An Unofficial Home Photography Contest
by MahmoudEm, HSM guest contributor
“Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.” – Imogen Cunningham
Those are words that encouraged me as an amateur photographer. Photography is the art, science, and practice of creating pictures by recording radiation on a radiation-sensitive medium, such as a camera. The word “photography” is based on the Greek word φῶς (photos) “light” and γραφή (graphé) “representation by means of lines” or “drawing;” together they mean “drawing with light.”
I’m actually just a newbie to photography, and planning on upgrading to a Sony Nex-5; if I look for any electronic device, my first place to go to is the Sony store.
Anyway, back to the point. Photography isn’t only just a hobby for me; it’s a means of income which I love. I made about $200 from my last project. A picture, to me, can tell one thousand stories. Every picture you take will never be your best; only your last will be. I felt that PlayStation Home could be used in such an entertaining way. For example, you can see that magazines, games, and machinimas are some of the things that come to mind at the moment that have been developed in Home.
We have a utility that PlayStation blessed us with — the virtual camera — which is found in our inventory. When I first started to use Home back in late 2010, I started a photo collage that now consists of over 240 images I have taken of myself, friends, landscapes, and so on.
One day I was on the PlayStation Home Community Forums, and I saw a title that said “PlayStation Home Photography?” by quailsareneat that consisted of a few photographic photos that he posted from DeviantArt. A few hours later, I thought to myself, why not start an unofficial PlayStation Home photography contest?
So I made it! I had posted examples of pictures I would have looked for to declare the first-place winner. I was amazed at the response and support from the members on the forums. I thought to myself that photography can’t just be only in real life, but even people that don’t have a $500-plus DSLR can enjoy the simple and free camera that they have 24/7 access to while using Home.
I have had experience with interacting with the crowd and doing contests, as once I had a Facebook Page that had over 50,000 fans. Boy, was that hard to maintain! I would usually do shout-outs and just interact with the crowd, so doing this contest wasn’t hard at all for me. I just love to see people in a community interacting with each other and participate in things just not to be active, but have fun with it as well.
All the photos that were submitted were absolutely great, and it was very hard to choose a first-place winner. I would just like to give thanks to everyone who participated, voted, and viewed it, and just for the support. I am planning to do another unofficial contest (Home’s August Photography Contest) that you should definitely see on August 1st or 2nd on the PlayStation Home Community Forum page.
Before I reveal the winners of July’s contest, I would also love to add that I would like to meet up in Home with all the photographers sometime in August, so feel free to add me with a message included.
Now, for the part you’ve been waiting for. The winners of July’s unofficial PlayStation Home photography contest.
First Place Winner
“5 Star Resort” - Bonxo8480
I felt that this was the photo I was looking for since I started this contest. This photo is plain, yet it tells a unique story. You can make so much out of this one photo. Imagine the hundreds the people who stayed there. This photo makes you cherish the capabilities that the PlayStation Home developers gave us by using the amazingly unique camera. No words can describe this picture, which makes me speechless. That’s why it is the first place winner of July’s Photography Contest.
Second Place
“Heaven & Hell” - Grimmm-Reaper
I must include my personal perspective of this image. It shows two sides of the average Home user. One side shows the little innocent “Daddy’s Girl;” the other side shows the “Make My Day” guy. Some say there’s always one subject in an image, but this defines the possibilities of an image’s subject. It gives two perspectives, but yet it tells one story. This is a tale of two lives.
Third Place
“The Wait” - Sorrow-83
This photo placed third. This image was “dark,” I must say, and I like it — even though I would prefer magic horses with double rainbows as the background. This is pretty impressive. That is what makes it photography; it’s subjective. So in conclusion, this photo is dark, simple, and different.
Fourth Place
“Unknown” - Joanna_Dark_
This image tied with the next two for votes. To me, it represents courage; it dignifies female power. It’s a symbol of perseverance, and that no matter the gender, you can still overcome challenging obstacles. This is a great image that I think and hope will help females in Home to overcome fears of verbal abuse and enjoy Home for what it is, not for what people make it become.
Fifth Place – Picture #1
“Warrior”- BkBv
This image symbolizes – as mentioned before – “POWER!” Just listen to Kanye West’s song Power, and it’ll make you feel like bashing some warlocks in the head! This is greatly edited. I loved the ancient look. Is it me or is this reminiscent of 300? Anyway, it shows the aggressive side of the photographer and that she will overcome any duel that summons a challenge towards her. There is only one word that sums up this image to me: “Sparta!”
Fifth Place – Picture #2
“Disco Turkey” - Kid_Fleetfoot
This was the last photo that was tied with the other ones. This image represents humor, and a turkey that loves the boogey. It’s sunshine to your flower garden; that’s how I can best express this photo. It’s something that when you pull it up from your email in your lousy cubicle it hands you laughter.
Thanks for viewing this, and here’s the link for more pictures of July’s Home Photography Contest. (http://bit.ly/oMecZJ)
I want to thank all the respondents for their support and participation in this wonderful and successful unofficial contest, and let everyone know that there will be an August Home Photography Contest, coming to the PlayStation Home Community Forums in the first week of August.
August 1st, 2011 by MahmoudEm | 15 comments
Mahmoud is male teenager who has a passion for PS3 games and an addiction to Home.
A great idea, MahmoudEm. I noticed the post in the forums, and saw some of the work displayed there; I’m thrilled you decided to share the results on HSM, else i may not have caught the great work I missed in the forums.
Congrats to the winners…there’s some fine vision on display here. Nicely done all of you!
Wow! HomeStation covers so many things going on in Home. So nice! Your magazine is really special!
That unknown image by the way is named “Lone Sentry”.
Joanna
Sorry for not including that, Messaged you to give me a name, never responded, but Congrads though =]
Glad there’s a name for it…I liked that one, Joanna.
Great job everyone.
Great idea Mahmoud. The Homelings have held art shows in Home and I am considering having one in conjunction with them at some point as well. The ability of the little camera they gave us in Home amazes me sometimes. Good work and thanks for sharing. And congrats to all of the winners.
BTW There’s an August Edition Here: http://community.us.playstation.com/message/36199030#36199030
:^/ These are great. Now I’m looking forward to an official photo competition…
You know I liked them all great work HSM and MahmoudEm keep up your good work thanks keara for letting me know:)
I got a handful! Everyone can see it in my Facebook! If possible which one should I use!
Really nice and imaginative work here. Congrats to all of you. Well done!
Thanks, MahmoudEm and Home Photogs.
More, please!
It was fun
Yes, it was really fun…something different…and thank you very much to all who voted for me ..and congrats Bo on an amazing 1st place pic
OCTOBERS EDITION IS HERE http://community.us.playstation.com/thread/3881501?start=0&tstart=0