PSA - PJD / Photojournalism

Image Creation and Authorship

In all sections of an exhibition, images must originate as photographs made by the entrant. Entrants may not incorporate images or image elements authored by anyone else (for example Photoshop replacement skies or textures, clipart of stock images), and there is zero tolerance for plagiarism. Editing or alteration of images is only permitted within the limits specified in the Division Definitions.

Statement on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Images created by image creation software (frequently called ‘AI’ images) are not allowed in any exhibition, social media, event, or publication governed by the PSA, other than for editorial purposes. Any person submitting an AI generated image (in whole or in part) that does not begin with a photograph from the maker shall be prohibited from PSA activities for a minimum of 3 years to life.

Photojournalism Division

2025

Photojournalism Entries Are:

●       images with informative content and emotional impact 

●       reflecting the human presence in our world

●       The journalistic (story-telling) value of the image receives priority over pictorial quality 

●       Images that misrepresent the truth, such as those from events or activities arranged specifically for photography or of subjects directed or hired for photography, are not eligible

Editing Guidelines for PJ:

Processing or editing is limited to making the image look as close to the original scene as possible, or complete conversion to monochrome.

Allowed Editing Techniques:

●      Cropping, straightening and perspective correction

●       Removal or correction of elements added by the camera or lens, such as dust spots, noise, chromatic aberration or lens distortion

●       Global and selective adjustments such as brightness, hue, saturation and contrast to restore the integrity of the original scene.

●       Several images (typically 2-4), each with a small white border, combined into a single image that depicts a progression of events or related activity.

Editing Techniques That Are Not Allowed:

●       Removing, adding, moving or changing any part of an image, except for the eligible techniques

●       Blurring or darkening parts of the image during processing to obscure elements in the original scene

●       Partial color or partial toning            

●       Unnatural color, extreme saturation or desaturation

If a Human Interest award or section is offered:

  When Human Interest is specified, those images depict a person or persons in an interactive, emotional or unusual situation, excluding sports action.
 

PSA Statements on Artificial Intelligence and Subject Matter apply to all sections. 

My PJD Awarded photos (photojournalism)