A pleasant good day to all of you talented photogs!
And hello to the non-talented ones too. Kidding! Just kidding!!
This week we had a secret guest judge @condra who dedicated his time to review every single entry and make the difficult decisions! He is a great photographer, and you should take a look at his page.
I also went through all the entries and must reiterate how many great shots we have pouring in each weekend. I mean, just look at the photographs in this post alone! Make sure you go through the #steemitphotochallenge and upvote your favourites, spread the love!
@condra has written a few sentences for each of the winners, which is a nice touch.
I agree with his picks for SPC #4, do you?
Without further ado..
Honourable Mentions — 10 Steem Each!
"@trisnawati entered the contest more than 3 times so, as per the rules, we only considered her first 3 entries. Luckily, all her entries were superb. More impressive again, the fact that all her work is shot with a cellphone and “lensbong” adapter. This butterfly is simply stunning, and the sharp focus on the eye is very impressive. "
--
"These beautiful wild dandelions are great photo subjects, and the hazy (evening/morning) light adds a sense of ethereal calmness. The shallow depth of field and side lighting give an immersive “3d” feel. "
--
"The details of this lily flower are sharply captured in this photo. Composition is great, with the flower “facing” into the negative space. The colour edit is a bit on the extreme side for my taste, but it’s a great capture by any measure."
--
"This simple composition is beautifully lit and shot. The red ladybird stands out perfectly from the green leaves, especially with the water droplets and highlight across its wing. The photo submitted was very low resolution and limited technical details, which perhaps made it harder to fully appreciate."
--
"All three of @emilyjane’s submissions were great, but the frog really caught my eye. The marriage of perfect focus, soft lighting and simple compositions were key to the brilliance of all 3 of @emilyjane’s submissions."
--
"The foliage of an evergreen tree might not usually make for such a compelling photo, but @minion draws our attention to a water droplet which may be about to fall off. The extra layers of foreground and background give extra depth to an otherwise simple shot. Notice there are only two main colour tones, green and brown. Simplicity is often paramount to the success of a macro photo."
Third Place — 50 Steem!
@bebecitosfotos - The Forlorn Flower
"Both of @bebecitosfotos’s entries this week were stunning, but this “Forlorn Flower” was outstanding. Even without the clever title, the pose of the flower, along with the droplets of water give a sort of forlorn anthropomorphic sense to the subject, bringing an otherwise mundane subject to life. Composition is simple and effective with no unnecessary elements and the subtle editing draws our attention immediately to the subject. Technically and conceptually excellent."
Second Place — 100 Steem!
@dercoco - Barney the Leopard Gecko
"Barney the Leopard Gecko is the perfect subject for a macro photograph. His striking eyes are in perfect focus, giving the photo a certain shock value. The “uplight” is unusual, and perfect to increase edge to this subject matter. Again, the background is simple. Without distraction, giving the image perfect graphical impact."
First Place — 150 Steem!
"Shot with reasonably modest kit, this stunningly colourful photo captures a bee at a flower at the perfect moment, in the perfect light. Focus at the near side of the eye allows us to see the most important details, while a shallow depth of field blurs out background distractions. A brilliant macro shot, it is very simple at a glance, yet enjoyable to study in detail. @mweich has been posting stunning photography on Steemit for the past week that has mostly gone unnoticed. Hopefully winning this contest will help get him the exposure he deserves. "
Please give me some feedback on this challenge.
What would you change? What would you take out?
Are you all getting sick of these?!
What kind of prizes would you like to see?
Leave some feedback in the comments below so that I can know what you're all thinking about the Steemit Photo Challenge.
Personally, I'd like to see more Steemit Originals, meaning photographs that were taken specifically for the competition, with a little blurb about the day / shoot.
Thanks to @condra, @berniesanders and all the photographers that submitted this weekend!
See you this weekend for SPC #5!
Congrats to everyone, and forgive me if you didn't place. It wasn't easy to omit so many amazing shots. The standard was very high and there were hundreds of submissions. Huge love for all the Steemit #photography community.
It's always great entering these challenges regardless of placing as it really gets your creative juices flowing - thinking of shots to take and finding the right ones!
Just hosting the contest has inspired me to get back out there shooting! I see so much great work, I am inspired.
Good work @condra, it's hard work going through all the submissions and judging!
I am very honoured to be mentioned and quite surprised because I consider myself the most amateur of amateurs. Thank you so much! And also, those el-cheapo extension tubes were worth every cent (I think they cost about $10), so for anyone who can't afford a good macro lens they're a great alternative.
You have a great eye IMO
Well, you have a terrific eye - great choices for the winners, stunning shots. Also thanks heaps to you and @jamtaylor for your efforts, much appreciated and I plan on entering the comp regularly to improve my photography.
Thank you for your efforts @condra! Fair choice!
wow! thanks for the support, esp @berniesanders! Thanks so much.
Amazing Entries once again this weekend! The talent here on steemit just keeps on growing with each #SteemitPhotoChallenge and I feel it's 100% a direct result of this trending topic. So be proud of your work and if you didn't make it into the Top 3 don't even think about giving up, the computation is tuff and @condra had a difficult time deciding I'm sure.
Honourable Mentions
@kristylynn I really enjoyed this photo! It reminded me of when I was a kid grabbing dandelions at every change and blowing them all over the place! My father absolutely hated this because they would end up growing all over his lawn. Great work with the depth and the color is very pleasing. Thank you for bring back some old memories.
@minion I tried to capture a very similar shot during my little exploration last sunday morning. I of course failed to get such a crisp, captivating, and Super Lush photo if you can describ the vibrant green colors this way. Great job on capturing that moment right before the water droplet escapes the branch , not easy and patience is required.
Finalist
@bebecitosfotos This flower is epic! The clarity and brightness is spot on and even the viewed in post and at lower resolution it still comes off as perfectly in focus (always a very difficult thing to do while using Macro). The background is just muted enough to capture a actual backdrop while not taking away fro the foreground image. Excellent work.
@dercoco What can I say about this one... how about EYES. I have always loved the reptile eye, Great Work.
@mweich This is spot on! Being able to capture the pollen on the Bee's legs was a great feat I tell you that, while still keeping other expects and depths of the photo in great focus is even harder, very still hand you must have! The angle of the photo and the choice of background imagery defiantly gave this photo an edge when it came to being Macro. The background is often forgot when capturing with Macro even thought it plays such a big role, you seem to have a very good eye for it. And Congratulations! on taking First Place!
Again I can't say it enough great job everyone, keep it up!
Can't wait for next weekend's challenge @jamtaylor make it a good one ;)
Blue
Wow, these are some really great photographs and it looks like steemit is attracting some professionals now based on the signatures. That is pretty dope! This challenge is so fun. I looking forward to finding out the subject of the next challenge. Take care photo friends!
Also from me a congrats to everyone. Great round again, so many great shots were submitted again. The amount of outstanding photos is growing from week to week.
And thank you so much for the honourable mention :D
Big thanks to @jamtaylor for this great challenge and his superb curating! It really inspired me to get closer to the subjects of my photography. Also, to @condra for offering his time to the community. Keep em' coming!
congrats to winners!! I honestly don't get the Gecko shot, that focus is throwing me off a bit :P my personal favorites are @kristylynn dandelions and @mweich bee of course! :P
Thanks so much @nat4ka!
Congrats to all the winners! I really liked this week's theme @jamtaylor, made me take more notice and appreciate the finer detail in my surroundings which is easily overlooked day to day. So thanks! Already looking forward to the next challenge :)
forgot to add a feedback on the challenge itself. Its an awesome idea in general, some creative thinking is definitely a great way to relax after stressful work day, plus it gets your ass of the couch to actually go do something outside your home ;P I think its only fair if pictures running for the prize are taken for the contest specifically, or at least within a certain time frame. Lets say you announce the theme on Monday and give everyone a week, that means all contestant must take the shot during this week and don't use your previous works. I feel like that gives a fair start to us all, pros and nonpros.
Also have this though, Idk if that will work, but here is the idea : what if the winner of current challenge will be judging next one or help judge or pick the theme :P
Thanks for the feedback, some things I can think about
my pleasure ;D
I've included an 'originals only' policy with verification for the new theme, based on your feedback.
Will keep posting until I am the winner.
That's the spirit!
Is that a threat?!
of course not, just will do my best.
Me too ;-)
This really makes me go for being an aspired photogs. I capture some photos outside my house usibg my crappy phone. Had several shots from bugs and flies lol. I thought they were not suitable for macro theme but then I see some winning photos here just like mine(regardless of the quality :( ). pwehh...I will never give up to be a good photogs. Im looking forward for the next theme. Congrats anyway to the winners!
Congratulations to everyone who won! You guys/gals deserve it.
I'm gonna go and weep until I'm out of vim.
See you guys in the next week's challenge!
Its okay, that i didnt won.
The pictures that won are definetly the better ones.
I will love to be part of this challenge.
I want you guys to put the next theme of something that is related to society or human faces may be.
Please look into consideration
Congrats to winners.
Great work @jamtaylor
Good choices @condra
WOW, I'm floored! Thank you so very much for choosing my entry!
I honestly didn't expect to do so well as there was a lot of great shots that I saw submitted for the contest!
Thank you very much!
@jamtaylor i dont do photography myself but i snapped a picture of the aftermath of a local music festival. its spreads accross two fields and a beach, trying to raise awareness about not screwing the land we live on up. Basic respect! The only picture i have taken in like 2 years aswell so it's a good effort but i wanted to highlight the damage that was caused to local wild life and sea life! :(
https://steemit.com/steemit/@egjoshslim/why-do-humans-go-out-of-their-way-to-destroy-this-planet/
I like most ....... @dercoco - Barney the Leopard Gecko
I think this photo is the best .
There's no way I cannot upvote this comment.. Thanks! :)
Great post, upvoted! I love animals too. My dogs just joined SteemIt - check it out :)
Golden Retriever Puppies Ranger and Gracie are Now On SteemIt! (( Click Here For Super Happy Underwater Dog Swimming Video :) ))
Congrats to everyone :) willing to participate in the next challenge, wish me luck !!
Wonderful photo. I liked it too
Thank you
I love that 3rd place shot!
Good photos from winners!
Congrats all, great work!
#2 is my favorite. Nice contest.
Thanks so much for doing this! It's great to see so many wonderful pictures and people being inspired to take them by your posts : )
P.S. How did you get that follow button?!
He made it ;)
congratulations for the winners, beautiful photos @jamtaylor , see more the next photo challenge
Beautiful photos. :)
Congrats to all - fabulous photos!
Awesome shots, gotta say that third place is my fave. Judging has got to be hard!
Congrats to the winners !
What, "Chinese Finger Trap" is too raunchy for y'all? :P
https://steemit.com/steemitphotochallange/@laissezfairedr/beetle-porn-steemitphotochallenge
Beautiful work, photogs! :)
Congrats to everyone,
you know her @trisnawati ? she has the same account @jerseymason she uses a new account due to low ratings
Could you please add the cameras and lenses that were used to shoot the photos?
Fantastic photo's... and an excellent initiative. {note to self...'remember to vote each week'}
Sorry, one more thing...could you possible have a start and end date when opening the challenge? Would just help ensure we post our photo's timeously and to the correct thread ..... tia
Well, it's always from the time of announcement to Sunday midnight GMT-4, those are in the rules in each announcement post.
Sure, but you could be on Challenge #7 and I am stumble across Challenge #6 thread ..... and post against that one.
Ah yes I understand now. Thanks for the feedback.
I took your feedback and included dates for the new theme.
Thanks, and I did include a reference to you and your photo challenge in my latest blog post. It did not exactly go viral....{grin}.... {shrug}. Camera locked and loaded, heading off to Lion's Head again to morrow.....maybe see something to inspire. Keep up the good work !!
Cool :)
https://steemit.com/art/@dararzhv/one-of-the-squad-s-most-manipulative-members-by-dararzhv
All of these photos were simply breathtaking, so beautiful really !! So it would seem we have some very serious photographers in this growing and beautiful community of Steem !
These are really awesome shots.. Thanks for sharing
Congratulations to all the winners and to Steemit with so much talent. Thanks for sharing your talent.
Nice photo! I am a photographer too. You call on me.
Thanks for the honourable mention!! I just saw this :) thanks @jamtaylor & @contra