The contradiction of aviation photography...

[jerslice]

I know something better may come along one day.

That day may be closer than you think...

Fred, very nice summary of it.

[Nathan McGrew]

Hmmm, a database of only interesting, powerful and creative aerospace images? Why boy, I think you might just have something there...

[PhilDernerJr]

Heh. Tempting tempting.

I will say that the MAJOR problem with aviation photography these days is that so many of us have taken our art and allowed it to be influenced by the standards set forth by other photo database websites. We cannot let them dictate our own expression of what we want to create when we put our faces behind the camera and press the shutter.

And who knows? Maybe something better...a new solution to all of that...is just around the corner.

[mattdueck]

I dont have much experience with programming but couldnt the administrators create a database within NYCaviation for us members to show off our creative side to this hobby. I have a really great photo of westjets 757 with the control tower using the rules of thirds but know it would be rejected. Just a thought.

[jerslice]

And who knows? Maybe something better...a new solution to all of that...is just around the corner.

It very went might be Phil...it very well might be.

[NIKV69]

It very went might be Phil...it very well might be.

Unfortunately it's mostly wishful thinking. If JP and ATI couldn't do it nobody really can. I know Jeremy would sell his firstborn to see it happen but his first baby can rest easy. He won't be sold.

We cannot let them dictate our own expression of what we want to create when we put our faces behind the camera and press the shutter.

Last I checked anet does not put a gun to your head to upload. People upload because they want to. Wasn't ATI supposed to be the answer to the "real photographers" pics?

Hmmm, a database of only interesting, powerful and creative aerospace images? Why boy, I think you might just have something there...

They are there you just have to look. Or did you mean a site that accepts your photos?

[jerslice]

If JP and ATI couldn't do it nobody really can. I know Jeremy would sell his firstborn to see it happen but his first baby can rest easy. He won't be sold.

I wouldn't sell my firstborn...maybe my second.

Last I checked anet does not put a gun to your head to upload.

You're absolutely right, which gets me confused as to why we let them get to us (myself included) - they are what they are.

Unfortunately it's mostly wishful thinking.

Or is it?

Wasn't ATI supposed to be the answer to the "real photographers" pics?

As in AirTeamImages?...if so than I'm under the impression that yes, that was the intent. At least the handful of times I've seen their pitch, that's what they say. Obviously that didn't really work out in the long run at all...considering by now they appear to own 50% of the a.net regulars.

[PhilDernerJr]

ATI, I think, and this isn't a dig to them, HEIGHTENED the standards by choosign top notch shooters only. This removes the masses, though you're right, Nick, in that they did not influence composition motive. It is still a separate beast.

[NIKV69]

Or is it?

Oh it is, your cryptic teases are nice but I doubt we are going to see any site ever come close, that boat sailed 5 years ago. Anet is simply too big, too well known and has way too much site traffic. JP can't even come close how is a new site going to get a DB and traffic?

top notch shooters only.

They choose certain photogs in fact they look more for people that can supply original stuff since they don't want doubles of what their existing photogs supply. I wouldn't say they are all top notch. No offense but I have seen ATI photogs that are good but far from upper tier aviation shooters. The whole stigma attached to ATI that all are the cream of the crop is quite inaccurate and has only been propagated by people who feel they get special treatment on anet since a couple are screeners.

though you're right, Nick, in that they did not influence composition motive. It is still a separate beast.

Of course but it all comes back to a site that has lower standards and takes everyone's shots which there are plenty out there. Anet never dictated how we express outselves behind the viewfinder. If a photographer wants to upload slides of 50mm side ons they are the ones that are dictating not anet. Did anet start out that way? Of course but it has evolved. Like I said if you did a search you will find thousands of creative shots. They are there. Are they harder to get accepted. Sure but I see plenty of guys that push the envelope with much success.

[jerslice]

No offense but I have seen ATI photogs that are good but far from upper tier aviation shooters. The whole stigma attached to ATI that all are the cream of the crop is quite inaccurate and has only been propagated by people who feel they get special treatment on anet since a couple are screeners.

I agree with you here Nick. They used to be significantly more exclusive but it now appears as though they take anyone and anything.

Oh it is, your cryptic teases are nice

I'm not really being cryptic. There are already sites out there that play more toward the photographer than the database.
http://www.airplane-pictures.net/ is a great example. Do they have the market share that a.net does? Not even close. But they definitely appeal more to creative types.
ATI, problems aside as well, also harbor some extremely creative shots - and their home d/b is pretty much no restrictions Some real creative stuff there.

Like I said if you did a search you will find thousands of creative shots. They are there. Are they harder to get accepted. Sure but I see plenty of guys that push the envelope with much success.

They do appear to be getting better about this, which is really great to see.