This is a refresher on handling originals and getting validated if you finish in the Top 5 in a challenge (or get asked for validation of one of your challenge entries).
First, it shouldn't be a surprise that we're possibly going to want an 'original' file from you. You cannot actually enter a challenge without checking the box that states you've read the rules and that you will provide an unaltered original file within 48 hours of a validation request.
 , 
What is an original file?
An original file is an unedited file (exactly as recorded by your camera). Files that have been saved or altered with any editing or transfer software are NOT originals.
How to protect your original file.
There are multiple ways to make sure you don't modify your original file. Best bet is to copy them to a folder on your computer and leave them alone. Then have another set that you do your tagging, and any other work on. An action as simple as ranking an image or adding a keyword, etc. will modify your original file. Be careful!
When you are asked for validation.
You will receive an email requesting proof with the subject line: DPChallenge Proof Request ('Challenge Name'). The sender will be DPChallenge (email: 'proof@dpchallenge.com'). If you don't see this, check your email spam folder.
Additionally, you will see an area at the upper left of the DPChallenge home page highlighted in red with a link you will use to take you to the 'Submit Original' page. From there you will upload your original file. The 'Submit Original' page is where you'll enter your post processing details and upload your original file. If your entry consisted of more than one file (panoramic image, focus stacking, etc.) then you can submit several original files from this same page. Follow the directions (highlighted in the screen shot below) on how to submit multiple files.
If for some reason the Site Council has a need for additional information, such as if you accidentally uploaded a file that wasn't original, then we may take the action of requesting proof again, which will start this whole process over (the red highlighted area on the front page - you submit new original, etc.).
In some cases, if there's a problem getting a file to us, we may ask you to just create a help ticket using the 'Help / Contact Us' link and attach the original file to that communication. We can then move the file over for you.
Submitting an original file ahead of time.
If you know you're going to be out of town when the challenge completes voting, or you think your challenge entry could be brought up for a validation request while you're gone, you can submit the original file ahead of time.
When the challenge is still in the submission stage (not voting) you can simply go to the Challenges menu, or click on your entry from the front page, and open up the challenge details for that entry. This is where you can enter camera info, photographer's comments, upload a different file, etc. On this page you'll see the following (screen shot). Just follow the directions / links to submit your original early.
If the challenge is already in voting, then simply click on your entry from either the Challenges page or from the front page. At the bottom of this page you will see the following (screen shot). Click on the link 'you may submit your original' to upload your original file.
Validation of your image is complete.
You will get an email message with a subject line of 'DPChallenge Validation' from sender 'admin@dpchallenge.com'. This is
just a verification message letting you know that your original has been validated and you're good to go.
|
