You think it looks sweet. Is that a question? I'm confused, it sounds like a statement but if it is a question it means you're unsure if it looks sweet and if you have to question it, the answer is "no." The point I'm making is that when you present it, be sure it looks 'sweet'. I've had to tweak things after the fact on some pieces, and that's my fault, but I always felt it looked good before I put it out.
Abuse of bad filters outside the listed in "may do" aside - you used this same shot last week in one of the comps.
Not as a manifesto here, but when things like "glowing edges" and "lens flare" are used it typically labels that individual as a green gill novice of sorts. We've all got a starting point and don't feel discouraged if there's things in these competitions that you may feel are above your technical skill.
There are several dedicated tutorial sites around, and if you're like me then you learn by doing. I'm certain if you look in Google for a certain feel or effect in whatever graphics program you're using you can locate a step by step tutorial to help accomplish this goal.
Still, that will only get you the effect you want and only in the situation they've explained but it gives the foundation to a concept - much of the magic lies in the subject and composition.
If this doesn't help, try asking one of the artists you favor on here if they could share pointers... it's not like committing espionage.
A bit of advice - chrome line cars may look cool in game and because they're from a special ed. of the game it is fun to chow them off to people, but I think the general consensus is that they tend to detract from the authenticity of the vehicle when pictured (which is why you'll hardly find someone putting them in a gallery or a competition).
