Non-DSS-related question

divamum

Hi all!

I'm considering entering my shot from "Yesterday or Tomorrow" into the Daily Telegraph competition just for the heck of it.



However, I'm having trouble deciding which category to submit to. The shot had a watercolour effect added in PS, and then I applied a preset in LR (it was one of the WoW freebies - Antique 5 or something like that - nothing terribly exotic)

Anyway, the general rules about editing:
How much image editing do you allow?
We recognize that digital images need varying degrees of enhancement to look their best. As specified in the Rules, you should use image enhancement and digital darkroom techniques to optimise an entry into the competition, such as touching up a portrait, building a panorama or creating an HDR image from multiple exposures. Adding or removing significant elements of a composition is discouraged in all but the Creative License category. Where appropriate, original files may be requested if a photograph reaches the shortlist of photographs selected by the independent panel of judges.


Categories:

Portraits:
Images entered into this category need to say something about the character of the subject(s). Images should reveal their personality and enable the viewer to really connect with them.

Or

Creative Licence:
This is the 'anything goes' category. Let your imagination go wild and unleash your creative side, whether you’re pushing the boundaries of in-camera technique or amazing us with your digital darkroom skills.

So which do you think - portrait (even though it's had a bit more processing than a typical portrait) or Creative Licence (where most of the images are extraordinary composite creations - think the kind of gorgeous work that Nightpixels and Sherstone produce)

dnie

Diva,

Most contests that I have entered are pretty strict on how much processing has been done. A great many of them are after very little post processing in all categories except the "anything goes" type categories. Is there anyone you can ask to be clear on if it would cross the line?

I like it as a portrait, but fear they may disqualify it.

Good luck to you, whatever you decide.

divamum

Thanks for the response, Donna. I haven't found out any way to ask about it, but the rules are exactly as I copied/pasted them above (one of them taken directly from the FAQ), which seem to leave some ambiguitiy - your point is exactly why I figured I'd post here and ask what others thought....

JAG

Ok...here is a question you can answer, is this portrait an actual portrait portraying this childs personality? Was the reason she dressed up in old fashion clothes because this was one of her favorite past times? Or was it because you needed it to fit a theme for another challenge?

If your answer is because of the latter...then my answer would definately be enter it in the anything goes. Although I lean toward that direction with the picture regardless your answer because of the saying 'better safe than sorry'. Since its questionable for the rules sake of the competition.

sherstone

Thank you for the mention, that is very nice of you.
My thoughts are along a similar line to JAG

Creative Licence: is probably the best category for it even though you say it may be populated by subjects that could be more complex. Sometimes it is the simple and elegant images that stand out among others and this one has that feel to it.

angevin1

sherstone wrote: »

Thank you for the mention, that is very nice of you.
My thoughts are along a similar line to JAG

Creative Licence: is probably the best category for it even though you say it may be populated by subjects that could be more complex. Sometimes it is the simple and elegant images that stand out among others and this one has that feel to it.

Ditto.

First glance I felt portrait was the Shoe-in....and I do not think you went to far according to the rules for PP.

But, in portrait and allowing for their stipulation of 'allowing the viewer to connect with the subject', I think it fails.

SO like Sean, go with the other category and enjoy~

divamum

Thanks all. I Have zero experience of the photo competition world outside dgrin challenges so the advice helps!!

dnie

divamum wrote: »

Thanks all. I Have zero experience of the photo competition world outside dgrin challenges so the advice helps!!

I find it much easier than dgrin. The competition isn't nearly as strong.

You will do great!!

Jenn

This is just me, but I think it's a portrait. It reminds me of a portrait painting done before photography was intented, but with a modern spin to it (the earbuds and ipod she's listening to).

The creative license and anything goes category seems like it would be more along the lines of more creative photography and editing techniques.

Flyinggina

sherstone wrote: »

Thank you for the mention, that is very nice of you.
My thoughts are along a similar line to JAG

Creative Licence: is probably the best category for it even though you say it may be populated by subjects that could be more complex. Sometimes it is the simple and elegant images that stand out among others and this one has that feel to it.

I agree wholeheartedly. This is a creative capture on many levels - not just in the post-processing. clap

Virginia

divamum

Thanks everybody. I went ahead and entered it into Creative Licence (with KevX's title, for which thanks!!) - my initial instinct was "portrait", but I think the points you all raised are very valid. Since I'm new at this (and am only submitting for kicks - I have no delusions!) I reckon it's probably wise to take the advice of those who know a WHOOLLLLEEE lot more about how this works than I do

Thanks again for the handholding