Caedes

Contest Topic Poll

All Contests Results Entries Topic Poll

Ended 05/16/10 12:15 AM GMT
Winner: lsdsoft (See the full results)

Poll: Topic for contest starting Sat Apr 24

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Voting ends 04/25/10 12:15 AM GMT

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.Cherry79
04/18/10 1:29 AM GMT
I see so many beautiful shot on here of all sorts of commonly help beautiful things. Without ugly, how do we know what's beautiful for comparison? I suggest we look around for something ugly and make it look GOOD.
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For in and out, above, about, below, 'Tis nothing but a Magic Shadow-show, Play'd in a Box whose Candle is the Sun, Round which we Phantom Figures come and go. From Edward Fitzgerald's Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
.zunazet
04/18/10 1:38 AM GMT
Depth of Field / Blur / Bokeh is a great contest idea that can apply to all visual art. See this link ( Thanks Les ) for some great examples including a few non photographic digital art examples.

Some Depth of Field / Blur examples
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+purmusic
04/18/10 4:14 AM GMT
Refinement on the theme/concept/idea of "Depth of Field":

Create an image wherein, the depth of field/blur/bokeh ... is visually, equally weighted to that of your subject matter.

Or, in other words ... that creates some interest beyond that of the subject/focus of your image.


Ask yourself these questions to see if you have achieved and met the 'guidelines' for this challenge/contest:

Have I composed, made best use of this technique ... to guide my viewer's eyes to where I want them to go? And ...

Stirred some senses by providing a backdrop/background(/foreground, perhaps?) ... that creates some kind of aesthetic and artistic interest in that element itself?

___________________________________________________________



However, I do like the suggestion of "Depth of Field". And cast my vote accordingly.

Time to branch out and explore your respective chosen genres of art some more.

If not, and I would think at the bare minimum ... to at least investigate the creative possibilities of the equipment or 'tools' of your trade. :o)
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"There is always something waiting at the end of the road ... if you're not willing to see what it is ... you probably shouldn't be out there in the first place."
::twinkel
04/18/10 5:08 AM GMT
Depth of Field (DOF) has my vote :o))

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Carpe Diem!
::verenabloo
04/18/10 6:18 AM GMT
I have seen such beautiful patterns made by nature itself. Such as the grasses making a design on the sand when the winds blow them. Or the way the water washes onto the shore, leaving patterns from seashells and seaweed. It takes a keen eye to see some of these, but there are so many all around us. Just an idea. *Verena*
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I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.
::coram9
04/18/10 6:50 AM GMT
Going for Patters in nature. I saw an article on this in Nat. Geo. and there are some stunning pictures. There are also many examples of Ceadians posting similar images. It offers a lot of possibilities, from dandelion flowers to raindrops and so should be available to everyone. For fractalists, well, fractals appear in nature all the time (ferns, broccoli etc) and so some natural looking fractals would also make good images.
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.toxiccosmic
04/18/10 7:02 AM GMT
Ugly.. now there's food for thought!
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Life is Sweet! (Terms & conditions apply)
+purmusic
04/18/10 10:22 AM GMT
Well, I can't speak for David; aka zunazet ... but I will add some thoughts on my choice and vote for "Depth of Field".


First off, I think Verena's suggestion/voting option is a wonderful one. And would like to see it come to fruition as a contest theme in the near future. Just not now. Purely on the consideration of seasonality.

Once things warm up some, I believe the photographic opportunities for such an idea will open up that much more for most everyone. And hopefully, not too late in the fall for our fellow Caedesians in the Southern Hemisphere.

And I would be so bold as to suggest a slight refinement and simplification from that of "Patterns in Nature" to just ... "Patterns". That should surely open it open for all manners and genres of art. Both, photography and digital/CGI (fractals, Bryce, Vue, and and and ...).


Cherry 79's idea is also a good good one. Although I think it is too close to that of a recently held contest, namely; "Beauty in Decay". I do, however, appreciate the time invested in the explanation. :o)


Now then, why "Depth of Field"?

Reiterating parts of my post above;

I do think that this theme/idea/subject ... will encourage some experimentation. ("Time to branch out and explore your respective chosen genres of art some more.")

In viewing images, reading accompanying image's narratives wherein the authors have included makes and models, discussion posts and threads ... most of you have the 'tools' at your disposal and literally at your fingertips to do a really good good job and turn in some excellent imagery on the note of 'DOF', blur or more definitively ... bokeh.

But ... I don't see much in the way of stepping outside comfort zones, looking the evil "C" word in the face ... and daring to be different. This is an effort ... a challenge ... a contest ... to try to get people to take a moment and learn more about the resources they have at hand. Simply put. ("If not, and I would think at the bare minimum ... to at least investigate the creative possibilities of the equipment or 'tools' of your trade.")


I stepped in on the last poll, because I thought that the site's galleries would be full of 'spring-like' imagery anyways, within the time-frame of the contest when it was scheduled to run.

It would have been hard to separate those images that belonged to the contest galleries from those of the new images. At least there was some delineation achieved by promoting "Framing" to the top of the polls.

And dare I say, given the number of entries ... which surpassed that of the last few run contests ... it was a success in that regard.


I still have a few ideas for themes for future contests up my sleeve, but, am going to hold off ... till ... best be seated here, dear reading audience ... complacency sits in once more. Or, perhaps more appropriately ... bewilderment, as to how to put forth an idea that is as inclusive as possible to the membership. So ...


"Patterns" might be more suitable next go round, or the one after at the latest ... and at that time, it will have my vote for whatever that vote is worth.

"Animals" as it stands, would preclude CGI artists for the most part. "Kitchen Art", again, sounds more like a photographic theme. Could be wrong, but ... with no explanation proffered ... I am assuming this.


That is not say, perusing the list of options thus far ... that "Blue", "Action or Motion" (this one can be incorporated into and within the framework of 'DOF' most assuredly in my mind), "Image and words" (might need to offer up some words on this one, a brief explanation, as it has been suggested ... in the past ... to combine images and poetry, quotes; inspirational or otherwise, etc.) ... are not worthy considerations or options in their own right.

We ... shall see. :o)
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"There is always something waiting at the end of the road ... if you're not willing to see what it is ... you probably shouldn't be out there in the first place."
+purmusic
04/18/10 11:51 AM GMT
/\ The above is a précis of the original post.

:oP
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"There is always something waiting at the end of the road ... if you're not willing to see what it is ... you probably shouldn't be out there in the first place."
+purmusic
04/18/10 12:13 AM GMT
A basic primer on 'DOF' for the fractologists (Apophysians, at least):

"Simple 3D Julian and DOF Tutorial" ... by =Meckie @deviantart.com.


Side note: In the Adjust window of Apo7X, the "Depth Of Field" (DOF) is now called "Depth Blur" and is located above the "Pitch" value.
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"There is always something waiting at the end of the road ... if you're not willing to see what it is ... you probably shouldn't be out there in the first place."
.Stevenn120
04/18/10 1:05 PM GMT
I read in the discussion about DOF so as soon as the contest was over, This was my first choice,an entered it as the first. Lets have fun..That said we still need anonomus entrys. Looks at previous winners ALL the best, or the group, an to many friends.. No rant just lookin a logic.Why enter if there is not chance of placing? (( Ducking ))
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.zunazet
04/18/10 3:34 PM GMT
I would welcome an anonymous system if it were implemented Steve. Though I would most likely recognize the work of my friends even if it were anonymous. Just saying, It may not make any difference any way. As for my vote, it would remain impartial either way.

I think blue, patterns, and Action or Motion are some fantastic options and hope if none are chosen for this time around that they will be in the future.
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+purmusic
04/18/10 4:13 PM GMT
Is it just me?

Or, has anyone else noticed that posts to threads seem to be getting longer these days?


:oD
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"There is always something waiting at the end of the road ... if you're not willing to see what it is ... you probably shouldn't be out there in the first place."
.genghis2510
04/18/10 4:34 PM GMT
Still life pertains to inanimate objects that we see so often. Easy to behold but difficult to depict properly in photos. It can be a spoon and fork, a grandfather clock, antiques, an old mannequin, a derby hat, etc.
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::busybottle
04/18/10 5:36 PM GMT
Depth of field.....Hey why not? I feel it presents a challenge and there should be some nice pictures popping in for the contest. I on the other hand suck at this kind of thing but I guess that is a good reason for contests, you have to learn in a hurry! Depth of field has a nice ring to it!
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::tealeaves
04/18/10 6:45 PM GMT
My suggestion was that of "Kitchen Art". I see a lot of abstract designs in kitchens of today, so I believe it would not leave out CGI artists. It also ties into "DOF", "Patterns", as well as "Still Life".
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*Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep. ~Scott Adams*
::Con_
04/19/10 12:57 AM GMT
Just you, Les! :o)
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MGBWYA
=Samatar
04/19/10 1:14 AM GMT
Good to see so many topic suggestions. It definitely shows that people still have a strong interest in keeping these contests running.

My vote is still going with the majority though. Feeling inspired after seeing that thread on bokeh...
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-Everyone is entitled to my opinion-
::verenabloo
04/19/10 1:48 AM GMT
But I think the point on Patterns in Nature, is just that, to make one more aware of what natures capabilities are. It actually takes a bit of doing to find those patterns. Its very enjoyable to work that brain. lol....Its really kewl that many are aware of ideas for these contests. I agree with Sam on that one. I like still life idea too. One way or another, this gives people a chance to think and work on whatever there is. We all learn so much here. Verena
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I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.
::twinkel
04/19/10 8:26 AM GMT

I am with Stevenn120 and Zunazet about an anonymous system, like the one, that the entry only can be watched/comment in the contest gallery without any name underneith it.

When the contest is closed and there is a winner, than the pictures of this contest can be put in the galleries of those who joined the contest.
I guess with having a system like this or something like this everyone has a chance to win and not only friends of friends of friends etc. etc.
By using such a system like this, the judges have to vote on a picture and not on a name (friend) behind the picture.


But methinks that's a lot of work for the moderators, but it's worth thinking about it.




And I am still thinking that Depth of Field (DOF) or Bokeh is an excellent choice for a contest.

Let see how creative we are with Bokeh or DOF :o)

*is cleaning her lens, charge the battery for the new DOF contest :oD*
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Carpe Diem!
+philcUK
04/19/10 10:46 AM GMT
can you render fractals with DOF? I know you can add it to Bryce and Vue renders but the extra calculations would also mean the render took longer than the contest period most likely.
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A smart bomb is only as clever as the idiot that tells it what to do
+purmusic
04/20/10 3:14 AM GMT
The 'DOF' or 'Depth Blur' doesn't work the same in Apophysis, Phil, as in the other programs/software you make mention of in your post.

I think it is more like that of what the Filter Radius setting in the Render window dialogue does in conjunction with the Over Sample setting ... towards the ends of anti-aliasing.

Just slightly different.

Although the exact nature is not known to me.

As a trial (of sorts) ... I employed the Depth Blur on a fractal I recently rendered. The original took over 10 hours in rendering time ... changing the setting actually reduced the render time.

So, explaining this in a pedestrian manner and as best I can ... might be something akin to that of applying a selective Gaussian blur to the flame ... prior ... to rendering.

Quite rudimentary, however, depending on the base flame ... it does work to produce the desired effect.
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"There is always something waiting at the end of the road ... if you're not willing to see what it is ... you probably shouldn't be out there in the first place."
=Samatar
04/21/10 4:19 AM GMT
Twinkel: I don't think anonymous posts would be that helpful in stamping out favoritism (assuming it is a factor) as it would be pretty easy for anyone to tell their friends which image was theirs, or just leave their name in the notes; additionally there are still those who claim that favoritism is a factor in the c-index and that is already anonymous... I think the idea there is that long term members can easily recognise the style of their friends.

I could be mistaken but I think that past contest results (at least recently) always seemed to reflect the best entries and the winners are often new to the site...
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-Everyone is entitled to my opinion-
+philcUK
04/21/10 10:07 AM GMT
Sam - the c-index thing was more a case of the treacles systematically abusing a 'loophole' in the system for want of a better term once they discovered it thinking it was going unnoticed that didn't require a particular recognition factor as such - its still evident today but to much lesser degree.

in that respect - anonymous contest uploads could fair a little better but when there's a will there's always a way sadly.
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A smart bomb is only as clever as the idiot that tells it what to do
.Stevenn120
04/22/10 8:37 PM GMT
Sorry I was thinking outloud.
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::Mythmaker
04/24/10 6:40 AM GMT
Lemmings in their natural environment. ROFLMAO. :)))))))) That would be a nice challenge for those of us who live far far away from Lemmingsville. I live in a Public Service (Govmint) town, I can probably find plenty of "lemmings" to photograph here. :) All the same, Depth of field it is, I will be fascinated to see the entries for this one. (Scratches head, wanders off to remind hisself about dof.)
Mikel.
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It is not "The powerful attack the weak." it is "The fearful attack what they fear."
=Samatar
04/25/10 11:36 PM GMT
Excellent choice... I'm looking forward to this one.
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-Everyone is entitled to my opinion-

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