What Makes a Photo Stand Out

L

Lawrence

Senior Member
Okay so I took a photo and entered in my local camera club's monthly contest. My first month I was a C-grade - everyone starts there and it is nothing to be proud about simply because it is a starting point.
The photo in question got an "honours" for C-grade and was instrumental in moving me up to B-grade - a bit of pride and bragging there.

Then the following month they asked for submissions from members for a competition involving 5 different clubs. I got an e-mail from the committee asking me if they could use my photo. I was flattered - of course - as there were something like 80 odd entries and only 15 chosen.

The photo is question was a spur of the moment thing (also features in my 365 thread) and the "in the know' crowd at the club seem to love it.

Considering the subject I am amazed at the response.
The photo in question?

The Job isn't over until the paperwork is done copy.jpg

So what makes it good or is it just good compared to my clubs other entries?
To add to that though there are some really good photos going in.

To further boost our club's chances they have suggested that we have the photos printed.
I know @wud liked this photo and I may just send her the print after the competition - assuming I get it back. :)
 
R

Rick M

Senior Member
It has a lot of elements working for it, lighting, composition, texture. I'm a bit troubled that it appears the roll is torn and not being unrolled uniformly, it's stressing me out :).
 
hark

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
The roll is hanging backwards, mate! Nice composition and texture as someone noted. The highlights look to be a little blown out and possibly it might have captured a little more interest if the end of the roll was dangling down more. No wonder you lost a letter grade because who's gonna be able to grab it in a pinch?!! ;)
 
L

Lawrence

Senior Member
The Judges report card had this to say:

 "Good use of light and shade with strong diagonal lines. Good texture on the wall. Maybe a little more detail in the paper but a goodimage."


 
M

Moab Man

Senior Member
A little hot on the toilet paper. Beautiful shadows. What makes the picture for me is capture of something so blah, it's a roll of toilet paper, but shown so differently.

Keep in mind, photo contests are so subjective. The last Scott Kelby worldwide photo walk where he picks the final winner, while a great photo, there was far better photos submitted - but to his eye the one that won was the best. Very subjective.
 
wud

wud

Senior Member
Lawrence said:
I know @wud liked this photo and I may just send her the print after the competition - assuming I get it back. :)
Click to expand...

Yeeeeeees, do it!!

It's so good. The sun, the shadows, the contrast between white and black and very much the structure. Makes me wanna go shoot b/w.


Sent from Tapatalk
 
L

Lawrence

Senior Member
Moab Man said:
A little hot on the toilet paper. Beautiful shadows. What makes the picture for me is capture of something so blah, it's a roll of toilet paper, but shown so differently.

Keep in mind, photo contests are so subjective. The last Scott Kelby worldwide photo walk where he picks the final winner, while a great photo, there was far better photos submitted - but to his eye the one that won was the best. Very subjective.
Click to expand...

I agree totally about the subjective thing and have no expectations of this. Its just that the original "result" surprised me and the continued interest in it is weird.
I do enjoy hearing judges comments though. Makes for some more learning.
 
D

Deezey

Senior Member
Maybe your image just reminded the judges they need more fiber? After all, you need the viewer to connect to the image.

but then again, maybe it is just because it was a great capture?!
 
BackdoorArts

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
Having not seen the other photos from the club I can't comment as to why this one and not others. But as for what is "good" about this photo...


  • It's compositionally sound
  • There is a good balance of light and dark areas, with the lines leading you to the subject of the photo
  • The texture of the wall gives you something a little more than just wall, light and "moon floss" :)
  • The subject is immediately recognizable and relatable.

People like familiarity, and while this isn't a photo you see a lot, the elements are all immediately familiar, so there's no stretching to try and figure out the art in the photo. That doesn't mean it's not there, and please don't take that as a dig. There's is keen art in simplicity, and you've captured that extremely well.

Critiques? As was mentioned, the roll is a little blown out on the top. And personally, there is something about verticals in full frame (2:3) format that always leave me feeling like it's squeezed. Cropping from the top at 5x7 or 8.5 x 11 suited me a little better. It would make it easier to find a frame to hang in the WC as well. ;)
 
S

sonicbuffalo_RIP

Senior Member
I love action shots like yours! (just kidding)....seriously, how many shots did you take? I'm assuming you did not use a tripod. Tell us more about your settings and why you chose the settings the way you did? Here's hoping I will learn something!
 
Top