Divisions : Division Definitions

PSA Division Definition Summary

The following explains what differentiates each PSA Division. Exhibition hosts can use this information for planning purposes.
Monochrome Definition
An image is considered to be Monochrome only if it gives the impression of having no color (i.e. contains only shades of grey which can include pure black and pure white) OR it gives the impression of being a greyscale image that has been toned in one color across the entire image. (For example by Sepia, red, gold, etc.) A greyscale or multi-colored image modified or giving the impression of having been modified by partial toning, multi toning or by the inclusion of spot coloring does not meet the definition of monochrome and shall be classified as a Color Work.

Projected Image Division - PID
Projected images in separate color and monochrome (see above for Monochrome definition) classes whether they are from digital files or slides.  The subject matter is unrestricted.  There may be a theme specified for some PSA-recognized PID exhibitions and the exhibition’s definition of the theme should be consulted. Each class has its own Star Ratings path.

Nature Division - ND
The portrayal of the many aspects of nature - plant and animal life, natural features of land and seas or natural phenomena. 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. See Definition of Nature Photography for full Nature and Wildlife definitions. All images used in PSA Nature Division competitions and PSA-recognized exhibitions must meet the PSA Nature Definition of Nature Photography.

Photojournalism Division - PJD
Definition: Photojournalism entries shall consist of images with informative content and emotional impact, reflecting the human presence in our world. The journalistic (story-telling) value of the image shall receive priority over pictorial quality. In the interest of credibility, images that misrepresent the truth, such as those from events or activities specifically arranged for photography or of subjects directed or hired for photography, are not eligible. Techniques that add, relocate, replace or remove any element of the original image, except by cropping, are not permitted. The only allowable modifications are removal of dust, scratches or digital noise, restoration of the existing appearance of the original scene, sharpening that is not obvious, and conversion to greyscale monochrome. Derivations, including infrared, are not eligible. All images must appear natural.

Human Interest
Definition: Human Interest images depict a person or persons in an interactive, emotional, or unusual situation, excluding recreational or sports action.
See Guidelines for Human Interest Images.

Photo Travel Division - PTD
Definition: A Photo Travel image expresses the characteristic features or culture of a land as they are found naturally. There are no geographical limitations. Images from events or activities arranged specifically for photography, or of subjects directed or hired for photography are not appropriate, Close up pictures of people or objects must include features that provide information about the environment. Techniques that add, relocate, replace or remove any element of the original image, except by cropping, are not permitted. The only allowable adjustments are removal of dust or digital noise, restoration of the appearance of the original scene, and complete conversion to greyscale monochrome. Other derivations, including infrared, are not permitted. All images must look natural.

» Guide for Photo Travel Judges and Chairs - pdf (updated 2020-01)

Pictorial Print Division - PPD
The prints may be in color or monochrome (see above for Monochrome definition). Digital capture, film photography, desktop and darkroom processing, and commercial prints are all included in the division's activities. The content or subject matter of an image submitted to a PPD program or activity is unrestricted. There may be a theme specified for some PSA-recognized PPD exhibitions and the exhibition's definition of the theme should be consulted. The prints are divided into four classes, large color, large monochrome, small color, and small monochrome, each with its own Star Ratings path.

3D Division - 3DD
The content or subject matter of an image submitted to a 3DD program or activity is unrestricted. There may be a theme specified for some PSA-recognized 3DD exhibitions and the exhibition's definition of the theme should be consulted.