PSA - PTD / Phototravel

IImage 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.

Nature and Photo Travel Division(s)

Editing Guidelines for Nature and Photo Travel Division(s):
Processing or editing must be limited to making the image look as close to the original scene as possible, except that conversion to grayscale monochrome is allowed.

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 and lens distortion.
• Global and selective adjustments such as brightness, hue, saturation and contrast to restore the appearance of the original scene.
• Complete conversion of color images to grayscale monochrome.
• Blending of multiple images of the same subject and combining them in camera or with software (exposure blending or focus stacking)
• Image stitching – combining multiple images with overlapping fields of view that are taken consecutively (panoramas)

Editing techniques that are not allowed:

• Removing, adding to, moving or changing any part of an image, except for cropping and straightening.
• Adding a vignette during processing.
• Blurring parts of the image during processing to hide elements in the original scene.
• Darkening parts of the image during processing to hide elements in the original scene.
• All conversions other than to complete grayscale monochrome.
• Conversion of parts of an image to monochrome, or partial toning, desaturation or over-saturation of color

Attention is drawn to the PSA Statements on Artificial Intelligence and Subject Matter which apply to all sections.