Cheating or not?

[picsfor]

So, the judges only have 'to suspect' to disqualify not 'prove'.
So 'likely' is an extremely apt choice of words which in turn puts the onus on the photographer to prove their innocence.
The story deepens...

[John Doyle2]

Whatever. In my opinion, it is a stunning photograph! Give him the money.

[Hinfrance]

If you don't like 'likely' then never submit yourself to a civil court of law. The burden of proof is 'the balance of probabilities', or what is more likely in layman's terms.

The wolf experts say it is the 'model' wolf, the location is in the park; the balance of probability that this was staged is very high. That's against the rules, ergo disqualification.

[Jonathan]

Rule 8 is very clear! Read for yourselves here:- http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/temporary-exhibitions/wpy-entry/Rules.jsp;jsessionid=E756590D504C4B9CB16BCC01BCB16543.

Well, it's pretty clear.  The suspicion bit only seems to apply to cruel or unethical practises.

Ah no.  Mark's a mate of Douglas Adams.  His reputation is sacrosanct.

The late Douglas Adams - author of Hitchhikers Guide etc...?

Yep, that's the one.  And also according to legend the first ever owner of a Mac in Europe

They did this together - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_Chance_to_See

[spinner]

I think I missed something here. It's a PhotoRadar sponsored competition? A bunch of other Spanish photogs ratted the guy out? PhotoRadar brought in an acclaimed wolf expert who judged the wolf to be a known tame one in a known wildlife park? Nobody brought the Police into this to investigate, nobody has laid Fraud charges, nobody has held a court hearing with witnesses?

It's a photo contest people, not the O.J. Simpson murder trial. But thank's to P.C. everyone minces words and dances around the story. I, personally, based on the information provided, and no information to the contrary, am satisfied the photo is a put up job. Sue me (you can't get blood from a stone).

[greypoint]

Nothing to do with photoradar this one,

[Jonathan]

I think I missed something here. It's a PhotoRadar sponsored competition?

PR are just cosying up to it to make themselves look important.  It's run by the National History Museum and the BBC Wildlife Magazine.  It's about as prestigious as photo comps get in the UK.  Winning it is a very big deal.  Previous winners have included Angie Scott and Andy Rouse.  Getting disqualified for cheating is pretty huge too.

Plus, the organisers have money.

[Oldboy]

Plus, the organisers have money.

Ours!