Recently I started a challenge FOLIAGE...as soon as the voting started,I observed that all image entries were not getting the equal number of image duels....and to my utter surprise,even at the end of voting I found this same disparity...top ranked entries got upto 85 image duels whereas some other entries which are too many and having winning potential,got only 50/52 image duels.I want to know what is the basis of getting image duels in challenges?why there is such disparity?If all entries are not getting equal number of image duels,then how the awards can be offered?And this problem is happening with each and every challenges...please reply.
Jasenka, Official Rep
Ralph Harvey
If you are applying the same rule to challenges where we can not unpause them you are unfairly stopping some images from reaching there true potential !
Jeff Galey
Take into account that there is an uncomfortably high amount of people that just click anywhere in the duels to earn the credit and might not even have their eyes open when doing so..... and you've got the recipe for a bad souffle. Yet, Pixoto operates under the assumption that every vote in the Image Duel is calculated using an honest, set criteria. That ain't happenin. :)
Tim Nicholson
1. Is it out of focus: A main subject or a part of it may be blurry (or “soft”). Another potential distraction occurs when background intended to be out of focus, as in a vague blur, instead appears partly in focus (a “tweener”) which can distract from the main subject.
2. Vacant space: A sizable part of the photograph is empty or has no meaningful content, to an extent that the view appears wanting.
3. Objects “out of synch” or cut off: Even slight distractions such as an odd
hand, bright color or shadow appearing in front of or behind a main subject
may cause an image to be rejected. Viewer focus may also be interrupted
when a significant element or parts of the image are cut off by the borders of
the photograph.
4. Excessive contrast: One or more areas or colors appear too bright or dark.
Unless an image is obviously abstract or includes an intended area of dark
shadow, all significant areas of a photo should be lit adequately to show some
texture or other detail.
5. Hot spots: When lighting is not uniform, a photograph may have a few areas
of particularly bright illumination that detract from the image.
6. Weak coloration: Faded color, or a gaping absence of tone where strong color
saturation would normally be expected, is considered a technical fault by
many judges (for example, a substantial white (or “bald”) sky.)
7. Over-saturation: Colors appear too strong or exaggerated for effect.
8. Overuse of HDR: In the past few years, some judges have expressed dislike
for what appears to them as excessive application of HDR (high dynamic
range) as indicated by “unnatural” skies or other odd-looking hues.
9. Over- or underexposure. A relatively rare occurrence these days with
automatic exposure control with digital imaging.
10. Glare and the like: Offputting reflections, blurs of motion and other
unintended consequences of capturing an image under challenging conditions
may also dilute artistic effect.
11. Image not level: Applies particularly to water views and landscapes with
horizon, and to architectural photography. Images taken with wide-angle
lenses are particularly susceptible. Notwithstanding opportunities for digital
correction, a tripod and/or spirit level continue to be recommended for use
with wide-angle lenses.
Lenore
Unlike other stock photography sites where images must be accepted before going on the site -- and photos are critiqued and may not be accepted -- Pixoto is truly an "anything goes" site.
Also, one other point. Photos that are taken on a cell phone and edited on the phone as well can honestly look good -- on the phone. ONLY on a phone. It is only when viewed on a computer screen that they look horribly wrong, with over-saturation and over-sharpening completely ruining the photo. Folks who only use their mobile device with Pixoto may not be aware of how bad their own photos look. or how bad the photos they vote for really look.
Jeff Galey