Went to the Oslo Kamera Klubb meeting this evening, and for the first time I brought slides for the “picture of the evening contest”. The contest rules are as follows: up to two pictures per person (or, rather, member, which is why I didn’t bring any last time, I hadn’t paid my membership fee yet – I have now), the evening’s guest speaker is the sole judge. From the entered pictures (s)he discards between two thirds and three fourths, and then ranks the “winners” into 3rd, 2nd and 1st places (as many of each as (s)he likes), and finally choses one as the picture of the evening. The judge also comments on the pictures, especially the ones that are discarded – pointing out the reasons for why the picture doesn’t quite make it. As each picture is measured against the other pictures that evening, a lot of the comments tend to be “this is a good picture but it is not quite as good as some of the other pictures tonight”, which is a soft option as rejection goes. A good thing too. As I said, I brought my first two pictures today, and neither of them made it, though he hesitated over one of them (reassuringly). It was, of course, interesting to get a professional opinion, and my reasonable self agreed with the judgement, at least as far as most of the winners being better than mine. However, the majority of my various selves are not all that reasonable and were all screaming “WHY? WHY? Unsophisticated idiot! Uncultured moron! Thou foul and pestilent congregation of vapours!” and similar (though less suited for publication) unflattering epithets at the judge, though not out loud, I am happy to say. I guess I could call it an interesting experience, combining character building (the ability to accept constructive criticism being quite useful in life, I’ve been told) with (hopefully) a bettered understanding of the art of photography. I guess I will bring some pictures next time, too – and as it’s “any motive” rather than a theme, maybe I will spend a little more time assessing the potential entries for technical composition rather than appropriateness of motive.
I am also left wondering whether I would have been included in the select few if I’d chosen one of the other pictures I have from that day – same motive, different composition. Cooly assessed, I think it might be a better picture, but I’ve sort of seen it too many times, which is why I left it at home yesterday. Hm.
Anyway, I’m sure the constructive criticism was good for me. Really, I am.
I think.
Thursday night is the first night of the beginner’s course. More constructive criticism in store. Yay! (I think.)
Voice in my head: George Michael singing Freedom