I am confused too. I thought layering in photography, like HDR was allowed. I got to go check the rules again now.....

Ok I have a question, I have seen a lot of HDR images on here, I have even entered a few myself but I saw this a few weeks ago in the rules and guidelines:

"As a general rule, you should stay away from selecting, masking or brushing parts of the picture. Putting together a new picture from various other pictures such as HDR, stitching, collages, etc.) or reassembling pictures from parts of the same picture is also prohibited

Now I'm not saying that I think HDR shouldn't be allowed, but I am thoroughly confused, anybody have any input on this?

Agree also, will hold my vote

agrees with itsmymoment

Author, this appears as an overdone HDR...although HDR isn't really against the guidelines of the photography contests, this one appears to have a "fake" look to it and your camera appears to have some really serious dust contamination. I have a quick tip, upload and submit your best work to do well in the contests and read the guidelines for submissions carefully and you should do well. This is a beautiful shrine, but this photo, IMO doesn't really do it justice...