
Definitions
Please note that not all Set Subjects may be included in the Programme in any year
Nature
Nature photography is restricted to the use of the photographic process to depict 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 certify its honest presentation. The story telling value of a photograph must be weighed more than the pictorial quality while maintaining high technical quality.
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Human elements shall not be present, except where those human elements are integral parts of the nature story such as nature subjects, like barn owls or storks, adapted to an environment modified by humans, or where those human elements are in situations depicting natural forces, like hurricanes or tidal waves.
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Scientific bands, scientific tags or radio collars on wild animals are permissible.
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Photographs of human created hybrid plants, cultivated plants, feral animals, domestic animals, or mounted specimens are ineligible, as is any form of manipulation that alters the truth of the photographic statement.
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No techniques that add, relocate, replace, or remove pictorial elements except by cropping are permitted.
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Techniques that enhance the presentation of the photograph without changing the nature story or the pictorial content, or without altering the content of the original scene, are permitted including HDR, focus stacking and dodging/burning.
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Techniques that remove elements added by the camera, such as dust spots, digital noise, and film scratches, are allowed. All allowed adjustments must appear natural.
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Stitched images are not permitted.
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Colour images can be converted to greyscale monochrome.
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Infrared images, either direct-captures or derivations, are not allowed.
Images entered in Nature sections meeting the Nature Photography Definition above can have landscapes, geologic formations, weather phenomena, and extant organisms as the primary subject matter. This includes images taken with the subjects in controlled conditions, such as zoos, game farms, botanical gardens, aquariums and any enclosure where the subjects are totally dependent on man for food.
NAMING
Correct identification of subject is strongly recommended. The use of the scientific, Maori or proper common names should be used wherever possible. Cute, humorous or other such titles will not be accepted.
Photo Journalism (PJ)
PJ, (as it is often referred to) refers to images that tell a story, such as those seen in the newspapers and magazines. Capturing a moment in time, it’s about people and the portrayal of life.
The viewers and the judge should be able to interpret the story being conveyed. A title may be added (refer titles) but should not distract from the story.
The images should have some of the following:
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Instantly recognisable story
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Be of interest to the average viewer
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Must show good technique (focus, exposure etc:)
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Have a good composition appropriate for the subject matter.
Portrait
The goal of portrait photography is to capture the likeness of a person or a small group of people, (eg. a family portrait) and typically shot in a flattering manner. The image could be of or include people’s pets, but not that of any non-domesticated animals/insects. They can be formal or candid in pose, outside/inside or studio setting. The portrait should relate to the viewer something about the sitter, their character or their life, but not an action shot. The image may include surroundings if they tell more about the sitter, such as showing the sitter’s profession or hobby, but the subject would normally dominate the picture.
Landscape
A landscape is a photograph which captures a sense of “space” and “place” and tells a story of the scene before the camera. A Landscape will typically combine elements of earth, sea or sky. The image may include human elements for scale and context but not to the extent that they become the predominant element. Creative enhancement of the image is acceptable provided that the resulting image still reflects the essential story of that landscape.
Portfolio (P) - The Patron’s Trophy
The Portfolio Competition, initiated by Patron Harold Mason in 2011, is a chance for each member to display their best photographs since the previous Portfolio Competition, in a set that demonstrates variety and quality. It is a recommended step towards preparing a submission to the PSNZ Honours Board for the award of a Licentiate (LPSNZ).
A Licentiateship is awarded for “proficiency of a high order in practical photography.” This means the applicant must demonstrate sound basic technical ability, along with good compositional skill, and awareness of lighting. Proficiency Implies skill with the camera and in processing and presenting images.
A Licentiate submission does not have to have a theme.
Photographic proficiency is best demonstrated by a diversity of approach. For example, by a variety of subject matter; variety of lens choice; variety of viewpoints etc.
From PSNZ Honours Guidelines
The Portfolio shall be a set of 6 prints OR a set of 6 projected images of varying subjects and techniques (e.g. landscape, portrait, still-life, close-up, etc.). Images entered in the Portfolio Competition may or may not have been previously entered in a normal Club competition.
All other Club rules apply. (This is an opportunity for the lower graded members to show the higher graded members how it’s done)
JUDGING
Points will be awarded to each image and the judge will select the winning Portfolio in each category (ie. prints, and projected images) and the overall winner.
Prints – Normal competition rules apply for size and naming. Members are responsible for marking their own prints in the order in which the images are to be viewed.
Projected images – Images should be titled and numbered as shown:
(Portfolio + Image No) - (Member No) - title.jpg
(Example: P1-23-church door)
The image number shows the order in which the author intends them to be projected.
PORTFOLIO ARRANGEMENT
A successful portfolio will start strongly and take the viewer on a journey to a memorable conclusion. One image can lead to another via “links” of shape, colour, texture, subject matter etc. Consistent quality is essential. No single image should stand out as being either below or above the standard of the others. One very strong image can be as problematic as a very weak one.
A projected image portfolio must flow. Avoid sharp changes of colour or intensity that prevent one image leading naturally to the next. Also take care with the placing of horizontal and vertical formats from the viewpoint of flow. Colour or shape or subject can be a continuity link. Start strongly and finish strongly.
Prints in a print portfolio will be displayed in rows – to a maximum depth of three rows. You must specify the prints to go on each row to achieve a balanced layout.
The matts should be of even size (generally about 50 x 40cm but may be smaller). Care must be taken in the placing of horizontal and vertical formats from the viewpoint of balance. Likewise, if colour and monochrome are mixed, consider the overall appearance of the presentation. Is it balanced?
Look very carefully at the images at the ends of rows – if you have a portrait, make sure the subject is looking into the presentation, not away. It is rather like using the images to create a single picture.