1. General Upload Guidelines
1.1 Image Integrity
- Only upload unaltered images. Manipulation (e.g., cloning, color changes, object removal) is strictly prohibited, except for minor adjustments like sensor dust removal. Violations of this rule may result in a ban.
- For scanned images: The standards are more lenient, and minor cloning to repair damage is allowed, but it must be noted in the screener comments. Composition rules are not as strict for rare historical scans.
1.2 Information Accuracy
- Always use the Auto Fill tool as your first step when entering data. After that, carefully verify details like construction numbers (CN) and other relevant information. For privately owned aircraft, label the airline as "Private." If the airline cannot be determined, "Unknown" should be used.
- Use 4-letter ICAO codes for airport details. When uploading photos that feature an airport overview (like terminals or control towers), both the registration and airport fields should use the ICAO code. For images taken at non-airport locations, use "Other Location" (e.g., "Other Location – Undisclosed" for sensitive or restricted areas).
- Include the registration number and construction number (CN) whenever possible. For formation flights, always provide the registration of the lead aircraft. When submitting wing views, make sure to mention details of the aircraft from which the shot was taken.
1.3 Genre & Categories
- The Auto Fill tool will determine the genre based on the registration. Government or police aircraft are automatically categorized as "Civilian." Privately owned warbirds with civil registrations should be tagged as "Civilian" with the additional "Warbird/Vintage" label.
- Wing view shots should be tagged as "Wing View" if taken from inside the aircraft with a visible wing or engine. The location should be marked as "Inflight" unless an airport or specific location is visible in the background.
- For night shots that feature long-exposure light trails, be sure to tag the image with both the "Airport Overview" and "Night Shot" categories.
1.4 Image Specifications
- Aspect ratios should be one of the following: 4:3, 3:2, or 16:9.
- For digital photos, always include the exact date in the MM/DD/YYYY format. If you're uploading photos from sensitive or hard-to-identify locations, approximate dates (MM/YYYY) are allowed, but make sure to explain this in the screener comments.
1.5 Appeals
- If your submission is rejected and you believe it was a mistake, you can file an appeal for senior review. Please keep your appeal brief, and be respectful in your comments; offensive language may result in a ban. Note that appeals are not for seeking editing advice—use the forums for that purpose instead.
2. Rejection Reasons
2.1 Postprocessing Issues
- Manipulation: Any prohibited edits like fake skies, color inversion, or other alterations that significantly change the photo are not allowed. Black and white images are only accepted for vintage scans or retro schemes.
- Overprocessed: Photos that appear overly edited, with unnatural textures (such as a plastic-like effect or visible halos), will be rejected.
- Compression: If visible compression artifacts appear due to low-quality JPEG saves, the image will be rejected.
- Watermarks: Only CAT III PHOTOS watermarks are allowed; no personal or external watermarks are permitted.
2.2 Exposure & Color
- Backlit: Avoid uploading images where shadows obscure significant details. Silhouettes (such as those taken during sunrise or sunset) may be accepted as exceptions.
- Contrast: Images will be rejected if the contrast is too unbalanced, either too much highlight or shadow. Poor weather shots must still add narrative value to the image.
- Over/Underexposed: Make sure your photo is properly exposed, with appropriate brightness to retain clarity in the image.
2.3 Composition & Framing
- Motive: The main subject of the photo should always be aviation-related. Any photos that feature non-aviation subjects (such as crowds, non-aviation vehicles, or any other irrelevant content) will be rejected. Make sure you avoid violating privacy by keeping sensitive information (such as license plates) blurred.
- Centering: Ensure that the subject aircraft is framed properly within the shot, avoiding awkward angles (such as shots taken directly underneath the aircraft).
- Cut Off: Avoid cropping essential parts of the aircraft, such as the tail or engines, unless it's done with clear intent or artistic purpose.
- Horizon: Always keep horizon lines level, especially in window or cockpit shots, to avoid an unnatural look.
2.4 Technical Quality
- Blurry/Soft: Photos that are blurry or out of focus will be rejected. Make sure the subject is sharp and in focus.
- Noise/Grain: Excessive noise or grain in the image, especially in low-light conditions, is grounds for rejection.
- Heat Distortion: If the image shows visible wave effects caused by heat from the environment, it will be rejected.
- Dirt/Glare: Photos with noticeable dirt on the lens, glare from reflections, or visible sensor dust will be rejected.
2.5 Metadata & Logistics
- Bad Info: Submissions with incorrect details such as wrong airline or registration numbers will be rejected.
- Categories: If the categories are incorrectly applied (such as labeling a military tanker as "Cargo"), the submission will be rejected.
- Hot Photo: For time-sensitive uploads (such as new liveries or aircraft that have just entered service), they must follow the 48-hour submission rule. Museum aircraft are excluded from this rule.
- Double/Similar: If the photo is a duplicate or nearly identical to an already uploaded image, it will be rejected. The only exception is if the new upload has significant improvements in quality.
2.6 File & Format Errors
- Cropping: Photos with incorrect aspect ratios, or those that have visible borders, will be rejected.
- Obstruction: If the aircraft is obstructed by objects (such as vehicles or structures) without any context (e.g., de-icing), the image will be rejected.
- Too Far: Photos with excessive empty space around the aircraft will be rejected. Crop the image to focus more on the subject.
3. Special Cases
- Spotting Locations: Photos must be taken from a public area with visible airport features, such as aircraft in frame and identifiable location details. Google Earth coordinates should be included for verification purposes.
- Accident Photos: Only images showing actual damage or active incidents may be uploaded.
- Sensitive Locations: For images taken at restricted areas, use the category "Other Location – Undisclosed" and ensure to follow any applicable privacy or security guidelines.
Note: CAT III PHOTOS reserves the right to remove non-compliant images and enforce upload restrictions.