Posted by David Peterson on 11 Nov 2006 as General
Last night was a pretty special night for me. One of my photos was shown on TV!

The local government owned TV station, ABC Australia, usually shows an image contributed by the public during the weather. Recently, I took a nice image of a bridge near where I grew up. I thought I’d submit this to the ABC to see if they would show it, and amazingly they did! The only unfortunate bit is they did not spell my surname right.
Now while this wasn’t a competition that I won, it does demonstrate that you do ‘need to be in it to win it’. Do you have a photo that you think is pretty good? Why not enter it in a local photo competition, or send it to your local TV station. Even if you don’t think it will win, you may be surprised.
And if your photo is of a current news event, send it to your local newspaper. They are always after photos of local news and may even pay you.
.. oh and the temperatures shown are in Celsius. It doesn’t get below freezing much here in Melbourne!

49 Responses
braux
November 11th, 2006 at 11:01 pm
1hoppefully, they missed your surname. Your photo has no interest since my eye do no fix any point on your image. It is still trying to find a subject. The grass is dark and nothing is really interreting in it, the same for the background trees.
I wonder why this photo has been choosen by TV…
Regards.
M Braux
KayDee
November 12th, 2006 at 2:55 am
2Way to go! I enjoyed the picture. It gives me hope that I may one day see one of my pictures as a winner, so to say.
Lily
November 12th, 2006 at 4:57 am
3Congratulations, David. I just had one photo on tv also but because it was a winner in a photo contest. And another awhile back because I just happened to be at the right place at the right time. Great advice you’ve given. I shoot just about anything that catches my eye now because I’ve learned that you just never know what someone may be looking for. And I’ve discovered that tv and newspapers will pay for newsworthy photos.
Cowgirl
Debbie
November 12th, 2006 at 7:42 am
4I am afraid I must disagree with the criticsm of the photo. It is true that it is dark and there is not one central figure to catch the eye. I think, however, that this is really the charm of the picture. It has a dream-like quality about it that conjures up feelings of hot summer afternoons from childhood, or a dream of childhood. I think the phot is quite striking and makes a wonderful background.
Nick
November 12th, 2006 at 8:47 am
5Oh thanks for sharing that David.
I’m with KayDee…always have a hope of being published or have an image recognised publicly.
I think the critique from above isn’t quite necessary in this case. The proof is in the pudding that it was a shot that suited the job just fine!
Well done!
Ralph
November 12th, 2006 at 10:41 am
6Well, I must say that “braux” must be really hard to please. He/she seems to have an axe to grind with you, David! The photo is relaxing and does not need to be critqued. It’s all in the eye of the beholder, I guess.
kathy gossage
November 12th, 2006 at 11:43 am
7it is anice photo and if you cant say
anything nice i think you shouldnt
even comment
Roger
November 12th, 2006 at 1:31 pm
8It’s not the subject or any matter. What we want here is the memories we have with the place. I think the picture is great and perfect in any sense. Good day david. Keep it up. And thanks for your tips, it helps us a lot!
Kathy Peck
November 12th, 2006 at 3:03 pm
9I am pleased to say I have had several pictures on TV and in the newspapers. That is always a thrill!!
IAN
November 12th, 2006 at 3:28 pm
10Is braux such an expert that he/she can make these comments?
Remember an expert…..an EX is a has been, & a SPERT is a drip under pressure.
David, keep up the good work, there are those of us who need your kind of expertise.
THANK YOU.
Graham
November 12th, 2006 at 3:51 pm
11Let’s say I’m a TV Weather Person. Do I want my viewers looking at the information I’m presenting - or the photograph in the background? Just a thought…..
Feathers Mk 2…..
Marge
November 12th, 2006 at 9:10 pm
12David, I enjoyed looking at this calm and relaxing photograph and never thought of this unusual view.
I am learning a lot and look forward to the tips you are sharing. Thanks.
GrahamB
November 12th, 2006 at 9:27 pm
13As the other Graham said, the focus is supposed to be on the Character Generator graphics, not the photo. I have directed television news, and the weather backgrounds we used were specifically shot that way.
Apart from that, I think the photo invokes a feeling, a mood, or a memory, not just a technical image. It LOOKS like it was taken on a Sunday.
dipak borole
November 12th, 2006 at 9:37 pm
14Congrats David!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Larry Llewellyn
November 12th, 2006 at 9:43 pm
15Thanks for all your tips I’ve saved them all. I think phography is a special medium, where it’s a shame others don’t see what you’ve captured forever- in time. If you the phogragher enjoyed the moment, that in itself is satisfying; having others enjoy is a plus. Thanks for helping me enjoy the many, many moments, above and below the surface!!!!!!!
Bob
November 12th, 2006 at 10:12 pm
16I’ve had a couple of pictures on tv, each to accompany the weather report also. It’s quite a feeling to realize that thousands upon thousands of people who are watching the weather report are also watching your picture. But, of course, the real reason that they are watching is not for the picture, but for the weather report.
I can live with that. The tv station gets to show a royalty free picture of local interest, and one of my pictures gets a lot of local exposure.
john Hall
November 12th, 2006 at 10:21 pm
17Hi David, I think I know how you felt when you saw your photo on telly. I had a few warbird photos posted on a war bird site in England, That was a Buzz. Congratulations Mate on a great site you have here.Keep it up. I love the mood of the bridge. Thanks
vicmit
November 12th, 2006 at 11:31 pm
18David - I loved the use of shadows in this photo. We have recently discovered the beauty of shadows when we were shooting in the Blue Ridge and were amazed at what we had accidently captured. Now I wonder if we can recreate on purpose. BRAVO! and Congrats.
Not sure why braux has issues with it - except perhaps jealousy.
Bobbi Hedman
November 13th, 2006 at 12:02 am
19Way to go, David. Congratulations!!
Walt
November 13th, 2006 at 12:12 am
20Nice to have that happen. Congtats!!!
To all the critics, when were your pictures on TV? :))
Geoff Hutt
November 13th, 2006 at 12:14 am
21Way to go, David. Keep snapping!
Joel Mukoma
November 13th, 2006 at 1:01 am
22the photo is wonderful. the memories is what is important. its nice and no wonder it was brought on TV. Keep it up
Erika
November 13th, 2006 at 1:31 am
23When you send your photo to a TV station or newspaper, do you send a large resolution? Do you put your name on it, as in copyright and name? Do you send it via email or on a CD?
Tammy
November 13th, 2006 at 2:44 am
24That must have felt great! Congrats.
Rachel
November 13th, 2006 at 2:47 am
25M. Braux - if you read this, your comments are as rude as they are unnecessary… Nobody likes a photography snob. Dave did not ask for your inappropriate critic in this forum. He was being nice to encourage other photographers which is more than I can say for you. Sure, you have your own photos that have been published, but each tv station, and publication looks for different qualities in photos. If everyone saw and thought the same thing it would lessen the interest in photography and make photography rather boring. Obviously you are entitled to your opinion, however your abundance of negativity was unwarrented. I found Dave’s photo rather interesting and pleasant because of the interplay of dark and light, the perspective of the bridge, and the lack of posed artificial people in an artificial background with artificial lighting. Dave - congratulations on having your photograph on television. Thanks for sharing and for your encouragement.
Suzi
November 13th, 2006 at 2:59 am
26Nice job Dave! Way to go. Thanks for the encouragement for taking photos of different subjects. Typically my shots are of animals, however I’ve come to appreciate taking shots of any subject that catches my eye. This has helped me improve greatly as a photographer.
Kathy Wess
November 13th, 2006 at 4:06 am
27Photogs also might want to check their home state (US, Aus), province (CA), or local regions to see if they have a photo submission. I am thrilled to have one of mine as an official Michigan e-card (Belle Isle Conservatory.) Also, strange as it seems, check radio stations too - they have websites - and local papers.
photogirl
November 13th, 2006 at 5:41 am
28M. Braux,
It’s a background photo, so it’s supposed to be that way. douchebag.
David Peterson
November 13th, 2006 at 7:38 am
29Don’t go so hard on M Braux for his comments on the photo. His comments are indeed absolutely correct - there is no subject to draw the eye for the viewer. In fact, I had this photo reviewed by a pro in my Review Your Photos website and the pro said exactly the same thing.
Roger (and others) hit it spot on the head when they talked about the photo bringing back memories. It does for me as I grew up there.
As others have said, it makes a perfect photo for the weather, which is why I submitted it there.
David.
AV
November 13th, 2006 at 7:47 am
30Thanks for sharing, David & congrats. What a nice surprise that must have been. Interesting … 27 supportive comments & 1 negative. Seems pretty average, doesn’t it? Unfortunately 1 negative always seems to ruin the excitement.
Personally, I have never seen anyone on the internet provide so much good information, sharing it without strings attached, willing to sharing his own accomplishments and always provided encouragement to all others. You are a gem - Too bad there aren’t more like David.
Thanks for all the great stuff you share & teach & best wishes to you always.
Arlene, Wisconsin, USA
Rob, Geelong, Aust.
November 13th, 2006 at 8:10 am
31They ALWAYS get something wrong. And the reason it was picked was that it had no specific interest spot, was a nice ‘happy snap’ and that their graphics (words) would not compete with the picture for the viewer’s interest. ( I have worked in TV)
NOT ALL photos have to be art. There is a lot of room for “Wallpaper” shots as well. You just found another niche! Well done.
Rob in Geelong.
Fred Stewart
November 13th, 2006 at 8:27 am
32Congratulations! David on having your image chosen by ABC TV to present to viewers in their weather report segment. The encouragement you have given is inspiring to amature and hobby photographers. Your tips have been a great help, thank you for your great effort in wanting to help others get more enjoyment out of their photography.
Fred
Melbourne, Vic.
Patrick
November 13th, 2006 at 9:04 am
33To everyone who flamed M.Braux… He’s comment may not have been delivered with much tact, nor may it be the best place or time, but keep in mind that his comment is more valuable than the bucket load of “well done David” and “Beautiful photo David” following his. How is anyone supposed to improve if all the comments are positive? This photo is indeed average. But probably partly due to being recorded from TV and to be honest, a magnificent photo with a strong subject may have distracted from the main aim, which is to inform about the weather.
Never be afraid to be hard on anyone including yourself. It doesn’t mean that David doesn’t provide an excellent Internet service.
Patrick.
Paul Turpie
November 13th, 2006 at 12:06 pm
34David,
Do you live near Bendigo? There is an Axe Creek near Bendigo.
I think the image makes a great backdrop.
Manishchini
November 13th, 2006 at 2:40 pm
35It is a good photo giving the feeling that we are standing there.
Prasad
November 13th, 2006 at 3:35 pm
36i am sure that must have been a nice feeling. also i liked the photo as it show the pleasantness required for the photo used to display weather. congrats, dave.
That was a nice idea, i too will try it out.
-Prasad
HYDERABAD,INDIA
Steve
November 13th, 2006 at 6:58 pm
37Braux,
Your web site is crap, to slow to load and very uninteresting, it is all a matter of opinion. Well done David on your achievement.
manish
November 13th, 2006 at 7:41 pm
38Congrats, david……. Nice and simple pic …..
The Indian Photographer
November 13th, 2006 at 10:36 pm
39I am happy for you!
You must be feeling very PROUD when you saw your picture on the TV.
May you have many more “Special nights” (extended over the weekend”
:o)
Eze A Obulor
November 14th, 2006 at 12:24 am
40Hi David,
Looking at the picture the first impression or feeling I got was that of CALMNESS. I looked at it the second time and I had the impression of a MOVING TRAIN created by the the bridge in perspective.
These all ministered to me, but most of all I havefuther been encouraged to KEEP SHOOTING even if you don’t make any meaning out of it immediately because it will make meaning later.
Thanks for being a GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT TO ME and many others.
bill symington
November 14th, 2006 at 12:54 am
41Hi David,thank’s for your tips and help.
please keep up the good work.
Regards bill
Rhonda
November 14th, 2006 at 8:04 am
42I liked the photo, although I too thought it was a bit dark, but it did make me remember hot sunny afternoons around 4pm on a Sunday. So the photo did its job.
Tine P Martin Sr.
November 14th, 2006 at 12:04 pm
43Nice going my friend, I have entered some of mine at our Indiana State Fair, I guess mine
is not weird enough. I thought
they were good anyway. I asked Santa for a new camera for Christmas, my wife said I haven’t been that good. Best always,
Tine
Bob
November 14th, 2006 at 1:40 pm
44For Erika (and others who may be wondering):
When I submit a picture to a television station for broadcast, it is a copy of the original sent to them via e-mail. This has produced clearer quality pictures than the scanned pictures they showed. (Although the actual reason for the request for pictures to be sent to them via email rather than via the regular mail is when we had all of those Anthrax scares going around at that time. In the email I state my name, my city, and what the picture is of).
Pam
November 20th, 2006 at 7:36 am
45Nice to see so much commentary on photography. In defence of Braux, criticism is always necessary if we are to improve. I agree with Patrick. Re the lack of tact - read the comment from the perspective of someone to whom English is not a first language. Come on everyone don’t be too hard on others. We are all in this to improve ourselves - aren’t we? If we can’t take a bit of criticism then maybe we should get out of the game. Thanks David, for your valuable contribution to the art. Your web hints and tutorials are great.
Pauline
November 22nd, 2006 at 10:25 pm
46Well congratulations David. I too have had a picture chosen for our local tv news broadcast and it was not one of my best! Your picture to me depicts a nice stroll on a quiet Sunday afternoon. Thank you for sharing.
FRAN
November 26th, 2006 at 2:53 pm
47I liked the picture you have taken. but it is replies and comments like the forst post that I do not post pictures. If your not a pro then don’t say crap about how bad they are or how dark they are. dang! jsut my 2 cents.
Fran
Elie
December 12th, 2006 at 10:25 am
48Hi, Congrats on that accomplishment Dave! I was just hoping you could provide more info on how to send in your pictures, is there an email you send it to or a website you go to?
Thanks!
The Flash
December 20th, 2006 at 7:37 pm
49Good on ya David for having your pic on tv - that’s fantastic!
From a graphic design point-of-view, I believe the picture works very well with the type layout. Initially your eye is drawn in by the light area of the bridge (on the right) which takes you to the white type “weather description” where we naturally read down to David’s name. Subtly your eye is led up via the far right bridge column to the bridge’s perspective and then to the white area of the bridge where we start over again. So Braux, its not just the pic where looking at here, it’s the overall design - how image and type work together.
I find the photo alone captures the feeling of a long pleasant afternoon, with the bridge extending into the distance (symbolic of a “long afternoon”). I like the strong lighting - it helps create the mood.
OUTLOOK
- A fine picture
- Mostly sunny reviews with a possible isolated light shower
- A pleasant 21-25 degrees
Sydney, AUSTRALIA
Comments: The Flash
RSS feed for comments on this post · TrackBack URI
Leave a reply
Search
Categories
Archives
Links
Meta
Recent Posts
Recent Comments
© 2009 Digital Photo Secrets All Rights Reserved. | Contact Us
No part of this page may be reproduced without express written instructions by David Peterson.