone]

for fun

So in clarification... Straight shot/no editing or anything goes?

[Mystic]

The idea was to simply have a fun competition, or to have some simple fun. Post what you will please and try and have fun doing it..

I have personally been involved, on other websites, with trying to organise competitions that required no post processing to be carried out on an image. It has always led to arguments, because, ultimately, there is absolutely no way to tell if an image has been processed. All EXIF tags can be manipulated with ease (Google EXIF editor). I do an absolute minimum pf post processing on the vast majority of my shots because my photoshop skills are crap. Yet, I manage to post to competitions in various places, competing against people with excellent post processing skills, and still manage to carry off respectable results.

The key word in the original concept was "FUN", so let's keep the rules very, VERY simple, and see what comes.

Now, do you all think we might return this thread to the original topic and see some pretty lights posted in a non-competitive spirit.

[midgetyone]

Allow me to make a start



Only house for miles with lights