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05/16/2011 09:09:03 AM · #1 |
What score at DPC equates to just an "average" photo that anyone with a new dslr could take with no training or education at all in photography. I'm talking the type of photos shot from the side of the road at the big ol' mountain in the distance or the family photo of the kid with cheerios stuck to his face? What would THAT type of photo score HERE at DPC? I'm guessing the 4.5 range. I am also curious what the statistical average score at DPC is (I would guess it is 5.4-5.5).
From time to time I take a shot that I am somewhat proud of. I show it to my friends who of course "ooo and ahhh" over how great it is and I tell them I'm going to enter it into a competition (I typically do NOT tell my friends where since I don't want them to effect the vote). My friends then excitedly ask me, "how is your photo doing???" When I tell them 5.8 to 6.0 on a score of 1-10 they immediately drop their jaw, frown, and say, "Oh, I thought that was a great photo." No matter how hard I try to explain to them that 6.0 is a really good photo, they see it as just "slightly above average."
I have come to accept that 5.75 - 6.0 is a good photo and that 6.5-7.0 is a GREAT photo. I'm just curious if 5.0 at DPC is seen as the score to give an "average" photo that anyone and their dog can take or if it really means to DPC voters, "a photo that is good but not great." To me there is a big difference between "average" and "good but not great." What do you think DPC scores really mean? My interpretation is this:
4.0 to 4.75 - This is one of the worst photos ever taken by mankind.
4.75 to 4.99 - This clearly is NOT a good photo. It may be "average" but doesn't belong in a competition.
5.0 to 5.5 - This is a decent photo but probably a poor choice for a competition. Not quite wow enough.
5.5 to 5.75 - This is a good photo and a worthy entry into the competition. Keep trying.
5.75 to 6.0 - This is definitely better than average and a worthy competitior
6.0 to 6.5 - This is a really good photo and a real contender. You'll probably be in the top 25
6.5 to 6.75 - This is a great photo but just falls short of being fantastic.
6.75 to 7.25 - This is an outstanding shot, should be a top 10 finisher, but may fall short of a ribbon.
7.25 to 8.0 - Here's your ribbon
Your scale? |
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05/16/2011 09:34:06 AM · #2 |
That seems about right for how the averages work out. How an individual scores the shots varies wider, or course, and the averaging of many opinions is why a 6+ average is doing very well. Everyone has their own opinion and it's hard to get so many people to agree. The stuff that does mid-pack here will have your friends and relatives telling you that you missed your calling in life.
In answer to your original question, I think for the first time user that is trying, but does not yet have any real skills or knowledge, someplace between a 4 to 5 average is common. Someone with some knowledge or a good eye may start off in the low to mid 5's. Of course, there are many exceptions to such a generalization.
Message edited by author 2011-05-16 13:35:15.
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05/16/2011 12:12:34 PM · #3 |
This is a great topic. Why in rant? Yes, it has potential to become a rant, but should it start here?
BTW, this reminds me of those hospital pain charts:
You couldn't actually have a pain of 10. A pain of "10" means you passed out from the pain.
Maybe we need the same chart for voting. |
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05/16/2011 12:36:18 PM · #4 |
Hi Lee
Yes, your chart is about right.
Nice to see you back.
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05/16/2011 12:37:13 PM · #5 |
 DJWoodward ran a whole series of statistical analyses of DPC voting patterns quite recently; there are several linked threads -- one of them is here. |
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