Self Paced Rules

If you have questions that are not answered here, please check out the FAQ.

1. Image Capture

All images must be captured after your first enrolment date in the challenge course. If the image is a composite, all elements of the composite must also be captured after that date.

There will be an automatic check of the image submission criteria and creation date in the metadata on image submission.

Images must be of a domestic animal (pets and farm animals). No wild animals. The images may include people, as long as the animal is the main subject and the brief is met.

Images featuring unsafe (or potentially unsafe) practices or scenes are not permitted. This includes but is not limited to, dogs on railway lines and holi/powder images.

2. Image Editing

Composites may be entered as long as they are allowed according to the brief. All source images for composites must have been taken by the photographer, during the time frame of the course. All RAW files used for the composite must be provided if requested.

AI-based image editing technology, including but not limited to Adobe's Generative Fill, may be used for removal and reconstruction of existing elements and objects only.

You may not use AI to create or add new image elements that did not exist in some form in the original RAW file. You also may not substantially change the appearance of existing objects or elements.

You may use Generative Fill for leash/collar/harness removal, person removal and object removal. You may also use Generative Fill for background extensions that are visually consistent with the original image and do not extend the image by more than 20% of the width or height.

If we suspect that the Generative Fill (or any other AI image-generating software or tools) use has breached these rules, we will request the RAW file or files used to create the image, which must be provided within 48 hours or the image will be disqualified.

We will assess the final image and RAW files, and employ a 'fair and reasonable use' approach. Our decision on what constitutes that is final.

3. Image Submission

Images may be submitted at any time, for any individual challenge. New submissions overwrite older submissions. The challenge image that appears on the Submit page is always the latest submission. Submitted images must be in sRGB jpeg file format, sized to 4000 pixels on the long side, with all metadata intact, and discretely watermarked if preferred.

Resubmission is allowed at any time. The Submit page will always show the latest image submitted.

Badges for completed challenges are available at the bottom of the Submit page. These may be added to the image and shared, or just shared as-is.

4. Course Completion

Since this course is self paced, there is no deadline for completing all the challenges. Once you have submitted images for all challenge, you can request your completion certificate at the bottom of the Submit page. Please allow seven days for us to assess your final portfolio. If all images meet the challenge briefs, you will be issued with a completion certificate.

5. Feedback

There is no feedback offered on individual submitted images or your final portfolio in the Self Paced version of this challenge course. If you would like feedback on your final portfolio, please purchase an Unleashed Challenges Portfolio Review, available on the home page of the course. You'll be able to book a one hour online mentoring live call with either Charlotte or Craig.