This page will not display properly because your version of the IE browser is very old and obsolete!
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 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. For digital imaging section(s)
images may be acquired digitally, or scanned from traditional film to create a digital file.
Nature
Nature photography is restricted to the use of the photographic process to depict observations from
all branches of natural history, except anthropology and archaeology, 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 while maintaining high technical
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, scientific tags or radio collars on wild animals is
permissible. 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 techniques that add to, relocate, replace, or remove pictorial elements except by
cropping are permitted. Techniques that enhance the presentation of the photograph without changing the
nature story or the pictorial content are permitted. All adjustments 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, landscapes, photographs of zoo or game
farm animals, or any living subject taken under controlled conditions are not eligible for Wildlife competitions.
To be eligible for a PSA wildlife medal, the entrant must certify that the photograph complies with both the
general nature and authentic wildlife definitions by ticking the “W” box provided.
Photo Travel
A Photo Travel image must express the feeling of a time and place, and portray a land, its
people, or a culture in its natural state. Photo Travel images have no geographical limitations. Ultra closeups
which lose their identity and studio-type model shots are unacceptable. Techniques that add to,
relocate, replace or remove any element of the original image, except by cropping, are not permitted.
Techniques that enhance the presentation of the image, without changing the photo travel content, are
permitted. All adjustments 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.