Contest Definitions

Photograph
A photograph is a visible image originating from the action of light or other forms of radiant energy upon a photosensitive medium or device. A photograph is a work that retains obvious evidence of one or more photographic images that are predominant in the picture and taken only by the author. A photograph consisting entirely of one's own or another person's art form, not of photographic origin, is inadmissible.

Media
Print (P) - A photograph that is presented on an opaque surface.

Category
Monochrome (M) - Any photograph containing shades of only one color. If toning is carried out, it must be over the total photograph - partial toning and/or the addition of one extra color is not acceptable in a monochrome section.

Color (C) - Any photograph that is not monochrome. It includes a monochrome photograph that has been partially toned or had color added.

If an exhibition does not include the category of "Monochrome" in any media, monochrome photographs shall be eligible to be entered in the color category in that media.

Sections
Open/Pictorial/General (CP, MP, CS, CD) - Any subject that is treated pictorially, embodying the elements of good design, arrangement or composition, which reflects the personal interpretation of the photographer.

Nature (N) - Nature photography depicts living, untamed animals and uncultivated plants in a natural habitat, geology and the wide diversity of natural phenomena, from insects to icebergs. Photographs of animals that are domesticated, caged or under any form of restraint, as well as photographs of cultivated plants are ineligible. Minimal evidence of humans is acceptable for nature subjects, such as barn owls or storks, adapting to an environment modified by humans, or natural forces, like hurricanes or tidal waves, reclaiming it. The original image must have been taken by the photographer, whatever photographic medium is used. Any manipulation or modification to the original image is limited to minor retouching of blemishes and must not alter the content of the original scene. After satisfying the above requirements, every effort should be made to ensure the highest level of artistic skill in all nature photographs. (Also the FIAP definition).

Photojournalism (PJ) - Story telling photographs such as are seen in the news media and periodicals, which may include documentary, contemporary life, illustrative, spot news or human interest. In the interest of credibility, contrived situations or photographic manipulations which alter the truth are not acceptable. The story telling value of the photograph shall be weighed more than the pictorial quality.

Photo Travel (PT) - A photograph that captures the feeling of a time and place, and portrays a land, a people or a culture in its natural state. Photo Travel has no geographical limitations. Ultra close-ups which lose their identity, studio type model pictures or obviously manipulated work do not qualify as Photo Travel and should not be submitted. Photo Travel is not limited to other lands or countries and may include pictures of domestic origin.

Creative/Experimental (E) - Creative or experimental photographs display a novel effect because of an unusual combination of objects and/or unusual viewpoint. Photographs in which the images have been modified during or after exposure by using an experimental technique are also eligible in 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.

Landscape/Seascape (L) - A landscape is a photograph of natural scenery. It may include evidence of man, people, animals, even part of the sea provided that none of these elements dominate the photograph. A seascape is a photograph of natural coastal scenery, a wave study, or a picture of the open sea, provided always that the sea is the centre of interest of the photograph. People, boats and man made structures may be present as incidental to the photograph. Large saltwater inlets are eligible but inland waters are excluded.

People/Portrait (P) - A photograph of a person or persons that may range from a head study to full body length. This section includes candid photographs and formal portraits.