Photographic Definitions
The Southampton International Exhibition uses definitions
issued by two of our patron organisations:
PSA Definitions
General
Entries must originate as photographs (image-captures of objects via light sensitivity) made by the entrant on
photographic emulsion or acquired digitally. By virtue of submitting an entry, the entrant certifies the work as his/her own and
permits the sponsors to reproduce all or part of the entered material free of charge for publication and / or display in media related
to the exhibition. This may include low resolution posting on a website. The exhibition assumes no liability for any misuse of
copyright. Images may be altered, either electronically or otherwise, by the maker and artwork or computer graphics created by the
entrant may be incorporated if the photographic content predominates. Creative is defined as “altered reality”.
Nature
Nature photography is restricted to the use of the photographic process to depict observations from all branches of natural
history, except anthropology and archeology, in such a fashion that a well informed person will be able to identify the subject
material and to certify as to its honest presentation. The story telling value of a photograph must be weighed more than the
pictorial quality. Human elements shall not be present, except on the rare occasion where those human elements enhance the
nature story. The presence of scientific bands on wild animals is acceptable. Photographs of artificially produced hybrid plants or
animals, mounted specimens, or obviously set arrangements, are ineligible, as is any form of manipulation that alters the truth of
the photographic statement. No elements may be moved, cloned, added, deleted, rearranged or combined. No manipulation
or modification is permitted except resizing, cropping, selective lightening or darkening, and restoration of original color
of the scene. No special effect filters can be applied. Any sharpening must appear natural.
PSA Authentic Wildlife: Authentic wildlife is defined as one or more organisms living free and unrestrained in a natural or adopted
habitat. Therefore, photographs of zoo or game farm animals are not eligible for the PSA Silver Wildlife Medal. The entrant must
certify that the photograph complies with both the general nature and authentic wildlife definitions by checking the “W” box
provided.
Photo Travel
Images must express the feeling of time and place, portray a land, its people, or a culture in its natural state, and
has no geographical limitations. Ultra close-ups which lose their identity, studio-type model shots, or photographic manipulations
which misrepresent the true situation or alter the content of the image are unacceptable in the Photo Travel Class. No elements
may be moved, cloned, added, deleted rearranged or combined. No manipulation or modification is permitted except re-sizing,
cropping, selective lightening or darkening, and restoration of the original colour of the scene. No special effect filters can be
applied. Any sharpening must appear natural.
FIAP Definitions
Monochrome
A black and white work fitting from the very dark grey (black) to the very clear grey white) is a monochrome work
with the various shades of grey. A black and white work toned entirely in a single colour will remain a monochrome work able to
stand in the black and white category; such a work can be reproduced in black and white in the catalogue of a salon under FIAP.
Patronage. On the other hand a black and white work modified by a partial toning or by the addition of one colour becomes a
colour work (polychrome) to stand in the colour category; such a work requires colour reproduction in the catalogue of a salon
under FIAP Patronage.
Nature
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 which 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 use the highest level of artistic skill in all nature
photographs.