Filters: The use of filters (or non-Photoshop equivalent) is strictly limited. Any filter or stand-alone utility designed and used to preserve the integrity of the image and/or reduce the effects of noise, scratches, etc, are permitted. These include but are not limited to the Sharpen, Unsharp Mask, and Dust & Scratches filters, and standalone image cleanup utilities such as NeatImage. However, no effects filters may be applied to your image, with the exception of Noise and Gaussian Blur, which are allowed. Any filter permitted by this rule must be applied uniformly to the entire image. Selective application of any filter is prohibited.
I would have to say yes based on the above (emphasis added) -- however, keep the three overwhelming restrictions on basic editing in mind while applying it. Those are, 1) it must be applied to the entire image (no selecting), 2) must be applied to the original layer (no pixel layers) and 3) it can not be applied strong enough to become a significant part of the image (major elements rule).
Also, keep in mind that this is my opinion. The 'Noise and Gaussian Blur' are capitalized in the rules, so they are referring to specific named filters in photoshop. It is up to the SC to decide, on a case by case basis, if any other filter falls in that catagory. It wasn't too long ago the use of a radial blur (or was it zoom blur?) was debated (heatedly, I am led to believe), although ultimately allowed for that image.
The addition of noise (grain) is specifically allowed in Basic, with the restrictions as pointed out by David. Although the Photshop-specific "add noise" filter name is called out, you may use other filters that act in the same fashion.
I think you could use it in Advanced but not Basic challenges, but that's just one opinion.
PS: See... : )
I didn't thin a filter where you could set specific parameters (like Film Grain) were legal; Noise is basically a yes/no option, without the ability to select size or color restrictions.
Thanks kirbic. That was my first interpretation of the rule, but then I decided to ask to this forum.
Originally posted by GeneralE:
I think you could use it in Advanced but not Basic challenges, but that's just one opinion.
PS: See... : )
I didn't thin a filter where you could set specific parameters (like Film Grain) were legal; Noise is basically a yes/no option, without the ability to select size or color restrictions.
GeneralE, In this case I´m still a bit confused... Your phrases seem to be contradictory, since the film grain option in Picasa is just a button (a yes/no option, there is no level for it. Of course, you apply the filter twice).
If you say so -- I'm not familiar with that program/filter myself, but have only read descriptions of some similarly-named filters which seemed more elaborate.
kirbic and I usually agree, so if he says it's OK it is probably safe to use ...
I think you could use it in Advanced but not Basic challenges, but that's just one opinion.
PS: See... : )
I didn't thin a filter where you could set specific parameters (like Film Grain) were legal; Noise is basically a yes/no option, without the ability to select size or color restrictions.
That doesn't make sense since Gaussian Blur is specifically allowed but you specify parameters. (radius)
