Interesting event, farcical results

[Dabow]

I entered the Canon PhotoMarathon with muted interest. I must admit I don't normally take part in this sort of thing. History has taught me that the end results can often be disappointing, invariably because the winning entries do not reflect the overall caliber of content submitted. Unfortunately this event, although relatively well organised and fun to be involved in (if not incredibly tiring) was to be no exception. In fact, I'd probably go so far as to say the outcome was the most awkward I've seen yet, and there seemed to be more than a few looks of disbelief amongst the audience when the results were given.

There were three themes specified at three hour intervals, each of which had to be completed and submitted for judging before the three hours allotted for each expired. These were 'Malaysia Leads', 'Lunch Break' and 'Abandoned Lot'. Timing for submission was supposed to be strict and, as expected, queues developed during the end of each as participants rushed to get their entries in. So, for the first theme some lenience was given to those queuing as the stations struggled to cope with the load. Fair enough... but we were told no such kindness would be shown again.

So it went throughout the day until all were done and it came to the judging. The judging panel of three, I'm afraid I don't recall who they were or their qualifications, had decreed that submissions would be adjudicated on relevance to theme, interpretation, colour, composition, etc. To me the whole idea of having a theme in the first place is to try and produce an image with some form of bearing on it... but I'll come back to this in a minute.

The entrants amounted to just over 200, and I think some may have dropped out during the day as there were gaps in the numbering when the images were displayed. Either that or they didn't make the timeout. The age range and skill level appeared wide and varied, from under 16 I think to over 50 (est.). Some people with simple point and shoots, to others that looked like they were going on a mammoth trekking expedition in the Amazon rainforest. One guy in particular who must've had every bit of kit he owned strapped to him... pity his feet at the end of the day!

So, judging arrived and the first two theme winners were announced - a 16 year old boy with an interesting shot of a friend leaping in front of the Petronas Towers (worked well and was certainly better than the two runners up in the 'Malaysia Leads' category. Well done!... but weren't you the one 20 mins late for submission... not down to queuing but just, well, late? Erm... yes, but it was a good image and as lenience was given for queuing then why not go the whole hog? Fair enough and congrats. As for the runners up in this category... I'm sorry but they really didn't deserve to be there.

On to the second theme 'Lunch Break', and there were some genuinely good and creative images submitted for this one. I looked forward to worthy winners... and they were a security guard taking lunch, construction workers doing likewise, and a slow sync shot of a woman carrying a plate in what looked like a food court. But... but... what about the lovely shot of the cat licking it's lips over a bone... the old woman eating, with all that character in her face... and so many more entries streaks ahead?? Sorry folks, but this ain't your day. The judges decisions are final... however bizarre!

And we marched on to the final theme, 'Abandoned Lot'. Here again there were some nice, moody entries that conveyed the theme well. Not only that, but they embodied the subject, namely being abandoned and a lot of some sort. So what won? Well, here I got a bit confused... Of the three images there was a shot of some tramps feet, a shot of a graveyard and a shot of an abandoned lot (hurrah for being on theme) with the KL Tower behind it (hmmm). Looking around there were more than a few jaws dropped, eyes of disbelief expressions, and rightly so. Were the judges even looking at the same images as the rest of us? Why had they ignored all of the other entries that were so much better and relevant to theme?? One can only wonder. One of the shots, the KL Tower one, was actually projected sideways, leaving me to wonder whether the judges had judged it that way. At this stage nothing would have surprised. As to which one won overall, I'm still not sure :s

But wait, there's more. Two of the nine lucky winners were going to Japan! These would be the Best of Show and 1st runner up. 1st runner up is... the 16 year old boy! Well done son and Christmas has come early. And so on to the overall winner..... drum roll... the graveyard shot!! What??? Oh dear... more looks of disbelief from the crowd followed by muted applause and a few shaking heads. But someone was happy, the lucky winner. He was fairly bouncing around on stage, also with a look of disbelief, and given the quality of the field who can blame him?!

In closing, for the winners a genuine well done and congrats! You came, you photographed, you conquered… enjoy your prizes and trips. For the judges… come back to earth and please get a clue on how to do your job. You listed the criteria for judging yet steered wildly away from it – anything was fair game and that showed in the poor results. I hope you’re not regulars at this sort of thing. For Canon – thanks for hosting the event. It was fun, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and it was nice to do something a little bit different (hint: choose suitably qualified judges next time though). To everyone else who took part (that didn’t win) – my commiserations. For those of you who went the extra mile and produced quality images that met the (supposed) criteria – better luck next time. Try not to be too downhearted that you were overshadowed by inferior images on the day. Finally, to the guy who’d strapped his entire kit to himself… I bet your legs are suffering today!

[sinister]

so.. did u win dabow?

[Dabow]

Yeah... I was the 16 year old! :/

Nay lad, I was not one of the lucky ones (nor did I actually care to be).

[Magical]

I was there to observe and hoping to see some really good photos and there was!! Sad to say, none of those actually won and it really fits the theme and matches the criterias. I was shocked to see the winning photos and I'm sure those who did a good job felt the same way.

I'm not a pro photographer but I'm quite certain that I know a good one when I see it. My expectations are quite high and expected this competition will bring out many good photographers. Was disappointed with some of the winners in the local mags and thought the judging will be "a class above" in this competition cos its by Canon.

There was some really good photographers in the competition cos I can tell by the equipments they have. Don't think a person will carry it if not confident right? Sorry to see quite a no of good photographers going home without a prize. Don't give up and I'm sure someday your work will be appreciated with class!!

I went home disappointed and exhausted cos it was still an event that didn't "Shine the real photographers"....

[sinister]

I juz look at d pic of d graveyard... it looks pretty good to me.. den again i'm not d judge and i haven't seen d rest of the pictures.. so neither can i comment on it... but i'm sure other people who was there could give their inputs to the competition.

[saifulnang]

Hmmm, ok. Can we see those winning photos?

[ari7474tme]

Mr Dabow,

Hello how are you? Btw, I ve seen some of your pictures in Digital Camera magazine and if I'm not mistaken, ur using a 1ds rite?
Neways, I've already decided that a photography contest is always something hard for the judges. Like they say, beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. To be honest, I would probably agree with you if i were there but since I wasnt, all i can say is that, dont be too upset. Try again. Peace!

ari7474

[ted]

Originally Posted by Magical I was there to observe and hoping to see some really good photos and there was!! Sad to say, none of those actually won and it really fits the theme and matches the criterias. I was shocked to see the winning photos and I'm sure those who did a good job felt the same way. I'm not a pro photographer but I'm quite certain that I know a good one when I see it. My expectations are quite high and expected this competition will bring out many good photographers. Was disappointed with some of the winners in the local mags and thought the judging will be "a class above" in this competition cos its by Canon. There was some really good photographers in the competition cos I can tell by the equipments they have. Don't think a person will carry it if not confident right? Sorry to see quite a no of good photographers going home without a prize. Don't give up and I'm sure someday your work will be appreciated with class!! I went home disappointed and exhausted cos it was still an event that didn't "Shine the real photographers"....

I wasn't there, as I was elsewhere. But I found it interesting that u mentioned that 'There was some really good photographers in the competition cos I can tell by the equipments they have.'

I do believe the excellent folks at Canon do not judged the photos submitted by the gear used by the photogs no?

And yes, interesting that this is your first post here in PM.com, for that, a warm welcome to you dewd. Peace.

[noordin]

Originally Posted by saifulnang if i'm not mistaken, a group of people was talking and arguing about the Theme 1 winner. Someone jumping with flag, with part of the leg get cropped. It's not that journalistic. But well...I have to admit, the judge decision is final. Perhaps, some photographs that u love are mine but won no prize. For me, everyone have their own taste. Dabow's one are just a personal POV. Accept it as what others have to (even a LOT of them said..."Takpa lah, judge bagi peluang kat 16 tahun punya budak". Well, why don't we go for the "Canon Photomarathon in Bangkok" around Oct. There we can fairly see it. Saiful Nang

We should raise this with Canon Malaysia because it is a big issue.

Only way for events like this to get good response the next time is for them to listen and address the issues.

[torque]

Hey! Congrats!! For to those who participated regardless what you won (or didn't win!!)

No worries Dabow & all non-winners (believe me, many others who has been to this sort of competition may understand how it feels even though they were not there!) - but, there will always be the next time what?...after all we don't earn our bread and butter by entering competitions aye?

...didn't see anybody by the name of Nachtewey, Morris, Boulat....(fill in the blanks!!) So....heheh! Yeah! Cheer-up!

[saifulnang]

maybe dabow can do it hehehhe.

[easyihzy]

let's just say the 16 year old whips all big guns photog ***.

In the terms and condition mentioned has this line
"In addition, the assignment winners of the Canon Photo Marathon Malaysia 2007 will be selected from a pool of 30 short listed entries (the 10 short listed entries from each assignment), by the judges."

i think the organisers should also display the 30 short listed photos to let the contestant know if they're in any of the short list entries or not, and not just display the top 3 photo from each theme.

lastly, having a team with some of your member to help you along really helps in this type of competition.

[oddstuff]

My take on the judges and the photos they chose...

The assessment of photos were largely done thru the journalistic perspective and the judging obviously deviated from the rules themselves especially the rule on "relevance to themes". They did not at that time possess the photographic eyes to evaluate but perhaps had the urge to select those which can be appropriately captioned for press purposes, thus the journalism view. Except for one or two that were picked, most good quality photos mysteriously disappeared before their eyes.

About the individual photos: (i) The lady carrying a tray of food - that's just playing with the camera settings - common photo that can be taken anytime, anywhere; (ii) the legs - what have they got to do with "abandoned lot"? Did the judges' mean "abandoned man"? How is it possible that there is someone sleeping in an abandoned lot? Is that place abandoned in the first instance? (iii) Abandoned dwelling place with KL Tower - what meaning is being delivered here? The dwelling place or the tower (note that the tower is of sharp quality)? The theme for this photo should be "modernisation". (iv) The graveyard - composition is nice but does not necessarily mean the place is abandoned. "Abandoned" to me refers to the location were previously occupied and then left vacant or a development project that was abandoned. The appropriate theme for this photo is "the past".

My two sen on some of the picked photos - they are normal photos; they do not incorporate photography quality and do not require a lot of effort on composition and timing. They are the "anytime, anywhere" photos.

Perhaps the judges were tired, more tired than the photographers on marathon; it didn't matter if they fail to pick well, afterall, judges' decision are final.

[Dabow]

Originally Posted by sinister I juz look at d pic of d graveyard... it looks pretty good to me.. den again i'm not d judge and i haven't seen d rest of the pictures.. so neither can i comment on it... but i'm sure other people who was there could give their inputs to the competition.

Sinister - you have a link to this? I would like to review all the shots again, given that we only viewed them on an OHP at the event.

[Dabow]

Originally Posted by ari7474tme Mr Dabow, Hello how are you? Btw, I ve seen some of your pictures in Digital Camera magazine and if I'm not mistaken, ur using a 1ds rite? Neways, I've already decided that a photography contest is always something hard for the judges. Like they say, beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. To be honest, I would probably agree with you if i were there but since I wasnt, all i can say is that, dont be too upset. Try again. Peace! ari7474

Correct on the camera front, but a 5D for this event. I agree that judging is not always an easy task and, true enough, beauty does lie in the eye of the beholder... but all three of these beholders appeared blind to the quality content being supplied by many of the photographers there. You expect the odd miss, but miss miss miss is a frustrating pattern. I feel sorry for those who produced good work only to have it overshadowed by much less worthy entries.

[sinister]

Originally Posted by Dabow Sinister - you have a link to this? I would like to review all the shots again, given that we only viewed them on an OHP at the event.

I found it posted on another forum... not sure i can post it here without permission..

And it didn't have all the pictures...

[chrome76]

The photomarathon was my 2nd competition.. and boy it was tiring... but I don't have a grudge with the judges.. but if I must comment then I would like to comment on the first winner's entry..

The theme was Malaysia leads... what do you can think of this theme?? to me it means some sort of achievement by Malaysia in which we are the pioneer in the sense of the word... SMART tunnel.... MYKad.. then that would be the most appropriate picture...come on what does a picture of a person leaping in front of klcc had anything to do with the theme??

Lunch break means that people are kicking and laying back for a while after spending time working.. and I do think that the winning entry has got the theme correctly...

Abandoned lot if you take the literal meaning then it'll mean those old derelict buildings.. long tall grasses in a plot of land.. unkempt and dirty pieces of land... a cemetary is also an abandoned lot...

[lance]

"a cemetary is also an abandoned lot..." - chrome76

Erm, how do we know the cemetery is "abandoned"?

...unless we have a look 6 feet under...

:O

[Dabow]

Originally Posted by chrome76 Abandoned lot if you take the literal meaning then it'll mean those old derelict buildings.. long tall grasses in a plot of land.. unkempt and dirty pieces of land... a cemetary is also an abandoned lot...

Disagree. How is a cemetery abandoned? Is the land not still in use? Plus each grave is a plot, not a lot.

[Baretta]

Dabow can u post your photo.