Thursday 24 September 2015

Photographic Competition

Hi all

Over the last two years its become apparent to the committee that we have some issues arising from the existing photographic rules and their implications.

Firstly and importantly the existing rules brought about some years ago do NOT allow for the provision to use some of the modern editing programmes widely available today. As time has progressed since, it could be seen that these new edits were being used by entrants.They had become the norm for most and had  become unofficially accepted, although they were strictly against the rules. This would be fine if everyone is doing the same. However some entrants were still abiding by the stated rules and as such were disadvantaged.

It was wrong to assume everyone was on the same playing field and the committee apologies to those concerned for this oversight.

Secondly, the caveat “Away from the nest” was used for the birds well being. Birds with food for chicks were deemed to be near the nest and as such were not reviewed. Controversy ensued with comments like what about puffins on the Farnes? etc.

Thirdly, for last year “insects in flight” category, insects about to fly or land were allowed in this section. It is thought that if this continued we may actually loose the images intended for this category.

Lastly due to the dynamic range of digital photography, given the options of RAW/JPEG and the fact that modern camera’s can execute variable editing processes within, at the time of capture, it has been deemed the right time to forge a new set of rules. This should provide clarity for all and bring the NBC into a new and progressing era.

So the new rules are published on this site.  Please read and take note and send in your entries.

Every year the quality of the images seem to get better. I very much hope these new rules will help. On a side note, it would be really good fun if there were more entrants in the captioned category, so go on take the mickey and lets all have a laugh!

Best wishes to all,

Robin