The following definitions apply to 2023-2024 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).
Macro/Close-up
The term “Macro/Close-up Photography” encompasses images made from close-up range, in which the subject of the photograph is very small or is a very small detail of a larger object.
Intentional Camera Movement
The term “Intentional Camera Movement Photography,” or ICM, encompasses images in which the photographer has intentionally moved the camera while depressing the shutter, such that some aspect of the image indicates that movement.
Industrial
The term “Industrial Photography” encompasses images that contain machinery, buildings, processes, equipment, and/or remnants thereof, that are or were involved in the manufacture of products.
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.
AI Policy
A policy on the use of AI, particularly generative AI, is being developed. In the meantime, please be mindful of the Official Competition Rules and Awards r08-2023 The pertinent rules can be summarized as
- The photograph originates from a light-sensitive device (such as film or digital camera, as well as scanned film, enlarger, copier, or flatbed scanner, etc), (Section 1)
- The photograph is made by the entrant and any image editing, retouching, or manipulation of images must be done by the entrant. (Section IV)
- Respects others’ copyright. (Section 1)