Competition requires original camera file and DNG not accepted!

[sean_lester1]

<p>It sounds like they want a contest with photos more or less "straight out of the camera." If that is the case, they should say so. however, to want your RAW files sounds like a contest being help by folks who don't know much about digital photography. i would avoid this contest and move on.</p>

[kelly_flanigan1]

<p>There is NO end to what folks will do to win a contest. In modeling some use/still the requirements of physical 35mm slides. Thus when digital camera mainstream; some folks shot with digital; messed with photoshop then made a slide film image of this modifed digital image to submit.<br>

<br /> Like it or not you can just not deal with a contests requirements if you do not like them. Maybe they will not like your UFO or bigfoot images anyway.<br>

<br /> You do not really want to enter contest(s) that are designed to harvest dumb photographers give-way images. A proper contest does not do this; a more sleazy one does.<br>

<br /> The concerns over having ones images possible rights lost or transfered must be studied and understood before entering a contest.<br>

<br /> The contests firms concern for validity of natue images is a concern too; since doctoring today is radically easier than the past.<br>

<br /> It is really nothing at all new that some contests "own" your images by you submiting them; contests in the 1960's had this in the bowels of the micro fine print; or it states they can use your images to promote their Bloopers Soap with no residuals at all; forever. This happened to chap named Morie Siduals awhile back.</p>

[john tonai]

<blockquote>

<p>If that is the case, they should say so.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>They did say so-pretty specifically.</p>

 

<blockquote>

<p><br /> <strong>Calibration and colour</strong> Images must be colour profiled/corrected using a calibrated monitor and utilising Adobe RGB 98 colour space before submission. Allowances will NOT be made for poorly colour managed/corrected images. Please ensure your images are not over saturated and faithfully represent the subject matter.<br /> Compositing and multiple exposures are not allowed. Sharpening is allowed (but use sparingly – many images are ruined by over-sharpening). Cropping is allowed, but please be mindful of the effect of cropping on file size.<br /> <br /> <strong>Adjusting your image</strong> Digital adjustments are only acceptable if limited to minor cleaning work (removing dust spots), levels, curves, colour, saturation and contrast work. Sharpening is allowed (but use sparingly - many images are ruined by over-sharpening). Cropping is allowed, but please be mindful of the effect of cropping on file size.<br /> <br /> <strong>The faithful representation of what was captured at the time of the shot being taken must be maintained.</strong> Compositing and multiple exposures are not allowed. Sandwich shots, double exposures, photographs which consist in any way of more than one separate image and images that have been digitally manipulated outside of rule 5 are not eligible. Adding or removing animals, parts of animals, plants, distractions, people etc into/from the image is not allowed.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Based on too many of the responses, it seems like people either didn't read the rules of the contest or just skimmed over them and then made assumptions. Because of all the scam contests out there, it is really important to read all details carefully.</p>

<p>The one gray area in this contest is what they won't do with the RAW file. They state why they want it, but don't assure that they will delete it once images are verified. But, I don't think they would use it to steal images due to the harm it would cause their reputation. Since the photographer is required to send in a high quality .tif file, they can steal it much easier with that .tif file. Besides, you have the original with the metadata embedded. If you register the copyright (at least in the US) you are eligible for damages if they were to use the image illegally.</p>

[dan_south]

<p>The contest rules are very clear and very specific. The contest sponsors and media who cover the contest can reproduce work in specified ways linked to contest promotion. Any other reproduction, including all commercial reproduction, can be done only with the consent of the photographer and with all due compensation.</p>

<p>The notion that the people running this contest "don't understand digital photography" is laughable. Almost as laughable as the idea that the BBC and London's Museum of Natural History need to rip off unsuspecting photographers.</p>

<p>You can read the rules for yourselves and make your own decision. Either take a chance and submit your work or join the "could have" club, as in "You know, I could have WON that stupid contest if only they weren't trying to steal my photos with their sleazy rules." Best of luck whichever path you choose.</p>

[cooltpmd]

<p>Well we missed the point of the original post ... which is that he doesn't keep his RAW files ... he converts to DNG.</p>

<p>John, according to their rules your photos cannot be submitted ... </p>

[bob_stevenson]

<p>I am amazed at some of the utter nonsense posted on this topic. This is a world famous competition that has taken place for 46 years and is organized by The 'BBC Wildlife Magazine' and the 'Natural History Nuseum' These have integrity respected around the world without question and they are NOT some "sleazy" commercial ripp off merchants trying to "steal photographers work"</p>

<p>The OP should enter the competition in good grace and faith. In the very unlikely event that he gets among the prizes he can tell the organizers his working 'methods',...although anyone who chucks his original RAW file doesn't really have a 'method' in my view. If by some fluke he does enter something that they look at twice, they will KNOW if he is a fraud or just genuinely lacking in technical knowledge. If he manages to shoot a really fantastic shot (and that is what he will be up against) then the organizers will do everything in their power to help him.</p>