Competitions and cropping

[Tobyh]

Just curious how others perceive this. Reading the BWPA rules and the Countryfile rules both say something along the lines of "Digital manipulation, including composite images and the addition and/or subtraction of objects is prohibited. Images should retain their naturalism and integrity."

Are they including cropping within this? Technically it is taking something away but in my mind it's different from cloning and removing objects away from the main point of the picture.

Personally speaking I can't believe that the majority of the pictures they receive aren't cropped in some way or other.

What do others feel about this?

TobyH

[slimrbp]

You will normally find that a degree of cropping is allowed for example from the BWPA:

"Can I use cropping?
Yes, cropping is allowed, but please bear in mind that cropping reduces the file size and therefore high levels of cropping could result in the deterioration of image quality."

Not sure about the BBC though.

[Jim Ford]

subtraction of objects is prohibited

Does it mean that Canon users have to leave their 'dust bunnies' in?
;^)

Jim

[Tobyh]

Doh!

I couldn't find that on the website. I used the contact option and received a reply though which quoted reads "Cropping is fine....." with all the full stops. Think maybe they are sick of answering that one...oops.

Well that's good news in my opinion.

TobyH

[Jim Ford]

I can't see the sense in making 'adjustments' to digital images more restrictive than traditional wet processing, including dodgeing, burning, knifeing, spotting etc., and the use of paper type to get the required contrast.

Jim

[John D]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

I can't see the sense in making 'adjustments' to digital images more restrictive than traditional wet processing, including dodgeing, burning, knifeing, spotting etc., and the use of paper type to get the required contrast.

Jim

I agree Jim. So many seem to be against the use of software to improve digital images and expect to obtain the perfect print straight out of the camera/printer. In the days of 'film' the 'pros' went to great lengths to obtain the the results they wanted, which included all the traditional processing you mention and more. Adjusting/manipulating prints isn't new it has just become easier for us all in this 'digital age'.
However I feel there should be limits on what can and what cannot be done.

John D

[Geoff F]

Just a personal opinion, but if I need a lawyer to read the rules I just can't be bothered to enter.

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

Just a personal opinion, but if I need a lawyer to read the rules I just can't be bothered to enter.

Exactly my feeling!

Jim

[acherontia]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

I can't see the sense in making 'adjustments' to digital images more restrictive than traditional wet processing, including dodgeing, burning, knifeing, spotting etc., and the use of paper type to get the required contrast.

Jim

I couldn't agree more. Post processing/ preparation for printing etc is as much an art as taking the image. It always was and these purists who expect a perfect image straight out of the camera are just as bad as camera club stick in the muds. There is room for improvement by PP in any image.

Acher

[Willo]

I am relatively new to the world of photography and have little experience of using film so was initially fairly anti all the digital manipulation in the misplaced belief that prior to digital very little image manipulation was possible. That was until I read an article in a magazine about what was possible in a real darkroom. I was amazed at what could be done to touch up an image. So I have,grudgingly, come to accept it although I do appreciate an honest account of what has been done to the image.

Personally I only adjust brightness and contrast of my images. I would like to say that it was a principled stand against digital image manipulation however it is more a case of laziness. I can't be bothered to spend hours behind a computer screen and also there is the time invested in learning how to use the software. I'd rather be out there taking the photos.