I’ve spent literally my whole day on this. Nearly 1300 entrants in this one category, and doing the math that means there were 1000 entries that did not make it. Also, it’s important to note that the initial screening is done by me alone, which means it can be very subjective (meaning I may or may not like it, someone else might do just the opposite).
I’ve been getting a lot of feedback, most of it good, but I can see there are many people who are upset in that they feel they are going against “pros”. I am going to reject this for a number of reasons. One of which a 16 year old non-pro won last year. Ive also seen some pretty awful work done by pros, and amazing work done by beginners. Once the technical side is out of the way, it is all about artistic creativity. Also, it would be an absolute nightmare for a pro to win, simply because pros are not supposed to enter in the divisions in which they specialize, and if they did end up winning, (even after we check out the names of the winners before handing out prizes) it would pretty much make them look like cheaters. Especially if we were to find out after the fact. (and yes for example portrait photographers can enter in other divisions no problem).
Same is true for those who have used the same images in other contests. I really do my best to screen entries out and try to keep it fair, but with 6000+ entries, it is possible for something to slip by. Additionally, this contest is about being YOUR best. I wont give you a prize for being an amateur or mediocre.
If your image didn’t make it, please do not take this personally. Look at all of the amazing images that did and ask yourself how you can improve? I am learning so many wonderful ideas from what I see in judging- things I would have never thought of. Its really a huge blessing for everyone to learn from everyone else and it should be a positive experience even if you do not get nominated or win.
I hope to have this contest every year, which means you can learn from your mistakes and start shooting for the next contest today! You have a whole year to improve!
BTW- There are 2 shots in here that are ABSOLUTE “show-stoppers”. I gasped when I first saw them. Which ones do you think they were?
Great work to everyone who entered. There were literally hundreds I wanted to include, but had to be brutal on the judging to get it down to 300.
One show stopper has got to be the volcano shot.
My shot is brilliant, but not in the same class. I’d place in the top 50!
Amazing… First feeling is that I’m so jealous of people who was in those places with camera and saw the opportunity to take such wonderful picture. Then the technical possiblity… the lenses, good camera etc… Thanks once again for the contest Michael – it is very important to see otcher people work and skill 😉
These are great photos, and really inspiring.
I feel very honored to have two images nominated. Thanks Michael!
Show stopper???? Photo 102. Awesome!! This is truly breath taking indeed!
Best of luck to you all!
Ooooho hoho
So many beautiful photos! This is by far the best nominee gallery so far! Great job everyone 🙂
You misspelled photography on the slideshow title. Just FYI.
Thank you Michael for this contest, there are so great Pictures in all groups, I agree with Mike, It’s very important to see other People work and skill, we can learn a lot with this, thank you again……
Too hard to pick just 2 show stoppers. They are all amazing!!
Of all the Nominees.. Landscape category is best, its really awesome browsing…… I am speechless. All the best to everyone
179. amazing.
you have a picture in there twice and are missing 5(they are not showing up). other than that wonderful photos.
A lot of great shots here. It would be hard to choose a favorite.
156 and 274 are my favorites
I like the volcano shot the best. This photographer has some amazing shots on google + https://plus.google.com/107507539268974734333/posts
Thanks for all your hard work! May I ask, how do we vote and/or get others to vote on these photos? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for choosing several of my photos for the finalist in 4 of the areas. God bless you and yours this Holy Season and always!
actually the volcano pic is nice but those tree limbs are a distraction. I checked his google plus and think the fisherman is better.
Beautiful!!! 118 has my vote hands down!!!! I think I could take the whole thing!!! Great job who ever took it!!!!
Excellent shots everyone, congrats… Mike #168 & 169 are the same…
Michael, I can see why some people are upset at going against a pro in a contest like this. I am an amateur using (what I consider expensive!) a Canon 60D that took me a year to save up for when the pros might be using $50k worth of studio equipment and sometimes professional models that are well paid. I just cannot compete with that level of tools. Yet, I am a finalist in the Portrait contest AND the animal contest!! Since you rejected a lot of them due to tecnical mistakes I am thrilled to be among the finalist! As an amateur photographer, that is a huge honor! One of my best photos won a local contest for a Camping Guide cover for 2011 and that was before I upgraded so it was a 6mp point and shoot. My point is that a non-pro with crap for equipment can win contests if you have a good eye and good technique. Where I get upset is the facebook "popularity" vote competitions because it has nothing to do with quality.
So many brilliant entries!! I’m amazed at the talent out there!!! Loved looking through these.
weii, you mention "aside from the technical mistakes" for me to learn more about getting better….what do you consider "technical mistakes"? please clarify, thanks