PSA Definitions
PSA Monochrome Definition
An image is considered to be Monochrome only if it gives the impression of having no color (i.e. contains only shades of grey which can include pure black and pure white) OR it gives the impression of being a greyscale image that has been toned in one color across the entire image. (For example by Sepia, red, gold, etc.) A greyscale or multi-colored image modified or giving the impression of having been modified by partial toning, multi-toning, or by the inclusion of spot coloring does not meet the definition of monochrome and shall be classified as a Color Work.
Greyscale Monochrome images may be entered for Nature, Photojournalism, and Photo Travel but toned images are not permitted for these sections.
Monochrome images may not be entered in Pictorial Prints or PID Color Sections. Separate sections must be offered for Color Pictorial Prints, Monochrome Pictorial Prints, PIDC, and PIDM.
PSA/FIAP Nature Definition
Nature photography records all branches of natural history except anthropology and archaeology. This includes all aspects of the physical world, both animate and inanimate, that have not been made or modified by humans.
Nature images must convey the truth of the scene that was recorded. A well-informed person should be able to identify the subject of the image and be satisfied that it has been presented honestly and that no unethical practices have been used to control the subject or capture the image. Images that directly or indirectly show any human activity that threatens the life or welfare of a living organism are not allowed.
The most important part of a Nature image is the nature story it tells. High technical standards are expected and the image must look natural.
Objects created by humans, and evidence of human activity, are allowed in Nature images only when they are a necessary part of the Nature story.
Photographs of human-created hybrid plants, cultivated plants, feral animals, domesticated animals, human-created hybrid animals, and mounted or preserved zoological specimens are not allowed.
Images taken with subjects under controlled conditions, such as zoos, are allowed.
Controlling live subjects by chilling, anaesthetic, or any other method of restricting natural movement is not allowed.
No modification that changes the truth of a Nature image is allowed. Images may be cropped but no other technique that removes, adds, or moves any part of the image is allowed.
Techniques that remove elements added by the camera, such as dust spots, digital noise, and lens flare are allowed.
Complete conversion of color images to greyscale monochrome is allowed. Partial conversion, toning, and infrared captures or derivations are not allowed.
Multiple images of the same subject that are combined in-camera or with software by focus stacking, exposure blending, or stitching (images taken consecutively and combined by overlapping) are allowed
Attention is drawn to the PSA Statement on Subject Matter which applies to all sections
Vignettes and Borders
Vignettes are not allowed in Nature Images. Any border added must be a single border of white or grey, no greater than 3 -5 pixels in width. Single black borders of the same dimensions are allowed in Prints.
For the purpose of this exhibition, toned images are not allowed in the Nature sections. Any monochrome image entered must be "greyscale monochrome".
Attention is drawn to the PSA Statement on Subject Matter which applies to all sections
PSA Photojournalism Definition
Photojournalism entries are images with informative content and emotional impact, reflecting the human presence in our world. The journalistic (story-telling) value of the image should receive priority over pictorial quality. Images that misrepresent the truth, such as those from events or activities arranged specifically for photography, or of subjects directed or hired for photography, are not eligible.
Techniques that add, relocate, replace, remove or change any element in the original scene, except by cropping, are not permitted. The only allowable modifications are removal of dust, scratches, or digital noise and restoration of the appearance of the existing scene, or complete conversion to full monochrome. Other derivations, including infrared, are not eligible.
Vignettes and Borders
Vignettes are not allowed in Photojournalism Images. Any border added must be a single border of white or grey, no greater than 3 -5 pixels in width. Single black borders of the same dimensions are allowed in Prints.
For the purpose of this exhibition, toned images are not allowed in Photojournalism sections. Any monochrome image entered must be "greyscale monochrome".
Attention is drawn to the PSA Statement on Subject Matter which applies to all sections
PSA Photo Travel Definition
A Photo Travel image expresses the characteristic features or culture of a land as they are found naturally. There are no geographical limitations. Images from events or activities arranged specifically for photography, or of subjects directed or hired for photography are not permitted. Close-up pictures of people or objects must include features that provide information about the location.
Techniques that add, relocate, replace or remove any element of the original image, except by cropping, are not permitted. The only allowable adjustments are the removal of dust or digital noise, restoration of the appearance of the original scene, and complete conversion to greyscale monochrome. Other derivations, including infrared, are not permitted. All images must look natural.
Vignettes are not allowed in Photo Travel Images. Any border added must be a single border of white or grey, no greater than 3 - 5 pixels in width. Single black borders of the same dimensions are allowed in Prints.
For the purpose of this exhibition, toned images are not allowed in Photo Travel sections. Any monochrome image entered must be "greyscale monochrome".
Attention is drawn to the PSA Statement on Subject Matter which applies to all sections
Creative/Experiment (color and monochrome)
PSA definition
The PSA definition of Creative is "Altered Reality." The image must obviously display a change in natural color, form, shape, or any combination of these three. Creative images are often montages (a blending or composite of multiple images). High Dynamic Range (HDR) images without further changes are not considered "altered reality." The original image must be made by the entrant on photographic emulsion or captured digitally. All images must be original and may not incorporate elements produced by anyone else. Original images must be altered by the maker; artwork or computer graphics generated by the entrant may be incorporated if the original photographic content predominates. Images may not be constructed entirely within a computer. It is necessary that the image's core content be identifiable. Non-creative images are not eligible for this competition. Any subject matter is acceptable as long as the Altered Reality guidelines are followed
FIAP definition
Creative or experimental photographs display a novel effect because of an unusual combination of objects and/or unusual viewpoints. Photographs in which the images have been modified during or after exposure by using an experimental technique are also eligible in the Creative/Experimental sections. The photograph must always have a basic photographic image. Digital manipulation processes may be employed providing the original photograph was exposed by the entrant, including any textures used.
An image created in the author's imagination beyond what is seen through the camera's lens. This includes set up scenes, zoomed photographs, double exposures, etc. as well as images manipulated in various computer software programs. The final result must be all the photographer's own work, including the original image.