-
Hey Rick,
My reading of the rules says this probably would be too much, as they allow “global adjustments” and “dodging/burning”. Dodging/burning refers to local exposure adjustments, while turning pitch-black everything but the subject seems to go beyond.
Assuming they do check the RAW files for finalists (not mentioned in the rules), then your photo would be at risk due to this part of the rules:
“Images that appear to be overly processed may be disqualified at the judges’ discretion.”
Probably better to keep this image for one of those contests where they clearly are open to all sorts of editing (e.g. UPY, DPG Masters).
To your first question: absolutely, you can make use of our forums for competitons guidance.
If you’d like feedback about how an image could do in one particular contest, then better post a reply directly to the discussion about that contest (eg post here, if it’s about the Through the Lens contest).
if you’d like a general feedback on competition potential for a given image, rather use this forum: