We do not require images for FromThePit to be ‘pure’, unedited editorial images: We accept editing and post production is a legitimate part of image creation, and we encourage artistic expression.
That said, FromThePit is focussed on kiwi musicians playing live and we require that images submitted for inclusion in FromThePit are sustantially the same as the original, capturing the activities and visual feel of the live event in an authentic way.
For example we would generally allow special camera effects and techniques (star filters, shutter drag, creative blurs, multiple exposures etc), post product filters and effects (including post production multi-explosure, colour grading, artistic effects) and retouching (skin touch ups, removing background distractions).
But we would generally not allow full replacement of backgrounds or the addition of extra people in to an image who were not part of the original performance.
AI Policy: We urge caution in the use of AI tools for photo editing. While we allow the use of AI tools for noise reduction or object removal it should be done subtly and in a way which does not distract from the main content of the image. We would not allow an image where AI tools have been used to create new elements in an image, or where their use detracts from the authenticity of an image. For example, basic noise reduction of a high ISO image would be fine, but it would not be acceptable if the AI tool generated new faces for people in the crowd etc.
Any questions about how an image has been produced or edited should be addressed directly to the photographer.
FromThePit Committee 2024
(updated with AI policy November 2024)