Every now and again people in various hobbies are occasionally asked to see how they measure up against others in the same hobby.Many often go in comps,quite a few,such as myself and most others on this forum are happy to potter along without the need to go into comps.
In the past I have only ever entered two photo comps,one was a general photo comp,the more recent a dedicated astro comp.
I was recently asked if I would like to enter a local district photo comp by a friend running it,I did not like to say no to her,as she has taught me something about how to do PP.Also I had to go into high grade against real pro togs.most had D7000 one with a F2.8 400 nikor,another with 500 L F4 and 1D,and many with 5d2 and similar.So,I had to look at this as a real challange,and just give it my best shot,I knew the 400L was a beautiful lens,and used wisely could give great results.
I had to think about where my strengths and weekness was in photography (and there are pages of the later),The one thing I knew I did have was skill in the bush,and observation skills of nature,-basically get the light right-and get close,close to those little birds (nature subject was what I had ear marked to get best results in).
Well,it all lined up,out of 35 top entries,I collected 1st and 2nd,(those little bird images)see attached one which was first.
I missed the judging proceedings and arrived at lunch time,the organiser told me it came down to five images 4 of mine and one by the 500L F4 1 D owner,The scarlet honeyeater won.
But only just-the Gravilla its on,came into question-was it a native or a hybrid sold at a nursery??? As this was a nature section-no 'hand of man' was to be allowed (You can see this was really serious!!) never thought of that before!,anyhow there was a vote by the panel of professional photography judges,and it got the nod.
Second was my yellow robin,strangely it got a score of 24,and the red bird 22.
My two sons also scored well in a big field of entries with two first and two seconds,One using the new G12 see butterfly image it got a 1st.
SO there you go,the 400L 'The little lens that could'
Its good to go in a comp every few years or so,to get some feed back,I ended up talking with one of the judge panel for over 2 hours,and learnt a great deal,and its likely we will meet up again.As for comps-once every two years will do me.
Thanks to many people on this forum who have given me advice an pointers to improve my limited skills over the past couple of years,Some of your advice etc-made these results I achived today possible.
BTW my son rotated the butterfly image,so it was 'right way up',here its as it was photographed.
