Creative/Altered Reality Images must represent altered reality, meaning they are noticeably different from a scene viewed through a camera lens. Generally, an image does not qualify in this category simply because the maker has cropped it, rendered it black and white, or adjusted the exposure. Images whose sole creativity is infrared, monochrome, High Dynamic Range (HDR), use of wide angle or fish-eye lenses, or long exposure are not eligible in this category. Techniques such as panning/zooming or unique staging ALONE are NOT considered creative UNLESS they are used to create an abstract effect. There is no requirement that the final Creative/Altered Reality image be recognizable or representative of any specific thing or person (i.e., an abstract image is eligible in this category).
Creative images must have been obviously manipulated or modified during or after exposure with experimental, digital, in-camera, or darkroom techniques. Composite or merged multiple images and collages are acceptable for creativity even if each component is not altered reality if the end image is clearly not a single image and represents altered reality.
Images should display imaginative skill and originality. Images are evaluated based on their overall photographic impact, not the amount of manipulation required to achieve the effect.
Text should not be added to images.
