Here are two photos from Poitou-Charentes which I am entering into the next completion at my local camera club. It is the Forest of Dean Camera Club, and you might like to have a look at their web site.
I am new to the club and have only entered a couple of competions so far. I have not won any of them and the judges have been OK in their comments but not that enthusiastic.
For most of the entries the judges usually suggest some adjustments using photoshop.
I am not adverse to cropping a photo and I have been known to remove a satellite dish which was on top of an ancient building. I have also been known to straighten up a building when I have taken the photo ‘on the wonk’. But that is it.
Some of these judges, suggest lightening the shadowy areas, sharpening this or fading that and colour and contrast are often mentioned and then there is putting in stars for a night sky or extra cloud effects and so on. I am not happy with all this, what do you think. I know their argument is that they are trying to achieve a picture which is pleasing to the eye.
The first picture of the oil seed rape field has been cropped from the original as the horizon was more or less half way up and the rule of thirds is often quoted.
My second photo of the man fishing has been very slightly trimmed but that is all.
The competion is next Monday and I will report back on how I get on.
Poitoucharentesinphotos 
You might have some luck with the second one but the judges will berate you for “lack of foreground interest” in the first one.
I like them both; perhaps the field is my favorite. I think it is OK to make minor edits like cropping or “erasing” a piece of litter. Good luck!
I fear you are right.
Good luck. I love both the photos. I would not be against manipulating in Photshop but I don’t really know how to. I don’t see it would be so awful to say increase a threatening sky. Sometimes I find my photographs are much more washed out than what I saw. I would not mind reversing the trend. Amelia
I think you might be surprised how much your photos can improve with a little tinkering. I use Lightroom to manipulate my photos. It just gives them some extra “pop” sometimes. Especially as cameras are already doing some image manipulation anyway. I don’t do anything fancy, just adjusting contrast, highlights etc. Its also very reasonable now as you can get both Lightroom and Photoshop for a low monthly subscription. https://www.adobe.com/uk/creativecloud/photography.html
Yes I am coming round to it but will draw the line at improving what is there and not go into adding what is not, ie adding in a lightning strike, or peppering the night sky with stars.