I didn’t think we would seriously do an all-Japan theme but I needed an example of an extremely restrictive theme. I’ve wanted to suggest something like “Real America” however, especially since 4th of July is here, something like “what does America mean to you?” with apple pies and flag waving kids, etc. But we have a lot of people who don’t live in America that participate so I wouldn’t suggest a theme like that even if a lot of people might want to do it.
Alright, serious time now. I wouldn’t actually be against a theme of “Real America” or “Americana”, even though I live in Japan. For one, there are enough things American around the world to make this topic viable. “Pictures only taken in Japan” of course limits the shooting location unfairly, but “Real America” allows a broad enough of a range of subjects to make it possible.
And, as touched on above, it also gives scope for reinterpretation of the theme, whereas specifying shooting location is solely constrictive.
While we are on the subject, one reason why I am not really in favour of Farkastronomy II; the Return to Endor, is that astronomy pictures restrict too much in terms of equipment. Sure, we can all stick on our biggest zoom and take a moon shot, but 150 pictures of the moon gets pretty boring. Only the few among us with telescopes can really go beyond that (and maybe a few wide angle star shots for those who live in places without light pollution). Therefore, the theme is, I think, too restrictive in terms of equipment. It’s rather like saying: “show me what you can take with a fisheye”, rather than “Fish”
The macro theme I though was acceptable as long a close-ups (and not true 1:1 macros) were allowed. Many DSLRs and P&S have a macro mode that allows you to get close enough, so ok by me. Also, the Prime Lens theme is ok as long as we allow people without prime lenses to go out with their zooms fixed to a certain length (although this will require exceptional amounts of self-control not to subconsciously zoom in or out!).
That’s my take on it. I think I may have wandered off topic.
