FineArt-Photography - FAQ


1) "How do I submit an image?"

The are two, easy methods for members to submit an image for consideration.

Method the first:

1) Go to your own gallery and open the image for full view
2) Click the "Submit to a Group" icon/link (located in the column to the right of the image)
3) When the new window pops up, make sure the "Submit to Group Gallery" tab is selected
4) Make sure the "Type a Group Name" option is active
5) Type fineart-photography into the space provided and click the "Check" button
6) Click the "Submit" button to finish the submission process

Method the second:

1) Go to the group home page
2) Click the "Gallery" icon at the top of the page
3) From the main gallery listing click the "+  Submit to this Gallery" link at the top right of the page
4) Select "Contribute an Existing Deviation" from the popup list (NOTE: members may only submit deviations from their own personal galleries. Images from "favorites" or someone elses gallery are not eligible for consideration)
5) In the Choose a Deviation" window, make sure the "Your Gallery" tab is selected
6) Select the image you'd like to submit to the group
7) Click the "Submit" button at the bottom of the window to submit the selected image

Don't expect a submitted image to show up in our gallery immediately. Remember, all submissions to the group galleries must be evaluated by the moderators. Submitted images will appear in the "Newest Additions" gallery only after they have been accepted by the panel of moderators.


2) "How are submitted images evaluated?"

Submitted images are judged on three primary criteria:

1) mastery of technique
2) quality of craftsmanship
3) strength of imagery

The importance that each moderator gives to each criterion will vary from moderator to moderator and from image to image, but in our view, work should exhibit all three of those qualities in order to be considered "fine art".


3) "My submission was declined. Why? How can I improve?"

Unfortunately, the sheer number of submissions we receive mostly precludes us from giving detailed explanations as to why images are accepted or declined. Though individual moderators may choose to give a comment, you should not expect anyone to do so. If you REALLY want (or demand) such explanations, we urge you to participate in one of the many dA groups that exist specifically to offer such detailed criticisms and suggestions.


4) "When do I have to give acknowledgment to the human subjects of my images?"

This is a somewhat controversial topic. We, as a group, believe that the use of someone's likeness without acknowledgment is an unethical practice. With this in mind, the group will require that human subjects be identified and acknowledged in cases where:

1) the person is a main focus of the image
2) the person is recognizable
3) the image is not reportage of a newsworthy event or personality

It shall be the sole discretion of the moderators to determine whether a submitted image meets the above requirements. Images which are determined not to meet the requirements will be declined without regard to the merits of the work. As always, moderators are in no way obliged to contact submitters to inform them that an image has been deemed not to conform to the group submission requirements, so knowing the rules before you post is in everyone's best interest. A complete explanation of the group's Submission Requirements can be found at [link] and we encourage every member to read it carefully.


5) "I identified a subject as 'anonymous' but the image was still declined for lack of acknowledgment Why?"

Our group believes that an acknowledgment to "anonymous" is no acknowledgment at all. While we recognize the right of a subject (or model) to decline identification, we do not feel obliged to accept images where they have chosen to do so, and will decline such images (potentially) without comment. Again, there are many groups that don't have such stringent requirements, and in such cases where acknowledgement can not (or will not) be given, we encourage submitters to avail themselves of the services of those groups.


6) "My submission was declined for not conforming to the submission guidelines, but I see other images in the galleries which don't conform. What's up with that?"

This group has been around for a long time and has, over that time, gone through a number of changes in "management". It is possible that the image(s) in question were part of a previous incarnation of the group where the requirements were different. It is also possible that the moderators have simply made a mistake in voting to accept such a piece. Either way, current submissions will be subject to the group's current requirements - the presence of non-conforming images in the collections notwithstanding.


7) "I got a message that my submission has expired. What do I do now?"

If this has happened to you, we the moderators apologize profusely. You may resubmit an "expired" image. If you like, you may identify the image as a previous submission that has expired, and we will do our utmost to make sure a decision gets made promptly.