*** WINTER CONTEST PRELMINARIES ARE UP IN GD ***

[regnaD kciN]

Here, here, and here.

Keep 'em :kick: ed!

[Tindalos]

1. What an awesome collection of photos n/t

[Mira]

2. Great lineup this time.

And you helped

:)

[Sheepshank]

3. Beautful collection

does anyone else do this.....within one grouping there are 2 or maybe 3 of your most very favorites. On first blush score is tied on you personal rating system. You then try to score the technical side of things, balance, color, placement etc and still things are a tie. Which photo do you vote for? I vote for the one that is lagging behind the other favorite choice...I want to do my part to help it get into the top 3. Does anyone else have a dorky way to make that final toss up choice?

[Celebration]

4. I'm a dork

:)

Sometimes I just vote with my gut, but sometimes it is strategic, and I wait to see how it is all going to pan out. It is about 50/50!!

But, in the finals, for instance, if I like two the best, and almost the same, but a third one is really strong in the voting, and I am slightly less impressed with that, I will wait until the end to cast a vote.

I tend to vote a bit less on technical things and a bit more on the feeling I get when I see it--probably more than most here. Both are important, but most photos submitted are okay technically (to me). Some, of course are outstanding, and that is a plus.

I use this test--do I go back to that picture and want to see more of it?

Noted to add: I see MANY pictures in this contest that don't have the number of votes they deserve--more than most contests for some reason.

[Mira]

6. It could be, to address your last point,

there is a really strong front stalker this time....just as was to be expected....
(told you!)

A true test for me is also if a photo calls me back for further examination, I go more on emotion as well because I don't have the knowledge of other expertise the way I need it to make that judgment,
and I save my vote at times to bolster someone who is not appreciated enough IMO.

It all varies, and it all makes for such excitement.
I think the lack of envy with appreciation of the work of the others instead, and the spirit of camaraderie make the photo forum such a happy and busy place, conducive to learning about our craft/hobby/profession.

[Celebration]

7. Agreed, I pull for everybody

Except Richard D, when he goes to exotic places.

:silly:

Just kidding, Richard.

[NashVegas]

5. Great Job Everyone

I'm shocked "Noel" isn't getting more votes, but I guess people are tired of Xmas, maybe? A shame, it's such a stunner.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

8. Well

I kinda figured a winter pic with no snow wouldn't get too many votes....... but then I'm grateful for NOT HAVING ANY SNOW where I live! :)

[Mira]

9. The charm of your photo

which is it's humor and a true desolation of how winter is putting a stop to the Master's gardening prowess just got lost on folks who had ice formations, (bright red cardinal with a cute caption), heron stalking on frozen lake, and other wintry frosty things to see.

I love your photo and appreciate all that you meant to show by submitting it.
It's one of a kind in being funny while being wintry, and I'm sorry that it did not get recognized for it.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

10. Mira,

you are too kind, really. :) But I appreciate it. And what I like about being here, is that everyone is so encouraging. I never really took a picture with any thought behind it until about a year ago. My inner critic doesn't like me playing with you guys but your remarks shut it right up. Thanks!
:toast:

[Mira]

11. I am a rank amateur at play here.

And just because everybody is so nice to me in spite of it, I have progressed a bit in the year or so that I have hung around.
And my photographer friends have added dimension to my life.
That's what's happening to you, too.

[Celebration]

12. jealousy

Nobody is going to vote for someone who doesn't have to suffer through winter like the rest of us, no matter how good the photo is!

;)

Seriously, your pic adds a lot to the group--not everyone gets snow in the winter, notwithstanding the fact that it is on the ground now somewhere in 49 states.