The following definitions apply to 2022-2023 competitions.

Open

In open competitions, free rein is given to the choices the photographer makes in the creation of the submitted image. Images of any and all subjects or themes, created using any photographic or post- processing methods or techniques, are acceptable. The images are evaluated based upon the judge’s general assessment of their creativity, emotional and/or intellectual impact, aesthetic beauty, uniqueness of subject, and technical skill. The judge need not assign any specific weight to any single attribute of the image.

Nature Photography

Acceptable entries are photographs that portray various aspects of natural plant and animal life; that illustrate the natural features of land, sea, and sky; or that reveal natural phenomena. No image in this competition may show human intervention. Domestic plants (e.g., in a botanical garden) or animals (including zoo animals) may be included as long as they do not show any human intervention (e.g., collars or ear tags, gates, walls, paths, signage).

Long Exposure
“Long Exposure” photography encompasses images where the photographer’s use of a “long” exposure is evident. While there is no specific shutter speed that constitutes a “long” exposure, its use somehow shows the effect of passing time, be it smoother waters or light trails. For this competition, the use of post-processing techniques that simulate long exposures is not permitted

Yellow Photography

“Yellow Photography“ encompasses images where the color yellow is primarily what draws the attention of viewers to them. While yellow need not be the color of the subject of the image, the color must contribute significantly to what makes the image special.

On the Job

“On the Job” photography encompasses images which capture individuals engaging in employment or other labor activities, whether paid or unpaid.

Monochrome Photography

The term “Monochrome Photography” encompasses images that use only a single color, including the full array of shades of that color. So, for example, black and white photos, with black as the single color and its multiple shades of gray, are monochrome. Other single colors and their shades are equally acceptable. Under this definition, a sepia tone photo is acceptable, but a sepia tone photo containing a red umbrella would not qualify as a monochrome. Any subject matter is acceptable. In addition, a photo is acceptable if was originally taken as a color image, as long as the image presented for the competition has been rendered into monochrome.