Out of the Shadows
by scalvert

Comment by MattO:

Originally posted by scalvert: 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.

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.

Out of the Shadows
by scalvert

Comment by scalvert:

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 by Kroburg:
A bit surprised this one is not on the front page, but still congratulations with a great score and HM!

Out of the Shadows
by scalvert

Comment by Nobody:

Originally posted by MattO: Originally posted by scalvert: 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. I am referring to the cutout that needed done as well as the drop shadow on the foot. Unless the Den was white as the border is, I'd say a cutout needed done, which isn't basic or advanced legal. Care to post the unedited as shot original?

This is one of my favorites from recent memory. I was really torn as to whether the border was legal or not though. 'add a border to the outside edge of your entry. Your border must be distinct and clearly recognizable as a border." and
"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 is brilliant work, but it does feel like the border became an integral part of the picture (new object/feature).

Out of the Shadows
by scalvert

Comment by MattO:

Originally posted by scalvert: 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.

I am referring to the cutout that needed done as well as the drop shadow on the foot. Unless the Den was white as the border is, I'd say a cutout needed done, which isn't basic or advanced legal. Care to post the unedited as shot original?

Out of the Shadows
by scalvert

Comment by nam:
Stunning color and detail and a beautiful cat. Congratulations on the HM.

Out of the Shadows
by scalvert

Comment by Ja-9:
Soooooo darned close...excellent score although...and such a beautiful capture.

Out of the Shadows
by scalvert

Comment by scalvert:
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.

Out of the Shadows
by scalvert

Comment by littlemav:
I think this is Freakin' fantastic! I would love to know what and how you did this too! My first thought was you dodged the snot outta the front of the den? a very shallow DOF, and the added the frame???? Which makes it look so 3D? Close?? It was my choice for 2nd in this contest. 3rd being my choice for first... but I would've been happy to see this in the blue also.

Out of the Shadows
by scalvert

Comment by MattO:
I'd like to see how this past "advanced editing" validation. Shannon can you discuss this with us?