Wildlife photographer of the year 2009 winner announced

[pressld2]

Originally Posted by Toby

what about stacking images to increase DOF in macro work - would that be counted as image manipulation? Tricky area.

Last paragraph of rule 4 opens with "Compositing, multiple exposures, sandwich shots and double exposures are not permitted." In my view that rules out focus stacking.

Dave P.

[acherontia]

Originally Posted by pressld2

Last paragraph of rule 4 opens with "Compositing, multiple exposures, sandwich shots and double exposures are not permitted." In my view that rules out focus stacking.

Dave P.

Quite a strange request - stacking is a pretty standard procedure for 'wildies' who want to get a good sharp macro insect image.
At least the photographer is there pressing the shutter.
I think they should completely review how this whole thing is laid out.
It all seems just a tad old fashioned, rigid and very 'Photographic Club Fuddy Duddy' to put it bluntly.

If the image taker has the unedited RAW format and is above board about post processing - why shouldn't this be a part of the competition.
Also - a section for complete manipulation, as in creating a dynamic and powerful statement via a composite creation would be a good idea. It may open up a whole new side to the comp.
I mean - if someone can't afford to get to the Rainforest or Russian Steppes why not let them compete in a different way where they can still display expertise that isn't necessarily gained through having the pennies to trot about the globe?

Tub thumping a bit loud there? LOL

Acher

[DanJeffery]

Post processing is a continuum, not a black and white issue. A certain amount of manipulation is already performed in camera. What about manipulation at the stage of converting from RAW? Should adjustments of levels (or whatever the term is for non photoshop applications) be allowed?

I know the degree of work that I would find acceptable. But I'm sure that there would be many other differing views. And defining that level is difficult.