Will obvious 'fanclubs' be disregarded?

[Reinardina]

It is obvious that some of the photographers participating in the POTY2009 competition, are in the lucky position to have a fanclub that votes for every picture they put on the site. I have seen relatively 'high ranking' pictures that I thought were very middle of the road, so I turned to the comments to see if I was mising something. The judging of some photographs can only be subjective, so I hoped to find an explanation, only to find that here were hardly any comments, or more often, no comments at all.
I know this subject has been discussed in the past, but I don't know if these circumstances are taken into account when choosing which pictures will be put forward to the judging panel.

My guess is that those choosing images for the judges may even stumble upon a few great ones without any votes - With a competition this size I think anything can happen, and I'm sure I have not seen every entry; as well as I've seen fantastic photo's with only a few votes!

Andy

[tugmistress]

only time will tell i guess.

[OldBoy]

As long as it from the Far East you've got a chance of winning!

[Reinardina]

Originally Posted by beauxreflets

My guess is that those choosing images for the judges may even stumble upon a few great ones without any votes - With a competition this size I think anything can happen, and I'm sure I have not seen every entry; as well as I've seen fantastic photo's with only a few votes!

Andy

In last year's selection there were quite a few pictures with only one or two votes, some even had none at all, so you're right about that.
I was thinking of the rule, as explained on the 'old' website, that the most popular pictures would get 'priority treatment' when it comes to a pre selection.

Hi Reinardina

I was always under the impression that votes do not matter one bit, beyond that those with higher votes are likely to be spotted first as the selectors have to enter the site to view and select ( if they view via Readers choice each time); I also assume as it is 'Photographer' and not Photo of the year a reasonably full portfolio of good pictures would be useful.

At the end of the day I think it is down to the 'personal choices/ bias' of the selecting party and possibly the judges finding one or two off their own bat. ('Hobsons choice' as they say)

On that basis, and as I know there are many good photographer entering; any comments / votes I receive are an encouragment regardless of any possible selection and accordingly I tend to vote in the same spirit (voting where I see some merit in the work).

Regards
Andy

[Steve9091]

I have seem some great photos with no votes and some really in my opinion rubbish ones with votes. I have had votes on my photos and some what I think are better photos with no votes. Its nice to see but the votes I want are fronm the judges.

[audrey88]

It was a great delusion for me to see that most of the high voted pictures are not really good or creative works. I don't say anything just that I have waited and waiting for some opinion about my pictures because I wan't to work in the future as a photographer, and I'm interested in what people thinking about my works, it would help how should I develope.

Originally Posted by audrey88

It was a great delusion for me to see that most of the high voted pictures are not really good or creative works. I don't say anything just that I have waited and waiting for some opinion about my pictures because I wan't to work in the future as a photographer, and I'm interested in what people thinking about my works, it would help how should I develope.

You have quite a few votes on some of your pics which should serve as an encouragement- Infact, more than I had in Poty08, so keep going. Being relatively new to digital photography myself; I can only add that you will never stop learning and there will always be better photos around the corner. Enjoy the craft and best of luck

Regards
Andy