I'm going to enter one of my photos into a local competition and I'm just running through the terms and conditions and I came across this paragraph -
"Minor digital adjustments are acceptable; the way in which any digital enhancement or editing has been used will be taken into account when judging the entry. However, major changes of content are not allowed."
Would you say that what I've done to this photo was a "minor digital adjustment"? It certainly isn't a "major change of content"...I would say somewhere inbetween...
I could either risk it, and submit it (hoping they don't disqualify me!), or I could submit this one instead -
Your opinion would be gratefully received! Thanks x
Unless I'm at least 40% blind, I can't see a single bit of content that's changed - no huge robots added, nothing taken out, just the detail that already exists in the photo made more dramatic and enhanced - precisely on the right side of the law, as far as [my understanding of] their phrasing's concerned.
If, say, you removed the red coated person, that might be on the wrong side. If you don't have to submit the original too, then they may never be able to tell, if you're careful enough. I'd probably do it, for extra drama, but I reckon that *would* be a bit risky, if they'll have a means of finding out stuff'd changed in that way.
@geertje@eyebrows Marvellous :) Thanks both...I know I've not added anything, or taken anything away, but it has been played around with a fair bit. It's my most popular photo on here so far so I've grown quite fond of it(!) but if there was a chance that it would be disqualified I'd rather submit the original SOOC-ish, if you know what I mean!
Thanks again - it's nice to have someone else's opinion on things like this.
MHO- minor digital adjustment means you sharpened it, cropped it, played a bit with the exposure or contrast- otherwise small adjustments to improve the basic shot. Changing the content would be adding enhancements, layering other photos in, adding effects, or removing major portions of the shot- anything that altered the mood, tone or dramatic appearance of the shot. In some ways you did change the mood of your shot by darkening the sky. But, technically it appears that you did not alter the picture to do that (i.e. you didn't add anything in). So, what do you have to lose? I'd say, go for it!!
Oh, I found another passage - "Digital adjustments are only acceptable if limited to minor cleaning work (dedusting), levels, curves, colour, saturation and contrast work. The faithful representation of what you saw at the time of the shot being taken must be maintained. Cropping is allowed. "
I wish is stated something about HDR so I knew exactly what to do!
@lluniau Do you have a way of contacting the promoters or sponsors to be sure? If there's contact info somewhere, maybe you should check it out to satisfy your curiosity.
But, I still think it's good to go. It really hasn't been changed so drastically that you look at the photo and say, "Wow- great editing!"
I've had shots disqualified for a lot less than HDR (my idea of a proper saturation adjustment didn't coincide with that of the panel of judges). I've found that when they mention "nothing but minor digital adjustments" in the terms and conditions, they really mean that it should look pretty much "SOOC". They'll often disqualify you if they believe you've cropped more than around 25%, your levels, curves and saturation adjustments are more than just "nudges", etc...
I don't agree with that sort of thing, but I think it only fair to warn you that it's what I've come across in the past.
hdr is editing that is just bringing out the details more and falls withing the curves saturation and contrast editing that they are allowing. only reason it wouldnt would be because of an individual who has somewhat against hdr. but like has been said enter it you can never tell.
I think you should submit the first one! I'm not sure what they will see regarding appropriate editing etc, but I would def risk that 1st pic - it's fabulous Elin!
Many iconic images from the film era are not SOOC. Just not how things were done. That said, one cannot tell what criteria judges may use.
The giveaway, as it were, with your photo, is the lighter areas immediately around your buildings and under the pier. If you adjust those darker, they may not even notice.
@lluniau Considering the final para of your last post, have you attempted "Digital adjustments ...... (of the) levels, curves, colour, saturation and contrast work" on your original photo? You may end up with something close to the HDR effect ..... but still keep within their rule??
Sorry to say that I'm a voice against the crowd. Your HDR photo is stunning, but so is the original, and that's what they are looking for if the contest is run by a local camera club or photo shop. I'm a journalist and I've written many stories about contests of these kinds. Gentle adjustments do not include HDR or dramatic contrast changes in Photoshop.
I love the effect but there is a "fairy tale" quality to it that the judges will notice right away, because they are expert photographers. I'm a beginner, and I always notice it. What works well with the audience on 365 isn't a guarantee that it will work with real photographers or judges in contests.
It's not that I disagree with the opinions above, but I would hate to see your stunning photograph get disqualiied on a technicality and I suspect it would. Who is holding the contest? Is there a website? Usually they have a contact number or email. You should probably find out the answer to your question before you submit.
I think HDR looks like a photo that's been taken on a very overcast day but with patches of sun, which make things in the environment pop in that rare way. I think the HDR edit is fine, because to me, it isn't overdone and still looks *real*. :) Real, but better than real!
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Thanks again - it's nice to have someone else's opinion on things like this.
Oh, I found another passage - "Digital adjustments are only acceptable if limited to minor cleaning work (dedusting), levels, curves, colour, saturation and contrast work. The faithful representation of what you saw at the time of the shot being taken must be maintained. Cropping is allowed. "
I wish is stated something about HDR so I knew exactly what to do!
But, I still think it's good to go. It really hasn't been changed so drastically that you look at the photo and say, "Wow- great editing!"
I don't agree with that sort of thing, but I think it only fair to warn you that it's what I've come across in the past.
The giveaway, as it were, with your photo, is the lighter areas immediately around your buildings and under the pier. If you adjust those darker, they may not even notice.
I love the effect but there is a "fairy tale" quality to it that the judges will notice right away, because they are expert photographers. I'm a beginner, and I always notice it. What works well with the audience on 365 isn't a guarantee that it will work with real photographers or judges in contests.
It's not that I disagree with the opinions above, but I would hate to see your stunning photograph get disqualiied on a technicality and I suspect it would. Who is holding the contest? Is there a website? Usually they have a contact number or email. You should probably find out the answer to your question before you submit.
All that said, Good Luck!