SUBJECT MATTER AND SECTION DEFINITIONS

Statement on Subject Matter applicable to all sections

The fundamental rule that must be observed at all times and applies to all sections offered in exhibitions with FIAP patronage or PSA recognition is that the welfare of living creatures is more important than any photograph. This means that practices such as baiting of subjects with a living creature and removal of birds from nests, for the purpose of obtaining a photograph, are highly unethical, and such photographs are not allowed in any exhibition with FIAP patronage or PSA recognition.  Under no circumstances may a living creature be placed in a situation where it will be killed, injured, or stressed for the purpose of obtaining a photograph. This rule applies regardless of whether or not the creature being killed, injured, or stressed is visible in the captured image.

There are also concerns about the use of aerial photography, drones, helicopters, low flying aircraft. These should not cause any interference with other individuals or animals which causes a disturbance in their normal activity or disrupt the way any individuals or animals interact with their environment.

Entry into this exhibition is conditional on accepting these policies.

The content of images must comply with these General Conditions and with the Division and Section definitions listed in these conditions. Images that - in the sole opinion of the judges or the Exhibition Organizers - do not comply, will be disqualified so the entrant may be aware of the problem when considering entry into other exhibitions with FIAP patronage/PSA recognition.

Further details on the PSA's drone policy may be found at https://psa-photo.org/index.php?psa-policies#drone

 

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

For the purpose of this exhibition, vignettes are not allowed in Nature Section.  Any border added must be a single border of black or white, no greater than 3 -5 pixels in width.

 

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 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 and Borders

For the purpose of this exhibition, vignettes are not allowed in Photo Travel Section.  Any border added must be a single border of black or white, no greater than 3 -5 pixels in width.