Nature Photography : is restricted to the use of the photographic process to depict observations from all branches of natural history, except anthropology and archaeology, in such a fashion that a well informed person will be able to identify the subject material and to 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 resizing, cropping, selective lightening or darkening, and restoration of original colour of the scene. No special effect filters can be applied. Any sharpening must appear natural.
Authentic Wildlife: In addition to the above. Authentic, living free and unrestrained in a natural or adopted habitat. Therefore, photographs of zoo or game farm animals are not eligible for the P.S.A. silver medal.
Creative photography: may be defined as altered reality.
Social documentary: is defined as an apposite comment on everyday social life or the environment
Photo travel: A photo travel image must express the feeling of time and place, portray a land, its people, or a culture in its natural state and has no geographical limitations. Ultra close ups which lose their identity, studio type model shots, or photographic manipulations that misrepresent the true situation or alter the content of the image are unacceptable. No elements may be moved, cloned, added, deleted, rearranged or combined. No manipulation or modification is permitted except resizing, cropping, selective lightening or darkening, and restoration of original colour of the scene. No special effect filters can be applied. Any sharpening must appear natural.