And the winners are ...

Congratulations to all the winners. Great shots!

Will you be posting a list of the total voting? I'm curious to see where I placed.

Hi, Matt -- I'm afraid with 238 entries, it would take forever to do an item that lists every photo and the vote totals. And I wouldn't want to publicly embarrass anybody who didn't receive any votes or just one or two.

For September, we're going to cull the photos with the help of a professional photographer so that there aren't so many in the Voting Machine. We received several complaints about how difficult it was to view all of the photos and really evaluate each one well. Perhaps with fewer photos we could publish the vote totals; we'll see.

looks like someone might have voted over and over for themselves to win ... winning photograph just doesn't seem up to par to be the winner....just my opinion though

Don't be a sore loser, Sarah !!! I liked it.

Sarah, it's a shame you feel that way. Of all my friends and coworkers I contacted to vote in the contest, over half of them all voted for the winning picture, as I did myself. Am I bummed my picture didn't place? Sure. But am I going to lash out at the winner? Nope. It's a great shot.

First, congratulations to all the winners.

I agree with Sarah, that the first place photo is not up to par with many of the other photos entered into the contest. In my opinion, all of the other recognized photos are much better than the winner.

The winning photo is a funny snapshot....while the others show more creativity and technical skills.

The winning photo was very cute and well taken especially for a cell phone camera. However, even as a dog lover, the runner up was a far better picture and deserved the win.

Sarah, I'm sorry that you feel that way, but I can assure you that what you assume to be the case, couldn't be further from the truth. Yes, I did vote for myself, and who didn't?, but I voted only once. When voting started, Teresa Hanafin, who runs this contest, stated clearly that spam voting would be detected and is grounds for disqualification. I entered, and voted in the spirit of the contest. Did I deserve to win? If this contest was being judged by professional photographers and art critics, the results would probably be different. There were some fantastic photos entered, but this contest was open to the general public, and the people have spoken.

Thank you to everyone that voted for the picture of my daughter's dog, and congratulations to everyone courageous enough to enter this contest, and subject their vision to the scrutiny of strangers.

Congratulations to the winners. I feel the choices are OK, but I'm really surprised the winners weren't all of better quality. There were some real awesome images for August but none of them made it.

It feels like this amateur contest favors "amateur shots" as opposed to professional quality amateur shots.

Shame.

Hi, Sean -- as our first contest, with no weeding of the photos entered, you're absolutely right: It was inevitable that the absolutely best photos, from a professional point of view, wouldn't necessarily make the cut. But we're all here to learn and improve, and going forward, the more excellent photos we feature, and the more instructions and tips and critiques we post, the better the quality of the photos will become.

As I've said before, however, I was thrilled by the quality of most of the photos submitted. It's clear there's a dedicated community of amateurs here in New England who are working hard to take the best photos they can, and we'll be there every step of the way to help them get better.

My picture wasn't a winning picture but I did vote the winning one in 1st place. I just liked the shot. I am not an expert - just someone who likes taking and looking at pictures. There was just something about the dog looking forlornly out to the beach that she wasn't allowed on as though she could read the sign.

People in general are such haters! It's a photo contest, people, open to the vote of the "public." Like all other contests that are voted on by the "public" - the vote is determined fairly and speaks for the specific moment. Whatever happened to "it's a honor just to be nominated"? Free will - freedom of choice/speech etc. What's the question? Photography is about a moment captured, and along with all the other great photos in this contest, this one speaks for itself.

Rich - I'm sorry I said you voted for yourself; I apologize. It is a really cute photo, but just in my opinion this shouldn't have won.

This is a site for aspiring photographers and unfortunately we all know the public votes for the "cute" pictures ... animals/babies etc. This is why in an earlier post I suggested this be judged by photographers and not the public. We will never get better at pictures if everyone's worried about winning and starts taking pictures of kids and babies ...

Oh and I'm not being a sore loser/lashing out - my photo is in the honorable mentions .... and I'm just stating my opinion.

Good luck this month everyone!

is it possible to order prints of the winning entry?

This is why I think the monthly subjects should be something other than "at the beach" or "my neighborhood" (which in most cases is 'at the beach' all over again) because it is very simple to take a picture of a sun set or a building. I think these photographers should be challenged with subjects like "get close" and "in motion" so we can get away from the point and shoot method and start fiddiling with our cameras settings.

To be honest, and i'm sure some of the other photographers will agree, it does tick me off a little when I see a contest won by someone with a camera phone while I sit here with a seven hundred dollar camera and hundreds of dollars worth of lenses.

Give us a challenge boston.com! Let's see who is a talented photographer and who is a lucky s.o.b.!

I think some of the commentators are missing the point. A photograph should be "worth a thousand words". And that doesn't depend on how expensive your equipment is. Anyone can splurge on the best camera, push the button, and take beautiful pictures as many of these photos are. The skill lies in having the eye for scenes that tell a story. Congrats to the winner whose photo, while taken on a camera phone, accomplishes just that.

Scott - i TOTALLY agree with you!

I said in another post on the "Pick the theme" board. I was all for motion - think of all the cool and challanging things you can do with that theme! But of course everyones going to vote for the "my neighborhood" because it's easy and i think a lot of people are just taking snapshots instead of geniuinly wanting to improve and be serious about photography...

I agree with both sides here. On one hand, it is a publicly voted contest where anyone can submit a photo that could win. On the other hand, not all photos taken took a great deal of skill and thus some feel is not worth of winning a photography contest. Personally, I think the winning shot is composed well, and it certainly expresses a theme rather than just a random beach shot. Of course, I would have liked to see my photo win, place or show (mine is the "Slipper Shell Necklace" on the Brant Point lighthouse railing), but I didn't -- no sour grapes here. I feel that the person behind that camera (phone or not) is being disrespected for following the rules - and that is not fair.

Perhaps there would be two different types of contests (not to put more work on you, Teresa). One is a general theme that anyone can post to ... like this month's theme, "My Neighborhood". But also have a second one that might run for 2 months that is a specific task (like motion, where the photo must be taken during a certain period of time to make other, more serious photographers, flex their camera muscles.

I am sure the intent of this site is to appeal to the casual photographer as well as the serious amateur. This could appease everyone with no disrespect.

Dave - I disagree, while composition and capturing the "moment" are important to being a good photographer it's also about skill level of understanding how to take a quality picture.

Quality is just as important as composition. Having an expensive SLR camera is an advantage because there are manual modes...and i hope no one went and spent $1,000 on a SLR to keep it in auto mode. As any good photographer knows there is sooo much to know and learn and put into use while setting up your shot- getting the correct exposure, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, white balance, knowing your lighting, etc. A camera phone is automatic and it takes no skill to press a button - yes the composition and the feeling can be nice, but is it a quality photo? I guess thats up to the person looking at it! But i think any serious photographer can pick out a quality photograph from a bunch

Dave - I am not saying the quality of the camera determines how good of a picture it is. The point i'm trying to get across, as is my friend sarah here, was that we were under the impression that this was a contest for aspiring amateur photographers who could learn what makes a good picture and why it is a good picture. And when i say "aspiring amateurs" I am referring to every single person who entered their photo into this contest. But this photo was chosen by the public because they liked it, but i have yet to hear a reason why they chose it, other than "I liked it". The fact is most of the public doesn't know what makes a good photo.

I'm not saying I should have won the contest by any means, my picture was garbage compared to some of the images that were submitted by these photographers. I think alot of people are more concerned about winning $100 than becoming a published photographer.... I mean, there is more description as to what kind of dog it is than why the photo is good, for Jebus Crackers!

Equipment does not make the photographer -- a good eye and good timing are qualities as well. Sometimes a person with a camera phone can take a better image than a person with an SLR -- it's all in using the tools you have at your disposal. My fiance often takes better pictures with his point-and-shoot Canon G7 than I do with my 30D -- it's all a matter of perspective.

That being said -- the winner of the contest got the most votes -- so SOMEBODY out there (a great deal of somebodies) must think the image is worthy. I think it is a great shot! Could it have been done better with an SLR? Maybe. But what are the chances the dog's head would have moved in the time it took to set up the
shot?

I think the winner (and all entrants) did a fine job. All who entered understood they were being judged by a jury of their peers -- NOT by professional photographers.

Sarah: Thank you.

Matt: I voted for your photo.

Monica: You are the second person to inquire about getting a print of my photo, thank you very much. That anyone would want a copy means more to me than winning this contest. Yes I will make prints available, I believe that you can contact me thru my Flickr account if you click the link just below my picture at the top of this page.

I am an amateur photographer, I have had photos published in local newspapers without getting paid. I own a Canon Rebel 35mm SLR, a Canon A510, and an Olympus 720SW, and a Samsung camera phone. I don't belong to any club that would have me as a member, I'm not part of a secret underground photographers society, I don't know their secret handshakes, but I do know the difference between an f/stop and a T stop ... that was a joke ... get it?

Everyone needs to lighten up, especially you Dave ... you said, "The fact is most of the public doesn't know what makes a good photo." Too bad that you think so lowly about people like us. Is it the money for you? I'll write a check and donate it to a charity in the name of RAW if you like.

And it's not about being published either, It's about sharing something nice.

Thanks again to everyone who made this possible, as embarrassing as it has become, and best of luck to everyone in the coming contests.

Rich

Plain and simple - the winning picture appealed to the most people - if I wanted another picture of the Cape, or a beach, then I'd just go buy a magazine. The #1 and #3 pictures I thought were the best, with the "dog" picture hands down the most memorable.

But well done to all!

Great pictures, everyone. I, too, voted for the dog photo. I think I just found it very humorous and simple. It's not always the most dramatic shot that catches our eye. Remember, photography is subjective.

Congrats for winning fair and square Rich - your picture told a story that obviously spoke to people in a way that others did not. It's sad that some of the conversation has taken such a nasty turn. I'd be afraid to win in future contests if this type of ridicule would happen.

This was the first contest, and we had a few bugs and maybe we didn't like the topic, or the rules, or the voting machine (growl it didn't let me in!), or the way people voted, or specific pictures, etc. etc. etc. But it's all in the name of fun and learning right? There's only 1 winner - and next month it will be someone different and hopefully the same thing won't happen again.

Kate,

Great comment. I was dismayed to read some of the responses to the winner whose photo I like a great deal. And I feel strongly it would have made the cut had the photos been screened by a professional photographer this time as proposed for the next contest.

I enjoyed looking at everyone's pics - there were a lot of good ones. And my thanks to all for the votes for mine which made Honorable Mention this time around.

I hope the contest and the discussion here can continue on more constructive grounds, It is a work in progress as Kate said, so it will continue to evolve with the right type of input from all of us.

I once read that the true measure of an image is the emotions it provokes. It appears that Rich's did just that and in more ways than he intended, I'm sure.

I have no problem with who won or why. (I personally liked #2 the best, but hey, that's just me.) The winner is the one with the most votes, pure and simple. Congratulations Rich, it really was a cute image.

I was just happy to be able to submit my image for review and was very grateful and humbled that it was acknowledged. I look forward to being able to display my images in the future and thank the Globe for this contest. It's fun, win or lose.

I think that the first place winner should have won. I think that art and photography are about how the picture makes you feel. That picture has emotion all over it. I feel like if that dog was allowed to go on the beach, she would be running and jumping into the water and chasing the birds. Instead, she sits there wishing she could live free on the beach. That was more emotional to me than any of the other pictures. They were all beautiful, but that one made me feel something. Bravo to the photographer.

I like dogs.

Rich - I went back to see if there was another Dave that posted and since there wasn't I can only assume that your comments were directed back at me. Perhaps it is you who should lighten up or learn to read, or both. No where in my comments did I disparage the public and their intelligence. My comments were merely to point out that a great photo doesn't require an expensive camera.

I think everyone needs to lighten up a bit. Dave, since the quote Rich refers to in his post to 'Dave' is nowhere to be found in your original post you should be able to determine that his comments were not directed at you and that he is speaking to someone else. A simple mistake. Let's stop throwing gas on this fire.

Congrats to Rich for 1- a great photo and 2- some great photoshop work to get the photo to were it is today. By taking out all the clutter, you created a great scene that tells a story. I voted this photo first, ahead of my own, for this reason.

I do not like the dog picture as much as some of the other ones. However, my life partner Jerry thinks that it is absolutely adorable. I am more fond of photos of bright blue skies and pretty flowers. Jerry, on the other hand, is KU KU for animals. : )

.........anywho, congrats to the winners; all of the photos looked fabulous.

It's the first contest, the kinks are still being worked out. Let's see what'll happen in the months to come.

AND BESIDES, Boston.com and Teresa are doing all of us a favor by even holding this contest ... for FREE at that. We should be so lucky...

Congrats to the winner, and good luck to us all.

This reminds me of the photo contest we had at work. I thought I had a much better entry than the 2nd and 3rd place. The first place winner was definitely better.
That's when a coworker gave me some words of wisdom:

Not everyone in the workplace is a photographer. People here evaluate your pictures with different criteria than a photographer would.

True...

So, next year, I'll be entering pictures that are 'cute', and 'cheesy' ... and most importantly, appeal to the non-photographer audience I'd have!

If you want accolades (and pure criticism) for your pictures, try out http://www.photosig.com.

Apologies to Dave -- it was in SCOTT's response to you that HE said that "The fact is most of the public doesn't know what makes a good photo." Dave's name was at the top of the post, and that is the name that caught my eye. My comment should have been directed to Scott.

Jason: Thanks you for appreciating the work that went into my submission. The original snapshot can be seen on my Flickr page, if you're interested in comparing the two. I did use Photoshop, yet another photographer's tool, to take a less than perfect snapshot and create something better.

Thanks again to everyone that voted for that picture. My daughter thanks you, and the dog ... licks you.

Scott and Sarah ... you're right that our contest themes should be more challenging ... we'll be posting another poll Friday; tell us what you think of the choices.

Matt: It's interesting that you suggest more than one contest at a time. My plan all along was to have more than one themed contest per month. I hadn't thought of it as having one for casual / beginner amateurs, and another for more advanced shooters; I simply thought it would be more interesting for all of you to have two or three themes to choose from each month.

I'll post an item about this and see what others think. Thanks for the input.

Great idea Teresa! TIME OUT - NEXT! MOVE ON!

Rich, congratulations on your winner, and for being an honest, courteous, and down to earth photographer. While I have not viewed all the entries, I can understand why your shot is liked by so many.

I think one reason that it is a winner is because you took it with a certain INTENT and with a certain audience in mind. You wanted to tell a story, and you told it with simplicity in the composition and a touch of humor. I bet most viewers who like this shot made these connections immediately, either consciously or sub-consciously. Photography is a means of communication. Some photos, like yours, are successful because they convey the messages with clarity, making them easy for the viewers to digest, accept and remember. When a photo's message is at the center, all other aspects such as techniques, quality, etc. are of secondary concern. Your shot being picked as a winner by the general public is a good example. (Hint to the sour grape losers, if you want to win at a contest, consider who are the audience: the Globe readers, or the curators at the MFA?)

By my above comment, I do not mean that ALL great photos work like this. Many great photos' messages can be obscure or abstract, and viewers can still appreciate them with their own interpretations.

I also want to thank you for disclosing how you took the shot, and wanting just to share it. And also for NOT being a camera club member. Your shot would have no chance winning there. A judge would quickly point out that the composition does not follow the "rule of the thirds".

Teresa, I think leaving the theme broad as it is will work better. That way, voters can react based on simple gut (eyeball?) reaction to an image. They don't need to explain or justify anything. Let the votes decide.

Making a theme narrower or more challenging can lead to several problems. For example, narrowing down the "My neighborhood" theme could mean a specific genre, such as documentary, portrait, architecture, etc. It can exclude many entries. And who will decide whether an entry fits the genre or not? It can quickly become a can of worms.

Creating different levels of shooters can also be problematic. How and who would decide who belongs to which level?

I think the wish for "better" themes originate from the losers. And they are missing the point of entering into contests like this one. Contestants should be encouraged to SHARE and SHOW their work as their priority, and at ALL levels. Winning should be a distant second intent (wish?). With an open mind and an educated eye, both winners and losers can learn something in the process. And more importantly, all should be able to enjoy others' work.

Teresa - the themes are much better this month! Thanks for that ... I'm hoping for motion, but I think any of them (except macro, just not my thing) will make great themes.

Oh, and there should be a no babies/animals/cutsie clause -- haha -- everyone knows the public only votes for those ... I feel like everyone is taking a huge step backwards if they're shooting only to win this contest that the public votes for as one post suggests - that's what I'm struggling with. I don't take cutsie photos that the public likes (well I don't know - my photo was an honorable mention so maybe I do take photos the public likes without being cutsie) and I don't think anyone else should just to try and win the public's vote...

why is saarah causing trouble? the winner is the winner whether the audience are voting or photographers!!! il like to see your photography...stop trying to put people low...n rich wudnt have been the winner if no1 was to vote. this shows that his work was liked!!

agree with kate!!!

1.Congrats for winning fair and square Rich - your picture told a story that obviously spoke to people in a way that others did not. It's sad that some of the conversation has taken such a nasty turn. I'd be afraid to win in future contests if this type of ridicule would happen.

This was the first contest, and we had a few bugs and maybe we didn't like the topic, or the rules, or the voting machine (growl it didn't let me in!), or the way people voted, or specific pictures, etc. etc. etc. But it's all in the name of fun and learning right? There's only 1 winner - and next month it will be someone different and hopefully the same thing won't happen again.

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