New Year theme for our 2nd dp+ photo challenge. Aside from our Popular Votes Pick determined through the number of Like votes from members, we also have a dp+ Pick determined by selected dp+ judges. Below is a detailed scoring from 5 judges and their reason for their top 3 choices:
Judge 1
 |
| Olympus E510 |
3rd pick - Entry no. 23 - Wendy Picton
Quality - 25/30
Creativity and Originality - 22/30
Theme Adaptation - 18/20
Overall Impression - 15/20
TOTAL - 80/100
This entry is the first to get past my benchmark of firework photos. Technically, the photographer knows her way around the exposure table and was able to capture the display of lights beautifully. However, it fell a bit short in looking at the aesthetic composition.
 |
| Nikon D90 |
2nd pick - Entry no. 1 - Joey Rico
Quality - 25/30
Creativity and Originality - 25/30
Theme Adaptation - 18/20
Overall Impression - 18/20
TOTAL - 86/100
Another fireworks photo. This has the same look and feel with my 3rd pick. However, the thing that puts this a notch higher is the composition. Symmetrical balance is present. Both factors on top and bottom co-relate with each other. The off-centered explotions on top, coupled with the almost-perfectly-arranged rising flames below gives the photo a boost to 2nd place.
 |
| Canon 5D mk2 |
1st pick - Entry no. 5 - Richie Alano
Quality - 25/30
Creativity and Originality - 28/30
Theme Adaptation - 20/20
Overall Impression - 20/20
TOTAL - 93/100
One look at this photo and you immediately see what you want to see---fireworks, surroundings, and people, which in the equation adds up to "NEW YEAR'S CELEBRATION". By just looking at the photo, you can just see and feel the spirit of New Year. Technically, its the same play of long exposure. But, to conceptualize the photo in the middle of their local festivities is totally genius.
Judge 2
 |
| Nikon D90 |
3rd pick - Entry no. 1 - Joey Rico
Quality - 20/30
Creativity and Originality -15/30
Theme Adaptaion - 20/20
Overall Impression - 12/20
TOTAL - 67/100
As expected one of those typical fireworks exposure shots. It was "SAFELY" done. So I picked it. Nice decision of staying the safe zone. Vivid shot and safe.
 |
| Olympus E510 |
2nd pick - Entry no. 23 - Wendy Picton
Quality - 25/30
Creativity and Originality - 15/30
Theme Adaptation - 20/20
Overall Impression - 15/20
TOTAL - 75/100
Personally the same impression as my 3rd pick. They are both fireworks exposure shots, but I find this one better because of how the shot was made. A perfect timing, I love how she captured the star traces - she captured it at its perfect shape and formation.
|
| Canon 5D mk2 |
1st pick - Entry no. 5 - Richie Alano
Quality - 25/30
Creativity and Originality - 30/30
Theme Adaptaion - 20/20
Overall Impression - 20/20
TOTAL - 95/100
Now here's a perfect shot. What made it perfect? Richie was able to capture both the land and sky activities at a same speed rate...it really symbolizes New Year, the human element of celebration is present and was shown at a very artistic way thus the long exposure, and the imperfect fireworks capture made it a perfect shot for me. I love how the fireworks scattered all over the place it makes the whole image so real and lively.
Judge 3
|
| Olympus E510 |
3rd pick - Entry no. 23 - Wendy Picton
Quality - 15/30
Creativity and Originality - 15/30
Theme Adaptation - 15/20
Overall Impression - 10/20
TOTAL 55/100
Great timing on the fireworks however the other sceneries are underexposed.
 |
Olympus Pen -PL1
|
2nd pick - Entry no. 8 - Nada Stambuk
Quality -15/30
Creativity and Originality - 25/30
Theme Adaptation - 10/20
Overall Impression - 15/20
TOTAL - 65/100
The creativeness is very good, plus the color combination but she has to work out on the details next time. As a whole the image is nice.
|
| Canon 5D mk2 |
1st pick - Entry no. 5 - Richie Alano
Quality - 20/30
Creativity and Originality - 20/30
Theme Adaptation - 15/20
Overall Impression - 15/20
TOTAL 70/100
Good bulb setting on a long exposure shot. I like the details captured with the children playing on the sides and the human element.
Judge 4
 |
| Nikon 3100 |
3rd Pick - Entry no. 26 - Janeth Nitoral
1. Quality – 20% (because of focus & frame issues mostly)
2. Creativity and Originality - 25%
3. Theme Adaptation - 20%
4. Overall Impression - 15%
TOTAL - 80%
The theme adaptation, shapes and color match but the execution could be improved on.
 |
| Nikon D90 |
2nd Pick - Entry no. 22 - Aries Aguilar
1. Quality - 30%
2. Creativity and Originality - 30%
3. Theme Adaptation - 15%
4. Overall Impression - 10%
TOTAL - 85%
I like the creativity and the undertones of good-luck-charm type of subject.
 |
| Nikon D90 |
1st Pick - Entry no. 1 - Joey Rico
1. Quality – 30%
2. Creativity and Originality – 25%
3. Theme Adaptation - 15%
4. Overall Impression – 20%
TOTAL - 90%
Superb quality execution though I found it lacking originality wise - lots of festivities are characterized by fireworks.
Judge 5
 |
| Olympus Pen -PL1 |
3rd pick - Entry no. 8 - Nada Stambuk
Quality - 25/30
Creativity and Originality - 28/30
Theme Adaptation - 10/20
Overall Impression - 17/20
TOTAL - 83/100
I take this entry as reflecting a bright welcome to the coming of another year. Different country, different culture and a different celebration of the New Year. For sheer creativity and universal appeal, I include this entry to my top 3 picks.
 |
| Olympus E510 |
2nd pick - Entry no. 23 - Wendy Picton
Quality - 28/30
Creativity and Originality - 25/30
Theme Adaptation - 18/20
Overall Impression - 20/20
TOTAL -91/100
Having an almost similar orientation with another fireworks entry but I picked this one. For one, a signature watermark hinders a wholistic view of the other image, for another I love the brilliance of the colors in this entry and the unpredictableness of the shape. Aesthetic-wise, I find this more appealing than the other same centered fireworks entry.
 |
| Canon 5D mk2 |
1st pick - Entry no. 5 - Richie Alano
Quality - 29/30
Creativity and Originality - 29/30
Theme Adaptation -18/20
Overall Impression - 15/20
TOTAL - 96/100
A match of technical skill, aesthetic appeal, theme adaptation and creativity all put together. Elements all gelled together to create an apt interpretation of the theme. It is a live photo that presents the feel and festivities in celebrating the New Year.
NOTE: Please click on each photo for an enlarged view.
