Just to clarify, ALL photos (digital or film based) have post processing applied to them. Doesn't matter if it's in a wet darkroom, the one hour photo kiosk, the DSP chip's post processing done in a $200 point & shoot digicam, or the computer processing done on a RAW image from an expensive DSLR, they all have post processing done to the image before we can view it. How the post processing is done is up to the creativity and vision of the photographer, camera settings (or film selection, "velvia!"), and any photo editing software is sufficient if one spends the time to learn how to use it properly. Plenty of contest winners are not hard core photoshop users, so post processing fairness doesn't need to be questioned IMHO.

My interpretation of what is overstepping the rules is when you use a computer to render non-existent elements into a photo where it no longer looks like a real photo. (e.g. a photo of me inside my Mini jumping the Grand Canyon; doesn't matter how many episodes of dukes of hazard I watched as a kid, it will never happen ).

 

I'm going to completely agree with speednut. Whether you like it or not all photos are post processed to some degree. Whether that takes place in the lab or in the camera or with photochomp, nothing is "pure" and all have their pitfalls. That doesn't make one any better or any worse than the others, but we do need to recognize that they are all creative interpretations of the "original" moment (whatever that was )/

 

How did you keep yourself and the camera out of the photo?
That is, out of the reflection?

 

Nice picture, and nice use of your natural resources to make a really cool shot. Just goes to show the mind over matter!
jason

 

Congratulations!! Very creative in many ways. Enjoy your month of glory, it really takes it's toll.