I have submitted an entry into a current challenge (in voting) where i burned the background a lot. There was a lot of clutter in the background which i started to burn out and in the final image it looks like a black background. Though the rules state that the burn tool can be used, i am not sure about the extent it can be used. Is it okay to do so?
Rule:You may not
#
use ANY editing technique to create new image area, objects or features (such as lens flare or motion) that didn’t already exist in your original capture(s).
Is it equivalent to creating a new image area?
Taking a background containing detail and reducing it to a solid color can get you a DQ.
You best option is to make up a picture with the before/after images side-by-side, and submit that via the Ticket System (Help > Contact Us) for a non-binding but usually accurate opinion from some SC members; do not wait until just before the submission deadline to do this.
If you're not sure you can submit an enquiry to SC and, if necessary, request a self-DQ. The top winner in the sepia challenge did just this when he realised he'd inadvertantly broken the rules. :)
Thanks Shiela and General, i did re-edit the image to check out the steps and i found that a large area has been darkened by adjusting the brightness and contrast and i did burn over a large area make the background smooth as it was patchy at places. I have no doubt now that it's perfectly legal but i have still sent my files to the SC for an opinion.
