Don't you think it might be more effective to get a shot of the speaker in the amplifier and not just the amplifier?

the speaker IS showing also right in the area that says "First Act"

I agree with jawsh, this is more about the switches than the speaker.

The "speaker" isn't really the focus of the shot. The dials etc seem to be.

Look up "speaker" in the dictionary please. A speaker is not just that little round thing behind the black dots. The word "speaker" is short for "loudspeaker" and a loudspeaker is a device that converts electrical signals to sound waves which are radiated into the air. This whole device (an amp) is a speaker/loudspeaker, not just one part of it.

I did look it up. Definition of a loudspeaker is a device that amplifies noise. The contest theme is "Speakers" not "Loud speakers". The speaker is still in the center of the amp, out of view in the photo. I can see the amp that makes it a "loudspeaker" but once again, contest theme is "speakers", not "loudspeakers". It would have made for a really artistic and unique entry IF you put the focus on the speaker in the center of the amp and just off to one side and the guitar off to the other side in the BG just focused enough to tell what it is, rather than behind the amp. Just re-shoot it.

tell me exactly what you saw when you looked up "speaker" please. When I looked it up on my book at home it said to see "loudspeaker" and when I looked it up online, it also said to see loudspeaker or "short for "loudspeaker." It gave me no definition for "speaker."
This amp is the "speaker" or "loudspeaker" because it is is a device that converts electrical signals to sound waves

nothing like splitting hairs people.
this is a dang speaker and you need amplification to run any speaker.
so this is an amplifier that emits sound in 1 unit.
modular if you will. amp and speaker in 1 box.

thank you cabldawg71

Here's one definition. But I don't think that's what we are looking for:
speak·er noun \ˈspē-kər\

1. a : one that speaks; especially : one who uses a language
b : one who makes a public speech
c : one who acts as a spokesperson
2 : the presiding officer of a deliberative assembly
3: loudspeaker

I think it's safe to say that no one was thinking about entering any photos of Nancy pelosi, even though we didn't have a dictionary to support it. But here's the definition for loudspeaker:

lol very nice.

loud·speak·er noun \ˈlau̇d-ˌspē-kər\


: a device that changes electrical signals into sounds loud enough to be heard at a distance
Sure, that matches your entry (although I used to refer to these as a practice amp) but the contests is STILL 'Speakers' not Loudspeakers'. You know why most of the entries look like speakers? Because you don't need a dictionary for common sense. A speaker is common. Most people I would say probably own them in one form or another. Everybody thinks audio and almost everyone listens to music.

You never even commented on my suggestion to reshoot

I still think it would be better if you say... positioned the 'loudspeaker' so it was close to the camera for your focus shot, but keep the center of the amp the main focus for then distict speaker rings can be seen, but keep the knobs and some of amp in the shot. Keep rule of 3rd's by framing it off to the left or right. Your best idea would be to put someone on the guitar, rocking out on it like a young teenager. Distance the guitar more to the background so it's still defocused but but no so much you can't recognize a young Kirk Cobain. That would be unique if you did it right

I tried other shots with the whole "speaker" in the shot and they didn't look that good. I appreciate your suggestion, but this was my best shot considering my camera. I feel it is on theme and feel it is a good shot. If the mods don't see this as on theme, I guess I won't have this entered then.
But as I said before many times, if you look up speaker, it doesn't give you a definition, it sends you to loudspeaker BECAUSE speaker is short for loudspeaker. This unit as a whole is a loudspeaker or for short, speaker. AND part of the little black holes (for what seems to be your definition) are showing in this photo.
I'm sorry that this does not satisfy your opinion of being on theme, but I do appreciate your opinions Jawshoewhah.

unless any of you wish to red flag this, and so far , no one has, this entry is on theme, so let us have an end to the english lessons and get on with some good old fashioned photography.

*blushes* sorry about the english lessons

I don't red flag entries if they have the chance to fix it. Besides I never thought your entry was off theme. I just think you could have better portrayed it, that's all. Even with a standard point and shoot camera, you could achieved the same DOF effect. I've done it myself..

i tried, i failed, i don't have your talent obviously.
thank you for your comments and suggestions, i do appreciate them