2008 Digital Wizard Semi Finalists Announced

This year's Digital Wizard contest was the biggest in its five-year history. Contestants were given 12 images (ranging from a plate of fried chicken to view of Central Park) and two months to work image-editing magic worthy of cash prizes up to $1,000.

To be eligible, the composite images had to include elements from at least four of the shots, and could be made using any filters or plug-ins, but no other images. The editors of Popular Photography turned their collective critical eye to each of the nearly 800 entries and named 33 favorites. Click here to see the top picks.

Stay tuned; in the next few weeks we'll narrow it down to ten finalists, all leading up to announcing the winner and runners-up in June.

LINKS:Contest rules and details

2007 Digital Wizard winners

2006 Digital Wizard winners

2005 Digital Wizard winners

2004 Digital Wizard winners