Out of the Shadows
by scalvert

Comment:

Originally posted by MattO: None of that answers my question regarding the cutout(selection with background removal at the paw) or the drop shadow added below it. None of those are allowed in anything other than expert.

You're wrong on both counts. Borders generally fall outside of the normal editing rules (you can't otherwise make selections in Basic, for example) as long as the frame is distinct and goes around the outside, and no text, clip art or other photographs were added. If "background removal" applied to borders, then EVERY border would be illegal, and breakout borders have been validated multiple times outside of Expert editing, including this one.

Message edited by author 2014-06-19 10:41:43.

Out of the Shadows
by scalvert

Comment:

Originally posted by Nobody: ''[You may:] add a border to the outside edge of your entry. Your border must be distinct and clearly recognizable as a border."

This part is relevant to the border. The frame goes around the outside edge, it's obviously a border, no image area was added (the frame doesn't match the background and was within the captured area), and no text, clip art or parts of other photographs were added. That concludes the rules on borders, even in Basic, and we've validated multiple breakout borders. I used one all the way back in 2004 and no one even questioned it.

Originally posted by Nobody: "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)."

This part is relevant to the CAPTURE, not the border.

Out of the Shadows
by scalvert

Comment:
Actually, the editing was nearly Basic-legal. The leopard was really coming out of her den, so the background was already black and the head and paw were brighter. We've validated breakout frames before.

The Muse of Life
by Judi

Comment:
What Paul said. I'm surprised this one didn't reach the top 10. Given the 800px limit, a tighter crop might have helped show more detail.

Seattle Morning
by Dr.Confuser

Comment:
I'm not really a fan of HDR, but this is nicely done and invites the viewer to explore a tapestry of detail. The muted colors work well, creating an almost futuristic look. 9

Halfway To Heaven
by yakatme

Comment:
Wonderful composition of an otherworldly scene. 10

Snowy Owl on Borrowed Osprey Nest
by PenelopeK

Comment:
Sharp and beautifully rendered. Nicely done! 10

Public Trance Portation
by markwiley

Comment:
Worth it for the title alone.

Light and geothermal
by otto22

Comment:
Well that's not even fair. Everybody else has to take their photos on earth with only the colors found in nature. Say hello to Dorothy and Toto and congrats on the ribbon.

Fluffin' a Puffin
by scalvert

Comment:

Originally posted by Trotterjay: Obviously the bird in the background hurt your chances but I presume rules didn't allow you to edit it out.

Of course I would have preferred the foreground bird alone. I had many other puffin photos that were better for composition, etc. but it was just such an amusing pose that I went with this one. My second choice wasn't a puffin at all and probably would have ribboned. I'll save that one for Best of 2013.