Multiple Shortlisting from same photographer

[PolaroidSky]

Sick and tired of being labelled a cheat by whiners especially as all details of short listed images, in my case, were fully disclosed to Photo Radar prior to being submitted.

If you have an issue with the legitimacy of an image take it up with the staff before making libelous accusations to fellow photographers.

[ap4a]

Unsubstantiated accusations made against individuals is a bit much, likely libellous and certainly against the TOS agreed to by signing up to the forum. How about going with the earlier suggestion of contacting the staff directly to raise concerns rather than continuing to stir up this witch hunt?

[karenoliver]

Is this really worth all the sniping? I notice the countryfile photography competition also has arguments going on about winners etc.. For the record, anyone can google me or do a search on me. I only entered this competition this year and most of the photographs were taken specifically for it. Why doesn't everyone just wait and see what happens and who wins? If its a previous winning photograph from some other competition then surely then is the time to complain? I don't know how you can police a competition like this really, I do think though that Jim hasn't set out to decieve anyone and I feel sorry for the hassle he is getting.

Karen

[amk1977]

Originally Posted by elisfotoz

Err, buchachron has also won with his photos, how many other cheaters are there,?maybe finalists shud prove they are not winners elsewhere . Every1 go thru short list winners & expose the cheats.

Branding anyone a cheat before any facts have been fully established is wholly unacceptable and does nothing but create ill-feeling and solves absolutely nothing. If you have a valid reason to suspect that an image may be ineligible, you should do so in a civilized manner - not brand the photographer(s) a cheat(s) before any investigation is undertaken.

To me, there seems to be 3 main areas that need clarifying with what appears to be indentical images having previously won a prize in other competions.

The first area, which involves the case of the photographer stating that the photograph in question is a "bracketed" version (taken a fraction of a second apart) of the one that appeared on the Photo Answers POTY competition. While it is a seperate photograph in its own right, there are some people (myself included) that have objected to these otherwise identical "bracketed" images, as not being in the spirit of the competition. We are awaiting the judges verdict on whether the bracketed images are permitted.

The second area, which applies to Polaroidsky, is that he made the judges fully aware of the history of his photograph, together with the fact that it had won a prize in a major competition, albeit a runner-up prize, prior to entering. The Photoradar staff gave the go ahead to enter the competition, despite it being in contradiction to the stated rules. We are yet to hear from Ben Brain as to why this decision was made, as it unfairly inhibited other photographers in similar situations from doing the same. Polaroidsky has done absolutely nothing wrong!

The 3rd area is the remaining images that appear to have won prizes in other competitions, where the facts are yet to be established. It is unknown if some of these are "bracketed" versions of those that have appeared on other competion websites and won prizes; whether they asked permission of the Photoradar staff prior to submitting there images and were granted the go ahead, as in the case of Polaroidsky, or whether they are in fact ineligible.

Knee jerk reactions and finger pointing is not the way to solve anything and will do nothing to restore the integrity of this currently marred competition.

[jinky]

I`ve edited pointless retaliatory stuff.

To people like Russ and others I`d say - don`t make assumptions and profess you know more than the rest of us about photography or our entries.
The judges / PR staff have all the information there is from me and Polaroidsky to make their decisions about our entrie and I await a response. At the end of the day that`s what they are there for. Beyond our shots the final shortlist is what it is - their choice,their decision - whether you like them or they fit the theme or not in your mind.
As Polaroidsky says PM staff with any suspicions but LET THEM GET ON WITH THEIR JOB PLEASE and stop using a piblic forum to attack individuals who have already responded.

[PolaroidSky]

Just to clear up any allegations of cheating, for those that need it proving to them I am posting my mail (note the date) to Photo Radar regarding this issue :

James Mortram to Photo Radar

show details Oct 7 (10 days ago)

"Hi,

I just found out this image won a prize (A voucher for Jessops) but did not win nor was selected in the magazine "Photoanswers" POTY competition... should I still mail you the image in Hi Res?... I more than understand if this fact voids the images inclusion.

Best regards,

J A Mortram"

I would include the response which clears up and clarifies the issue (as it stood at this point) but it's not in my nature to go posting private mail from people in a public forum.

As I have stated I had absolutely no knowledge of this image appearing in print anywhere at the time of my submission to the POTY or submitting the hi res and if this info subsequently voids its inclusion I accept that totally.

One thing is for sure, it's going to stand no chance of placing now anyway!

[matt wilson]

There's no point in commenting .

[AndyStevens]

I rarely get annoyed on forums - but this has got out of hand. I feel for PolaroidSky (and others accused of cheating) - they've done nothing wrong and entered images in good faith. I know I commented that a bracketed exposure wouldn't sit well with me for an entry into another competiton - but as I stated then, that's a personal feeling and if the photographer is happy with that, then so be it - and it was a cracking image and worthy of multi entries where possible.

As soon as libelous comments start flying then an end should really be called. Please remember, photography is a fantastic hobby that should be enjoyed and encouraged - not an excuse to attack and pillory individuals when they seemingly have done no wrong.

Perhaps I ought to complain to the Landscape Photographer Of The Year judges? I had faith in my work so paid good money to enter the competition for the first time this year - but got nowhere. Perhaps I should find enough dirt on other entrants so that enough get disqualified and I eventually get shortlisted - but this goes back to another comment I made about allowing multiple shortlistings per tog, getting selected to make up the numbers is not the point, getting selected on merit and impact is what counts.

As Karen pointed out, there are debates on other forums about the Countryfile winning image - I've seen a thread where complaints were made as it was taken on a compact. Who cares! It's a visually impacting image (and btw my favourite from those shown - Puffins a close second) but I thought the sheep in the snow was a really nice image and perfectly fitting for the theme of Countryfile.

for the snipers out there, if all you can do is criticise and point fingers and come across as sore losers, there are plenty of other magazines and forums out there. Yes, let's make comments and share thoughts and advice, but keep your handbags within reach.

Please, can we all get back to helping each other enjoy this fabulous hobby more?!

Rant over

[Ben Brain]

Originally Posted by PolaroidSky

Sick and tired of being labelled a cheat by whiners especially as all details of short listed images, in my case, were fully disclosed to Photo Radar prior to being submitted.

If you have an issue with the legitimacy of an image take it up with the staff before making libelous accusations to fellow photographers.

For the record Jim did disclose information to us and I would hate to see him labelled as a cheat. He is a talented photographer with a stunning PhotoRadar gallery and we value his contribution to the site enormously.

We continuously strive to improve POTY and shall start a new thread where we invite your suggestions on how we can make it even better next year

[Ben Brain]

Originally Posted by Stormsong

Okay, so we should not be worried if a judge from last year wins this year's comp?

Hi Stormsong, there is no need to worry. If a judge from last year wants to enter the competition they are free to do so.