Multiple Shortlisting from same photographer

[AndyStevens]

I think it's one of those subjects that will 'divide' a lot of people. I've entered comps before that restrict you to a single image entry - personally, I think that's not in best interests and doesn't give you the chance to express yourself. Perhaps, as other mags have done, their should be a 'portfolio' section which showcases the tog and not their individual images...

Plenty of food for thought - and debate...

[Amy Davies]

Hi Andy,

There is a portfolio category this year, but the shortlist for this hasn't been announced yet. As it's judged seperately with the RPS, we're still waiting for that to come in.

It's worth noting that for the majority of big competitions like this they don't reveal such an extensive shortlist. For instance, the wildlife photographer of the year competition only releases the commended and winning images. Who knows how many photographs from each entrant are actually on the judges shortlist?

As Karen pointed out, the shortlists are also quite large, but they don't contain a "set" number of images, i.e. it's as many as there needs to be (within reason). No one will therefore be excluded due to number restrictions meaning one photographer has taken up "extra spaces" within the shortlist.

Hope that helps,

Amy

[AndyStevens]

I knew I should have checked before posting - knew I'd seen that Portfolio section somewhere Sounds a good idea and this is the shortlist I'm most looking forward to (not that I entered, I'm just interested to see bodies of work against images).

Cheers
Andy

[amk1977]

Originally Posted by AndyStevens

I think it's one of those subjects that will 'divide' a lot of people. I've entered comps before that restrict you to a single image entry - personally, I think that's not in best interests and doesn't give you the chance to express yourself. Perhaps, as other mags have done, their should be a 'portfolio' section which showcases the tog and not their individual images...

Plenty of food for thought - and debate...

I agree. Not only will it divided a person one way or the other but also, many people will be undecided on the issue. There are strong arguements both for and against, as to what constitutes a "fair" competition.

From what Amy has mentioned, I am okay with the multiple shortlist entries from a single photographer. If the shortlist was a fixed amount, then I might be swayed to the one photo per photographer side but, as no one is missing out by taking more than one slot, I see no problem with it. At the end of the day, its a photo competition and the images should be judged on their individual merits and not penalized because of who took them.

I'll admit I was surprised that some images I'd seen didn't make the shortlist and equally surprised by some that did but, like any competition of this type, its subjective. We are all naturally biased in our own way. What speaks to one person, doesn't to another. To all those who didn't make it through (like myself lol) don't be disheartened. Be encouraged or more determined. Let it fuel your passion for photography but, at the same time just be pleased with the moments you've captured. They're the best prizes.

For those that did make it through, the best of luck to you.

[jinky]

Seems fair enough to me that each image stands on it`s own merits. Competitions are always as seen by the eye of the judges with no appeal or comeback. Soemtimes you win, sometimes you lose - at the end of the day there are a lot of images in there and I expect they look at them without even noticing the names coming up. One thing I do find odd is allowing so many entries to each category which makes the job harder for the judges. I think part of our respoonsibility as a photographer should be to be able to decide on maybe what we see as our best 2 or 3 images for each section and be limited to that. Would cut down on judges work.

[Flashman_]

I have to say I tend to agree with Russ.
I have also noted that in today`s short lists that not only the same photographer has appeared in multiple listings but their same photos have also appeared. This seems like a sad lack in imagination on the part of the judges, are they going to have the same photo win two categories? Surely A picture getting into two or more short lists is denying some of the extremely good photos that I have seen on here which did not get anywhere a wider audience and chance to win!

[Amy Davies]

Hi Flashman,

Which photo are you referring to being shortlisted in two seperate categories?

I've had a look through and it's not immediately obvious, with over 300 photos in the shortlists it can be hard to keep track of when you're not actually a judge...

If you could point me in the right direction, I will ask the judges if they wish to make a comment...

Thanks,

Amy

P.S. I'm not entirely sure what you mean by a "wider audience" as the judges looked at all of the photos, and it wasn't based on the highest viewed, rated etc.

[Flashman_]

Hi Amy,
The most obvious is "decisive jump" by ly long here: http://www.photoradar.com/news/story...ist#ad-image12 and here: http://www.photoradar.com/news/story...ist#ad-image26
The other is slightly different in that it is a monotone version in Documentary of another photo here: http://www.photoradar.com/news/story...ist#ad-image18

[Amy Davies]

Ah, thanks, I see now.

I'll check in the morning and see if perhaps they can give you their reasoning, or if perhaps there has been some error.

Thanks,

Amy

[jinky]

Actually they are not the only ones. The Church Wiithin is image 15 in landscapes and image 18 in Britain Inspired. A great photo and as far as I was aware not against the rules to enter in more than o e category. Surprised this architectural study is seen as a landscape in some ways but that`s up to the judges and some would no doubt question my own shortlisted lanscape full of people on the slopes.

At the end of the day the images that are shortlisted are there for judges to look at and make their final decisions whatever people say on this thread. Again though as I stated it should eb photogtrapher`s responsibility to choose their best 3 images rather than 10 for each category perhaps they should only be able to select one category that it best fits.