In regards to post work:

Editing an image is simply another way of using the tools that you have. Before the advent of digital photography, photographers use to edit images in the dark room with various methods of dodge and burn. Image manipulation and editing has been around since photography, and there is simply no way to change it. Many professionals and some amateurs have exceptional skills when it comes to editing an image.

While I myself am not fond of editing images, I do more than not. To take away the option, let alone make the artist declare the editing, is absurd. I understand where you are coming from, but as a photographer, I use every tool I have available to me to make my images stand out.

Keeping photos natural, as in taking away post-work, is like telling people that they cannot remove objects from the frame in the shoot. That you are not allowed to manipulate the subject, that everything has to be as is. Keeping things ‘pure’ is left to the photographer to decide and should not be enforced upon the forum. While I agree that there should be a limit, many of the participants in the challenge understand what is acceptable and what is not.

 

In regards to the competition:

What is really at stake if someone does not win? I do not recall getting a single vote on my submission. What I learned from that is how to be a better photographer. Is the competition fair? I do think so. The rules are rather obvious to even the daftest of persons. It is a photographic challenge; hence the image should have minimal post work.

 

Personally, I do feel that you are giving too much of a burden to the forum. There is only so much that can be regulated and said. If you do have a problem, address the co-ordinator or moderator of the forum. While I agree the rules are simple, there is no need to complicate things. It is a matter of trust that people will do what is right. Your statement about there being a ‘post-work-fest’ for the next challenge simply implies that you are going to break those rules.

 facebook.com/scoleman123