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PSA Definitions As Defined For 2025
Monochrome
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.
Nature, Photojournalism, Travel:
Editing Guidelines for Nature, Photojournalism, and Photo Travel Division(s):
Processing or editing must be limited to making the image look as close to the original scene as possible, except that conversion to grayscale monochrome is allowed.
Allowed editing techniques:
- Cropping, straightening and perspective correction.
- Removal or correction of elements added by the camera or lens, such as dust spots, noise, chromatic aberration and lens distortion.
- Global and selective adjustments such as brightness, hue, saturation and contrast to restore the appearance of the original scene.
- Complete conversion of color photos to grayscale monochrome.
- Blending of multiple photos of the same subject and combining them in camera or with software (exposure blending or focus stacking)
Image stitching – combining multiple photos with overlapping fields of view that are taken consecutively (panoramas)
Editing techniques that are not allowed:
- Removing, adding to, moving or changing any part of an image, except for cropping and straightening.
- Adding a vignette during processing.
- Blurring parts of the image during processing to hide elements in the original scene.
- Darkening parts of the image during processing to hide elements in the original scene.
- All conversions other than to complete grayscale monochrome.
- Conversion of parts of an image to monochrome, or partial toning, desaturation or over-saturation of color
Nature and Wildlife (Does NOT include archeology or anthropology)
Content Guidelines
Nature photography records all branches of natural history except anthropology and archaeology. This includes all aspects of the physical world, both over water and underwater. Nature photos must convey the truth of the scene. 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. photos that directly or indirectly show any human activity threatening a living organism's life or welfare 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 photos 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.
- Photographs made where the scene is natural and the animal is unharmed in a carefully managed environment, such as Zoo, rescue centers, and ethically managed natural environment farms are permitted.
- Attracting or controlling subjects through the use of food or sound for the purpose of photographing them is not allowed. Maintained situations such as provided supplemental food due to hardship caused by weather conditions or other conditions beyond the animals' control, where photography is incidental to the feeding of the animal does not fall under this provision.
- Controlling live subjects by chilling, anesthetic, or any other method of restricting natural movement for a photograph is not allowed.
Human-made elements shall be permitted under the following circumstances:
a) When they are an integral part of the nature story, such as a songbird singing atop a fence post, a man-made object used as nest material, or a weather phenomenon destroying a man-made structure.
b) When they are a small but unavoidable part of the scene, such as an unobtrusive footprint or track in the background.
c) Scientific tags, collars, and bands are specifically allowed.
When photographing at a zoo, sanctuary, or rehabilitation center, it would be construed that the photographer ensured that it’s properly accredited and conforms to best practices.
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
In addition to the restrictions on Nature photography, to be eligible for any Wildlife award photos must meet the following conditions:
(a) Zoological organisms must be living free and unrestrained in a natural habitat of their own choosing
(b) photos of zoological organisms that have been removed from their natural habitat, are in any form of captivity, or are being controlled by humans for the purpose of photography are not allowed.
(c) Botanical organisms may not be removed from their natural environment for the purpose of photography.
(d) photos that have been staged for the purpose of photography are not allowed.
Photojournalism
Photojournalism Entries Are:
- photos with informative content and emotional impact
- Reflecting the human presence in our world
- The journalistic (story-telling) value of the image receives priority over pictorial quality
- photos 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.
Editing Guidelines for PJ:
Processing or editing is limited to making the image look as close to the original scene as possible, or complete conversion to monochrome.
Allowed Editing Techniques:
- Cropping, straightening and perspective correction
- Removal or correction of elements added by the camera or lens, such as dust spots, noise, chromatic aberration or lens distortion
- Global and selective adjustments such as brightness, hue, saturation and contrast to restore the integrity of the original scene.
- Several photos (typically 2-4), each with a small white border, combined into a single image that depicts a progression of events or related activity.
Editing Techniques That Are Not Allowed:
- Removing, adding, moving or changing any part of an image, except for the eligible techniques
- Blurring or darkening parts of the image during processing to obscure elements in the original scene
- Partial color or partial toning
- Unnatural color, extreme saturation or desaturation
If a Human Interest award or section is offered:
When Human Interest is specified, those photos depict a person or persons in an interactive, emotional or unusual situation, excluding sports action.
Please Note: TPS does NOT compete by PSA rules in our monthly projection, print, or Annual Division competitions. However, we are required in the Bylaws to use PSA definitions for all "Outstanding" awards for specific subjects or photography styles in the Annual Division Competition. It's best for all members to keep these PSA definitions in mind for the monthly competitions so your photographs will be eligible to receive any "Outstanding" awards in the Annual Division Competition. It will also help if everyone keeps these definitions in mind for all photos at all times so our PSA representative can choose from among more photos to include in the PSA Interclub competitions. This will help our club compete stronger with other area photo clubs and will also help our members win higher individual PSA placements.
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