PSA Definition of Nature
All images used in recognized PSA Nature Division competitions must meet the PSA Nature Definition of Nature Photography as follows:
“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 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 sharpening, resizing, cropping, selective lightening or darkening, and restoration of original color to the scene. No special effects filters can be applied. Any adjustments must appear natural.”
All images used in recognized PSA Nature Division competitions for Wildlife images must meet the additional PSA Definition for Nature Wildlife Photography as follows:
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 Wildlife competitions."
All digital images used in PSA Nature Division approved competitions or for competitions or for competitions governed by PSA Nature Division rules must be considered “Digital Realism”.
“Makers may perform any enhancements and modifications that improve the presentation of the image that could have been done at the time the image was taken but that does not change the truth of the original nature story. Cropping and horizontal flipping (equivalent to reversing a slide) are acceptable modifications. Addition of elements, removal of elements other than by cropping, combining elements from separate images, rearranging elements or cloning elements are not acceptable.”
“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 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 sharpening, resizing, cropping, selective lightening or darkening, and restoration of original color to the scene. No special effects filters can be applied. Any adjustments must appear natural.”
All images used in recognized PSA Nature Division competitions for Wildlife images must meet the additional PSA Definition for Nature Wildlife Photography as follows:
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 Wildlife competitions."
All digital images used in PSA Nature Division approved competitions or for competitions or for competitions governed by PSA Nature Division rules must be considered “Digital Realism”.
“Makers may perform any enhancements and modifications that improve the presentation of the image that could have been done at the time the image was taken but that does not change the truth of the original nature story. Cropping and horizontal flipping (equivalent to reversing a slide) are acceptable modifications. Addition of elements, removal of elements other than by cropping, combining elements from separate images, rearranging elements or cloning elements are not acceptable.”
