P3D What wins the Gold Medal?

[fj834@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Dr. George A. Themelis)]

Boris, respectfully submitted the following:

>From what I've heard wins the Gold Medal at many competitions, I'm
>beginning to wonder if the Silver (Best Contemporary) isn't actually a
>higher honor...  (i'd like to think so.  he, he)

Just a minute... 

1. What have you heard wins the Gold Medddal?  
   (I want to know too, just in case :-))

2. Who says that the Silver Medal is given for 
   "Best Contemporary"?

3. Who says that the Gold Medal cannot be given to 
   a "Contemporary" slide?

>But judging from my results, I would say that
>the typical exhibition selector considers Contemporary just about 
>any slide that has artistic merit or intent.

Aha!  And what is the purpose of good photography in general?

>My impression now is that unless it is obviously a travel photo, action
>photo, nature photo, or some kind of family snapshot / scenic, it is
>probably a candidate for Contemporary judging.

If you want my personal opinion, it is much easier to produce a table top
image, once you have been instructed in the basics of lighting, etc. and
have access to the appropriate equipment, than a good travel, nature or
action photo shot.  Looking at what gets accepted in PSA salons, more than
half of the pictures are flowers, table-tops or studio-type pictures.  If
there is a class of pictures becoming "endangered species" and could
use some extra help via PSA honors, these are travel photos (w/people),
urban scenes, photojournalism shots, etc.

Boris, I hear you are doing great with your tabletop, studio and
computer-generated shots.  If you want to proclaim yourself a complete and
competent stereo photographer, try to get PSA honors with handheld
out-of-the-studio stereo pictures.  Now, there is the challenge!

Regards, George Themelis


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