The following definitions apply to 2026-2027 competitions.
Open
In open competitions, free rein is given to the choices the photographer makes in the creation of the submitted image. Images of any and all subjects or themes (excluding nudes), created using any photographic or post-processing methods or techniques, are acceptable. However, all “significant components” of the image must be taken by the photographer and not AI generated. The images are evaluated based upon the judge’s general assessment of their creativity, emotional and/or intellectual impact, aesthetic beauty, uniqueness of subject, and technical skill.
Nature Photography – be sure you see no “hand of man.”
Acceptable entries are photographs that portray various aspects of natural plant and animal life; that illustrate the natural features of land, sea, and sky; or that reveal natural phenomena. No image in this competition may show human intervention (no hand of man). Domestic plants (e.g., in a botanical garden) or animals (including zoo animals) may be included as long as they do not show any human intervention (e.g., no collars or ear tags, gates, walls, paths, signage).
Backlighting
Backlighting in photography is a technique where the primary light source is positioned behind the subject, creating effects like glowing edges, silhouettes, or luminous translucency — using light itself as a compositional and atmospheric element.
Still Life
“Still Life” photography is the art of arranging and photographing inanimate objects — in a controlled setting (either arranged or found), with deliberate attention to composition, lighting, and styling. Examples of items such as food, flowers, everyday items, curated collections, dead game, etc are acceptable but not potted plants, pets or anything currently alive. Example of settings: the objects can be on a table, shelf, hanging on a wall, on the ground, etc. — all to create a visually compelling image.
Minimalist Photography
“Minimalist photography” is the practice of extreme simplicity; stripping a scene down to its essential elements — using negative space, simple compositions, and limited color or detail — to create images where less visual information creates more impact.
Monochrome
The term “Monochrome Photography” encompasses images that use only a single color, including the full array of shades of that color. So, for example, black and white photos, with black as the single color and its multiple shades of gray to white, are monochrome. Other single colors and their shades are equally acceptable. Under this definition, a sepia tone photo is acceptable, but a sepia tone photo containing a red umbrella would not qualify as a monochrome. Any subject matter is acceptable. In addition, a photo is acceptable if it was originally taken as a color image, as long as the image presented for the competition has been rendered into monochrome.
AI Policy
A policy on the use of AI, particularly generative AI, is being developed. In the meantime, please be mindful of the Official Competition Rules and Awards document on the webpage. The pertinent rules can be summarized as
- The photograph originates from a light-sensitive device (such as film or digital camera, as well as scanned film, enlarger, copier, or flatbed scanner, etc), (Section 1)
- The photograph is made by the entrant and any image editing, retouching, or manipulation of images must be done by the entrant. (Section IV)
- Use of the image respects others’ copyright. (Section 1)