No digital manipulation of any photo submitted is allowed beyond standard editing practices. Allowed editing/toning techniques include white balance, color, contrast, dodging and burning.
Digital manipulation not allowed includes cloning, patching, or any form of pixel manipulation that alters or removes content from the original photo (the exception being sensor dust spot removal). If concerns are found regarding the authenticity of an awarded photo, the photographer must provide a RAW file version of that photo.
We reserve the right to remove any award-winning photos should the authenticity of its file integrity come into question.