Attended the photomarathon last Saturday, my first time! Was using a Panasonic Lumix FZ8. I did get slightly

when seeing so many folks and teenagers whipping out DSLRs with the super, super, ultra lenses and attachments etc etc.
But when I was in the queue to download my entry photo, I saw a man, in his 60s or maybe even older, standing in front of me and he was just carrying a consumer camera. I thought that old man embodied the spirit of the photomarathon wonderfully. It doesn't matter what camera you're using, from the totally high-end ones or a simple consumer cam, as long as you enjoy yourself
On the whole, I enjoyed myself even though I had to crawl out of bed at 5.30am on a Sat morning. But there was one or two things that disturbed me. Hope no one minds me bringing it out here~~~ It's not my intention to offend!
First thing, I wish people would clear their rubbish and trash during the briefing sessions! It really just irks me when folks don't practise this basic courtesy.
Secondly, this concerns one of the winning photos in the Youth Category. Let me make this VERY clear, I am not being a sore loser (and I'm not even a youth!) or bitter about not winning, but the photo of the woman trying to get on the ox, I found it tasteless and rather insulting. I can see the humour in it, of course, but on the other hand, I thought it was humour at the woman's expense which I dislike. Maybe because I'm a woman so I'm seeing it from a female perspective and not a photographer's POV. But I just felt sorry for that woman in that photo, having her photo taken when she was in a vulnerable position and displayed so openly.