How Restricted is Unrestricted?
Our rules allow for “unrestricted post-processing of images”. But do you really wield absolute power to manipulate your photograph to come up with an admissible entry for the monthly contests? Is the term “unrestricted” limitless and infinite? Can you add an element that is created using software and not taken with a camera and submit the same?
Fortunately for us, the Master Cup rules as early as 2013 until today already provided for a definition of the term “unrestricted post-processing”. Section 4.01 provides as that UNRESTRICTED post-processing “includes post-production manipulation, such as adjustment of sharpness, colors, compositing, super-imposing, layering, “spotting”, “clean-ups” prior to printing. These global adjustments are even generally allowed in restricted post-processing but unrestricted post-processing goes a step further – it allows the addition of images.
What the Rule Says.
Can you add an element that is created using software and not take with a camera and submit the same? No. Why not? The addition of images is “subject to rules in Section 3 on images.” Are you still reading? We hope we have not lost you yet. So, what is this Section 3 all about? Section 3 applies in both restricted and unrestricted post processing, and it applies to all formats – SSCP, CP, or BW. It defines what we mean by “images” for purposes of the Camera Club contests. The requirements are quite simple, they are as follows:
- An image must originate as a photograph (3.01);
- All components of an image, must originate as a photograph (3.01);
- A photograph is captured with a camera by the entrant on photographic emulsion (i.e. film) or acquired digitally (3.01);
- An image or any component of an image, whether digital or otherwise, must not have originated other than from a photograph (3.02);
- A digital file acquired by use of a scanner, a digital file created solely by way of software or a downloaded digital file cannot be used as a component of an image (3.02);
- All images and components of an image must be entirely the work of the entrant (3.03);
What to avoid.
Imagine if the rule were interpreted in a way that you can add elements not from your photographs but created by means of software. Draw a lunar eclipse and slap them into your photograph without having gone out to take an image of the event. Create dots of light, slap them into an image of a darkened forest and you now have fireflies. You can draw even smaller dots of light, do a directional blur, and voila, you have rain. At the end of the day, what you enter must still be purely your photograph. After all we are the oldest photography and Camera Club of the Philippines, and not the Graphic Design Club of the Philippines.
Conclusion.
To simplify, only entries sourced from a photograph or composed of different photographs of the participants can be used as an entry. Works of graphic design, whether in whole or in part, are not allowed. Going back to original question: Is unrestricted post-processing really unrestricted? The answer is qualified. Post-processing is unrestricted with respect to photographs or images taken with a camera solely by the participant. You can post process all you want as long as what you are processing are solely your own photographs. No other additional elements were added apart from your own photographs, like rain or stars created via Photoshop for example.
We hope you stayed with us till the end of this article.