Received an email encouraging me to enter a photographic contest. Thie rules state manipulation must be kept to a minimum. They wish to "keep it real."
My question is how real is this requirement.?
One, as I have stated and likely will again, SOOC is not completely a reality in the realm of film photography. Many of the greats, such as Ansel Adams, spent a fair time in the darkroom to obtain the final image they wanted.
Two, the contest states it wishes to "capture a moment in time" all well and good, but the bare photo may not truly do that. our brains are marvelous devices that capture, and overlay, much more information than a camera can. And differently.
I understand that some contests may wish to limit the manipulation, but in my opinion, many have unrealistic rules. Rules in which many iconic images shot on film would not qualify. Many images in their very publications might not qualify.
Yes, a rant. But also a genuine question: are the rules regarding manipulation in many contests unrealistic?
Yes, the rules in many contests (especially local or "general public" events) are unrealistic when it comes to post-processing.
The reasoning (often) is that it's to make it fair for those who are "unable" (¿?) to process their photos themselves. What it really is, though (in my opion), is a complete lack of understanding of the difference between logical digital post-processing and digital manipulation (adding things that weren't there, etc.).
I was able to get the rules changed in one local contest by talking to the organiser (a 'old school' professional photographer who still shoots film more than digital) and mentioned that this rule was similar to forcing everyone in a film-only contest to use commercial one-hour photo finishing and prohibit the use of home darkrooms. That was something he could relate to... :-)
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The reasoning (often) is that it's to make it fair for those who are "unable" (¿?) to process their photos themselves. What it really is, though (in my opion), is a complete lack of understanding of the difference between logical digital post-processing and digital manipulation (adding things that weren't there, etc.).
I was able to get the rules changed in one local contest by talking to the organiser (a 'old school' professional photographer who still shoots film more than digital) and mentioned that this rule was similar to forcing everyone in a film-only contest to use commercial one-hour photo finishing and prohibit the use of home darkrooms. That was something he could relate to... :-)