Challenge 3 P(WI)NTM 2011

pwicontest · February 2011

Susylu: The reflections are lovely, and the fairy on the bridge is very cute. I like how delicately you are holding one hand, very cute. The characters being cut off a bit is bothering me but not sure if it could have been taken any other way, and the two mobs at the right... If you would have waited til night it would have been like that scene with Yuna and Tidus from FF with your fairy as firefly.

Crystalynnex: I have a problem with the skew of this shot, it's too far off to the side for me, if you were a little deeper in (more centred) it would've added to the "I hate this but I'm doing it because I love him" aspect. Also, the time of day is just a bit off... It would probably be nicer at sunset, plus you can get the setting sun by the bridge. But kudos to you for coming up with a more gentle, romantic shot (and your fairy too for placing itself nicely in the middle there)

Susylu: It is as you said, the Titantic scene, PWI style! The pose and resemblance is flawless. The layout is well done as always. However, I think what made it dramatic in the movie was the timing of it during the sunset (I think it was) with the warm glow, which is missing from your shot. Also I've never liked naked panda barbs... looks like a bad suntan xD and the mob in the water...

Crystalynnex: I love this shot. It's so cute and original! Although, imo, you should've taken the shot a bit closer and at sunset to get that more romantic titanic-cey feel. Though maybe a suit for your beloved panda barb would've been a better choice and compliment to your outfit than jeans x3

Susylu: There we go, some traditional romance under the moonlight! The concept is beautiful, but the shot could have been taken a little differently I think, perhaps showing more of the couple, and somehow getting the light on them, not behind them. It looks like a still shot from a movie, where it was panning down on the lovers, and the shot was taken a little too early. Afterall, the focus I think should be on them, not the moon.

Crystalynnex: The hearts in the shot kinda threw things off for me for some reason =/ The time of day was chosen well, location too. Composed well, like most of your submissions are. A pretty shot overall, though originality is lacking. However, you earn points in the traditional department!

Susylu: I wanted to scream because I liked your valentine's day blooper shot with the rainbow a lot better than this one. The background is amazing, makes the viewer want to go there. The type of romance I get from your shot is of the girl protecting her man from an approaching enemy, which I guess is quite different from your description but its fun nonetheless. I wish the skill didn't cover up so much of the rainbow.

Crystalynnex: I very much liked your blooper one better...

Original, yes. Made me smile and want to laugh, though I'm not sure if that was what you wanted our reaction to be xD Love the background and the sky! But the thunderball kinda spoiled it a bit.

pwicontest · February 2011

Susylu: I have never taken a shot like that near Etherblade, props for going somewhere new! If a bit of the left and top portion was cut out I think that parting image might have come out better. The purple shoes too... Wish you had better shoes on, otherwise a beautiful background and story.

Crystalynnex: I like it. Your stance was nice, although I wish I could say the same for the barb xD I love the background and the angle works, and time of day ofc. Well composed in my opinion, nice job!

Susylu: A very simple shot, but none-the-less beautiful. I really like the fact you can't see either of the character's eyes. If only the sky had more stars it would have given more drama. A close up or a more distance shot would have worked well with this pose/angle just so you don't get too much of her knee taking up a bulk of the picture, although the curve it creates is nice.

Crystalynnex: A simple beautiful shot, somewhat mysterious as well. Though like Susy pointed out, too much leg in the shot. It's not bad, but it kinda throws proportions off. Otherwise, the close up is nice, though another angle probably would've worked better.

This will be the final photo. i.e. the last ranked one and the one who will be disqualified:

Susylu: Out of all the entries, I think your pose was the most romantic, that fierce, close embrace. The lack of glow and background killed it though. Maybe if there was glow it would have been better, but as of now, the mermaid thing is about to ram into your waist and its very... rigid. Not romantic.

Crystalynnex: I know the mob in the pic is your signature, and it's okay... But not when it actually takes part in the screenshot, like in this one. Your pose was the most passionate out of everyone's and displays the most emotions. But the colours were dull, and you could've easily come over that by increasing the effects just a wee bit. Get that glow and sparkle in there. I'm sorry you were voted out, but if at first you don't succeed, try again!

Wishing you all the best in your screenshot endeavours!

We're sorry to have to let go of you xxdistance, but you've submitted some really great shots the past few weeks, especially last week's Nine Nordic Queens one. Thank you for participating

And if there ever will be a Cycle 2 of this contest, do feel free to apply if you wish ^_^

The next challenge will indeed by the hardest of this entire event. Se get your thinking caps ready!

B_K - Sanctuary · February 2011

i thought i would lose with this one xD

but i agree i liked the other better i laughed so long after we took it. but the man here screamed and cried till i sent in the lighting one. he likes the rings, and how strong the lighting was right in his "region" plus he noticed u guys like the effects a lot and he felt it was too plain (i had others with soft lighting) but now that u mention it it does seem protecting but i would have picked a different outfit ._. the one i did felt so porno to me xD, we had basically given up and were just fooling around when we managed that pose

buttercupcruella · February 2011

I did not comment earlier, because due to various issues, no1 was really "sent home".

Now, I decided to speak.

1. I am impressed with the hosts' devotion to this contest. Deadlines are kept, AMAZING designs accompanying the shots are created, etc. Hope you guys stick it out to the very end, though. One issue only, you guys made a few mistakes (WE ALL DO!) and were/are a bit too aggressive about it. Take criticism wisely, not as if a 10 year - old would.

2. Great shots ya'll!!! I am really impressed by your creativity, patience and stubbornness.

3. What seems weird to me is that there are 3 judges (correct me if I'm wrong here) and the outcomes STILL surprise me. What I mean is that I would not rank the entrees as they were ranked by the judges. (Spare me the 'host your own contest' thing, please.) This time, however, I was shocked the most! Romance was the theme and in the last shot (which was voted out) there was TONS of passion. Looked like the guy pinned her to the tree and is making out with her as if there was no tomorrow. Other shots were ... too much pose... too little emotion. Some had a weird angle, some weren't focused on what they were supposed to be focused on. Yes, there WERE worse shots that went through. Also, isn't it that in '(insert country here)'s Next Top Model' judges look on the OVERALL work, not just the last piece?

ANYWAY!!!! TO SUM UP:

@hosts: great work; this post isn't to bash you, but to express my opinion.
@all contestants: thanks for the entertainment you provide
@xxdistance: your shot was amazing to me; you'd be my 2nd pick, after Temara's which I adore. B_K had a nice one too. <--- MY top 3; not like it matters:P

Looking forward to more...

crystalynnex · February 2011

buttercupcruella wrote: »

I did not comment earlier, because due to various issues, no1 was really "sent home".

Now, I decided to speak.

1. I am impressed with the hosts' devotion to this contest. Deadlines are kept, AMAZING designs accompanying the shots are created, etc. Hope you guys stick it out to the very end, though. One issue only, you guys made a few mistakes (WE ALL DO!) and were/are a bit too aggressive about it. Take criticism wisely, not as if a 10 year - old would.

Could you point me out an example please? If it's the thing with the presets again, just PM me and I'll gladly explain it to you.

2. Great shots ya'll!!! I am really impressed by your creativity, patience and stubbornness.

3. What seems weird to me is that there are 3 judges (correct me if I'm wrong here) and the outcomes STILL surprise me. What I mean is that I would not rank the entrees as they were ranked by the judges. (Spare me the 'host your own contest' thing, please.) This time, however, I was shocked the most! Romance was the theme and in the last shot (which was voted out) there was TONS of passion. Looked like the guy pinned her to the tree and is making out with her as if there was no tomorrow. Other shots were ... too much pose... too little emotion. Some had a weird angle, some weren't focused on what they were supposed to be focused on. Yes, there WERE worse shots that went through. Also, isn't it that in '(insert country here)'s Next Top Model' judges look on the OVERALL work, not just the last piece?

Yes, xxdistance's pose was the most passionate and fiery out of everyone's, but it lacked that spark and creativity. It's a nice shot, yes, but personally I'm looking for something more... original, and yet still sticks to the "Romance" theme.

Judging by criteria, she fit the whole theme, however I personally don't just see if you did what was asked, I look for stance, the complexity of the shot, the emotions in it, originality and creativity among others. I'll even take the shot composition, skew of background and at times even choice of fashion.

So, each of us has our own way of judging each shot. We all have different tastes and look for different things in the screenie.

As for '(insert country here's) Next Top Model' goes, if I'm not mistaken, past achievements are really taken into account when deciding the winner only. They consider past work, but not so much that they'll drag someone else to the bottom just because she got a flawless shot that one time a few weeks ago. But, idk, I don't run this event in accordance to the actual show, I just draw inspiration from it I take the show's skeleton and flesh out the bones how I like.

ANYWAY!!!! TO SUM UP:

@hosts: great work; this post isn't to bash you, but to express my opinion.
@all contestants: thanks for the entertainment you provide
@xxdistance: your shot was amazing to me; you'd be my 2nd pick, after Temara's which I adore. B_K had a nice one too. <--- MY top 3; not like it matters:P

Looking forward to more...

Hope I answered your questions, any doubts, please PM me directly. Thank you for your thoughts. Much appreciated.

Xxdistance - Heavens Tear · February 2011

I am kinda mad that I was voted out,
especially since I took a long time to find a spot and we spent about 30 more minutes posing to get the correct pose, then another 15 minutes deciding which screenshot to enter.
And then I see people who just embrace and kiss stay in the competition. While it's romantic, there's not a lot of thought put into them.
But oh well.. thanks for the run, guys.

queenblade · February 2011

o.o I was fully expecting to get eliminated. When looking through the screenies I actually skipped down to the bottom expecting to find it there since I had no significant other. xDD sorry for PWI's crappy mountain graphics >_> I didn't think about it but it does look weird, but facing her the other way would have stuck her in cherry trees. That wouldn't be bad except that for some reason the dress and her skin tone blended with them too well in the dark. Not sure how that happens. lol

But oh wow, O.o first place, thanks!

And now for a blooper.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k252/Rikaflare/2011-02-1723-08-34.jpg

I hit the wrong emote...b:surrender

buttercupcruella · February 2011

crystalynnex wrote: »

Hope I answered your questions, any doubts, please PM me directly. Thank you for your thoughts. Much appreciated.

1. There is no need to point out the mistakes, because this thread would turn out to be a ..., lets just say, a bad thing. No PMS needed either, you guys have enough to do as it is. Just wanted to tell you that if you happen to get some negative comments, take them like a mature, level - headed person would do.

crystalynnex wrote: »

Yes, xxdistance's pose was the most passionate and fiery out of everyone's, but it lacked that spark and creativity. It's a nice shot, yes, but personally I'm looking for something more... original, and yet still sticks to the "Romance" theme.

Judging by criteria, she fit the whole theme, however I personally don't just see if you did what was asked, I look for stance, the complexity of the shot, the emotions in it, originality and creativity among others. I'll even take the shot composition, skew of background and at times even choice of fashion.

2. It lacked that spark? Hmm... it had too many sparks (wink wink). Creativity? Oh... I think it WAS creative compared to some... What strikes me about your answer is that you describe the ss, then you say you look for something totally different and you name the same things you used to describe the shot. I kinda don't get it................... As for composition, background and fashion -> composition - YES!!!, background - HELL YEA (but pointing out some mobs as a bad thing can be aggravating), and fashion - you know, not every1 has the money or the need to have great, matching fashion.b:surrender

As for the '____'s Next Top Model', the point I was trying to make is that... it would be kinda lame if a contestant who turned in 7 awesome entries and 1 meh one would be kicked out instead of a person having 8 average shots.

Xxdistance - Heavens Tear wrote: »

I am kinda mad that I was voted out,
especially since I took a long time to find a spot and we spent about 30 more minutes posing to get the correct pose, then another 15 minutes deciding which screenshot to enter.
And then I see people who just embrace and kiss stay in the competition. While it's romantic, there's not a lot of thought put into them.
But oh well.. thanks for the run, guys.

I'm afraid others would pull out the 'we spent tons of time, too' response. Other than this, I fully agree with your post.

NiightmareXz - Harshlands · February 2011

buttercupcruella wrote: »

I'm afraid others would pull out the 'we spent tons of time, too' response. Other than this, I fully agree with your post.

I can't see how going to a place, embracing and taking a shot of that takes THAT much time. xD

buttercupcruella · February 2011

NiightmareXz - Harshlands wrote: »

I can't see how going to a place, embracing and taking a shot of that takes THAT much time. xD

Honestly, I don't either, but I know people who claim they spend a lot of time on ... nothing, because they wanna perfect everything... Yea...

NiightmareXz - Harshlands · February 2011

buttercupcruella wrote: »

Honestly, I don't either, but I know people who claim they spend a lot of time on ... nothing, because they wanna perfect everything... Yea...

I personally don't see anything wrong with the screenie that got eliminated. I guess the mob in the background is a little distracting but I didn't see anyone, aside from B_K, else actually use the poses in this challenge. I really liked Kyna's, I believe it deserved first, but I also believe that eliminating shot didn't deserve it, because quite honestly, there were worse shots that didn't look romantic or just plain... unoriginal. I thought the idea of this contest was originality? xD But I digress, gz to everyone who moved on. b:cute

buttercupcruella · February 2011

NiightmareXz - Harshlands wrote: »

I personally don't see anything wrong with the screenie that got eliminated. I guess the mob in the background is a little distracting but I didn't see anyone, aside from B_K, else actually use the poses in this challenge. I really liked Kyna's, I believe it deserved first, but I also believe that eliminating shot didn't deserve it, because quite honestly, there were worse shots that didn't look romantic or just plain... unoriginal. I thought the idea of this contest was originality? xD But I digress, gz to everyone who moved on. b:cute

You quote me and talk as if I was complaining about the shot that got eliminated, while my whole discussion here is expressing my dissatisfaction about the choice made by the judges.

Dunno, maybe I misinterpreted what ya wrote ... (if anything, read my earlier post. kinda lengthy, but thorough)

Yea, gratz to those that passed the test.

Sad to see xxdistance leave though.

Myralis - Sanctuary · February 2011

First of all: I dont like the last few posts in this thread. If you dont like the way this contest is judged, hold your own. If you want to discuss the work of the contestants, well do it in a way thats not insulting anyone. Im so sick of this 'Oh but this was good, this sucked, she didnt spend time on it'.

You know what? Im dead sure everyone who took part put their heart into it and seeing those comments just hurts. Everyone got their opinion on seeing things, and even if you dont agree with who got first, second, w/e, no need to point it out. Its just disrespectful to the people who put that much work in submitting something.

I was gonna comment the actual shots but now... Im kinda too pissed to say anything useful, sorry.

crystalynnex · February 2011

It's late and I seriously need to be getting some sleep, but I'll get to each of your posts tomorrow when I have the time.

As far as originality goes, the 3 of us perceive originality differently. I see things as "original" different from other people. What I see as original, you may not, and vice versa.

Also, we judge things quite critically; what you perceive as "okay" or "forgive-able" we might not.

Also I want to re-cap with all of you our system of giving points:

The points are basically equivalent to what number your position is.

For example, in a sample of 5 people (A, B, C, D, E):

My rank (from top to bottom) is D, B, A, E, C so D = 5 points, B = 4 points, A = 3 points, E = 2 points and C = 1 point.

And my rank can be COMPLETELY different from what the other two have;

Judge 2 - B, C, E, A, D which is B = 5 points, C = 4 points, E = 3 points, A = 2 points, D = 1 point

Judge 3 - E, A, C, D, B which is E = 5 points, A = 4 points, C = 3 points, D = 2 points, B = 1 point

Therefore, the point for each person will be added together and you have your rank;

A = 9/15
B = 10/15
C = 8/15
D = 8/15
E = 10/15

In this case, B and E have tied for 1st place. We will inform you if there is a tie for first and last place. But so far, that hasn't happened before.

Just PM me for any complaints etc etc Believe me, I can make time for you

buttercupcruella · February 2011

crystalynnex wrote: »

It's late and I seriously need to be getting some sleep, but I'll get to each of your posts tomorrow when I have the time.

Just PM me for any complaints etc etc Believe me, I can make time for you

I appreciate the responses. Even though I disagree with the outcomes, there is not much I can do. Thanks for sharing the 'backstage' info.b:thanks

You gained my respect with all those replies of yours. Just 'cause you can converse instead of kicking and screaming. Thank you once again and good luck:)

See you at the next 'results' thread?! :P

Temara - Lost City · February 2011

O.O"

I actually thought I'd be "IT" for sure this week. We acutally wanted 2 make the shot in the pavillion outside of Etherblade, him kneeling in front of me but the NPC somehow didn't fit in.

Dorset - Heavens Tear · February 2011

buttercupcruella wrote: »

1. I am impressed with the hosts' devotion to this contest. Deadlines are kept, AMAZING designs accompanying the shots are created, etc. Hope you guys stick it out to the very end, though. One issue only, you guys made a few mistakes (WE ALL DO!) and were/are a bit too aggressive about it. Take criticism wisely, not as if a 10 year - old would.

2. Great shots ya'll!!! I am really impressed by your creativity, patience and stubbornness.

3. What seems weird to me is that there are 3 judges (correct me if I'm wrong here) and the outcomes STILL surprise me. What I mean is that I would not rank the entrees as they were ranked by the judges. (Spare me the 'host your own contest' thing, please.) This time, however, I was shocked the most! Romance was the theme and in the last shot (which was voted out) there was TONS of passion. Looked like the guy pinned her to the tree and is making out with her as if there was no tomorrow. Other shots were ... too much pose... too little emotion. Some had a weird angle, some weren't focused on what they were supposed to be focused on. Yes, there WERE worse shots that went through. Also, isn't it that in '(insert country here)'s Next Top Model' judges look on the OVERALL work, not just the last piece?

Looking forward to more...

To be honest i was not impressed with ANY this week. And i was completly surprised by the results as you were. However i cant say i would have agreed with YOUR ratings either because to be honest Distances screenshot just did not live up to the creativity andimagination and eye for beauty she showed in last weeks results. Thankyou for your comments Cruella! remember no judging system will be faultless and we have done our best to create a system where all three of our votes count. We might not always agree but thats what makes it so interesting!

Myralis - Sanctuary wrote: »

I was gonna comment the actual shots but now... Im kinda too pissed to say anything useful, sorry.

I was meant to comment on every single one but in all honesty i have not had the time due to issues in real life nor the Will this week as i was dissapointed with most of teh entries and the results and literally had no clue what to say to any of them. Cant wait till next week guys!

KuiXing - Harshlands · February 2011

This week kinda disappointed me

I was expecting some really romantic shots.. and some were! I adore the first place winner's shot! but some... I dont think should have gotten that high up. Im not trying to be mean, Ik you guys put a lot of effort into it... but it wasnt all the impressive this week. Embracing and taking an SS shouldnt have gotten you very high up, even if it was romantic, it wasn't very creative.

Just my 2 cents, dont bash me.. Just what I thought, the shots were nice just not creative in my prospective b:surrender

B_K - Sanctuary · February 2011

See now im all worried about originality, here i have about 4-5 sets of screens saved up from the past weeks in etherblade, but because of ur comment on how unique it was for hers to be there that ull feel im just trying to copy.

and hell cant use this place again, here were the best outta the 30+ shots we took before we gave up

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r153/4chan_posters/2011-02-1715-33-22.jpg (felt too innocent for the background)
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r153/4chan_posters/2011-02-1715-25-39.jpg (not romantic at all >.> but gave a great sense of unity)
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r153/4chan_posters/2011-02-1715-05-00.jpg (gave up on this one early, was trying positions laying down and such but just couldn't get it to work

Dorset - Heavens Tear · February 2011

TBH i wasnt all about originality this week i didnt mind the embrasing because to be honest...its romantic at least. quite a few of the screenshots i couldnt really tell were meant to be romantic. For the Romantic theme i didnt really mind the screenshots looking a little classic. But many of the screenshots werent even well put together. i hope to see a lot more next week.

Susylu - Heavens Tear · February 2011

Ohh o.o my turn to reply.

WALL OF TEXT!!! Only read if you're actually bored xD

It really was a shame that distance was eliminated, especially since she ranked so high in the previous challenges and does have a great talent for taking beautiful shots. I know she put a lot of effort and time into it too, and from now on as the challenges increase in difficultly the contestants will be putting in more time, and sadly, each time one will have to leave.

For simplicity's sake and to make the contest clear for the first full run of the model contest, we ruled out immunities from elimination from past challenge rankings. This does mean if you make one mistake even though you placed first in every other - you're gone.

In that sense, I guess the top model shouldn't ever fall to the last place and have to have their past cover it/make up for it sort of thing.

There are many flaws to the system, and perhaps if another contest of a similar nature is run they'll calculate that in.

The controversies in the comments that we provide that you commented on are not really contradicting. The same element that works in one shot doesn't always work in another. The same tree might look excellent in one, and might look dead and limp in another depending on how they incorporate it into it to create a whole picture. Often just having a great pose but in a wrong environment makes the pose lose all its effectiveness.

There's not much else for me to say that hasn't been said. The ranking system was used precisely because the three of us have every differing options on what we expect and think make a great screenshot like mentioned.

And tbh - order does matter. Being the first to send in an entry at least for me somewhat sets up a standard for the rest of the entries which can be a good or bad thing.

B_K - Sanctuary wrote: »

See now im all worried about originality, here i have about 4-5 sets of screens saved up from the past weeks in etherblade, but because of ur comment on how unique it was for hers to be there that ull feel im just trying to copy.

and hell cant use this place again

Originality usually has not much to do with the setting of your screenshot, but rather how you make use of it. I've taken lots of screenshots around that place, just never in that perspective so I thought it was neat. That's why you usually see people visiting the same places that they love and creating shots of a whole different mood - like how Sanctuary was used in several of the entries yet they all felt different.

But if you had a whole new place to show off that'll be great too b:laugh

PS Wooo yellow is going to be my new font color yay

Challenge 3 P(WI)NTM 2011

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