Click on the link below for the defintion.
Photograph
A photograph is a visible image originating from the action of light or other forms of radiant energy upon a photographic medium or device.
Media
Print (P) - A photograph that is presented on an opaque surface.
Slide (S) - A photograph that is presented on a transparent surface.
Electronic Digital Photographic Image (D) - A photograph that is presented by electronic digital means.
Audio Visual (AV) - Involving or directed simultaneously at the faculties of seeing and hearing.
Category
Monochrome (M) - Any photograph containing shades of only one colour. If toning is carried out, it must be over the total photograph - partial toning and/or the addition of one extra colour is not acceptable in a monochrome section.
Colour (C) - Any photograph that is not monochrome. It includes a monochrome photograph that has been partially toned or had colour added.
If an exhibition does not include the category of "Monochrome" in any media, monochrome photographs shall be eligible to be entered in the colour 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.
Contemporary - Contemporary photographs include those that include modern fashions in photography and exclude those that show a traditional pictorial approach. An innovative, imaginative approach is required, leading to a novel or interesting result. Documentary and experimental photographs that comply with these requirements are also eligible.
Social Documentary (SD) - Concerned with the portrayal and interpretation of society encompassing both human and non-human subject matter.
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.
Audio Visual Categories and Definitions - In order to preserve the original art-form, but also to cater for people wishing to explore new technology there be three sections of Audio-visuals. These sections to be known as:
Diaporama defined as a sequence of still images where the storyline or theme, sound, transitions and images are interdependent and of equal importance. Narrative or text may be employed and subtle choice of transitions is recommended. Acknowledgement of the work of other artists (e.g. music, poetry, images) must be included in the sequence, either at the beginning or end. A maximum time limit of 12 minutes. Eligible for Licentiate, Associate and Fellowship levels.
Freestyle defined as a sequence of still images where the storyline or theme, sound, transitions and images are interdependent and of equal importance. This section may include short motion video clips, each of no more than 5 secs, and totalling no more than 5% of the total time of the sequence. It may also include movement created by panning and zooming, and other creative techniques. Acknowledgement of the work of other artists (e.g. music, poetry, images) must be included in the sequence, either at the beginning or end. A maximum time limit of 12 minutes. Eligible for Licentiate, Associate and Fellowship levels.
Photo Harmony - this category is designed to enable authors to demonstrate their skills in the production and visual progression of images linked to sound and without narrative. Text should be used for titles and credits only. The emphasis is on matching the images with appropriate transitions and harmonising them with the sound. Acknowledgement of the work of other artists (e.g. music, images) must be included in the sequence, either at the beginning or end. The maximum time limit is six minutes. Eligible for Licentiate level only.
In all categories, APS expects that the author will have done the major part of the work and will disclose any work done by others.
Recommended Reading
General
FIAP Patronage: Conditions for application and regulations for organisation of International Photographic events - Document 2003 / 301-AV E.
FIAP Definition of Monochrome photography - Document 2003 / 383 F/E.
FIAP Definition of Nature photography - Document 186E, 1988.
FIAP Definition of Landscape/Essay - Document 13E, 1991.
FIAP Definition of Stereo-Photography - Document 230E.
FIAP General terms used in Stereoscopy - Document 243.
Lighting
FIAP Best conditions to value photographic works in colour - Document 272E.
Internationally agreed Lighting requirements for evaluating Photographic Slides and Prints. Compiled by Fabian Beal, FRPS, FAPS, ESFIAP.
Audio Visual
FIAP Standardisation of Diaporamas and recommendations for production and projection - Document 287E, 1991.
FIAP Patronage for International Audio Visual events - Document 190E, 1992.
| links | calendar | comps & entry forms | winners gallery | codes | definitions |