Statement on Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Image Creation and Ownership
In all sections of the exhibition, images must originate as photographs made by the entrant. They may not incorporate identifiable images produced by anyone else (for example: clip art, replacement skies, or stock images). Images created in whole or in part by image creation software (frequently called ‘AI’ images) are not allowed.
Statement on Subject Matter - applicable to all sections
The fundamental rule that must be observed at all times and applies to all sections is that the welfare of living creatures is more important than any photograph. This means that practices such as baiting of subjects with a living creature and removal of birds from nests, for the purpose of obtaining a photograph, are highly unethical, and such photographs are not allowed in any GSCCC competition. Under no circumstances may a living creature be placed in a situation where it will be killed, injured or stressed for the purpose of obtaining a photograph. Images that show live creatures being fed to captive animals, birds or reptiles are not permitted under any circumstances.
There are also concerns about the use of aerial photography, drones, helicopters, low flying aircraft. These should not cause any interference with other individuals or animals which causes a disturbance in their normal activity or disrupt the way any individuals or animals interact with their environment. Entrants in GSCCC competitions must comply with all relevant laws and regulations, associated with aerial photography, in the country in which the image was taken.
Entry into GSCCC competitions is conditional on accepting these policies. The content of images must comply with the General Conditions and with the Division and Section definitions listed in these conditions. Images that - in the sole opinion of the judges or the judging club do not comply, will be disqualified.
Photojournalism
Photojournalism entries are images with informative content and emotional impact, reflecting the human presence in our world.
· The journalistic (story-telling) value of the image should receive priority over pictorial quality.
· Images that misrepresent the truth, such as those from events or activities arranged specifically for photography, or of subjects directed or hired for photography, are not eligible.
Editing Guidelines
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);
· A number of images (typically 2-4), each with a small white border, may be combined into a single image that depicts a progression of events or related activity.
· 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.
Nature
Content Guidelines
Nature photography records all branches of natural history except anthropology and archaeology. This includes all aspects of the physical world, both animate and inanimate, that have not been made or modified by humans.
· Nature images must convey the truth of the scene that was photographed. A well-informed person should be able to identify the subject of the image and be satisfied that it has been presented honestly and that no unethical practices have been used to control the subject or capture the image. Images that directly or indirectly show any human activity that threatens the life or welfare of a living organism are not allowed.
· The most important part of a Nature image is the nature story it tells. High technical standards are expected and the image must look natural.
· Objects created by humans, and evidence of human activity, are allowed in Nature images only when they are a necessary part of the Nature story.
· Photographs of human-created hybrid plants, cultivated plants, feral animals, domesticated animals, human-created hybrid animals and mounted or preserved zoological specimens are not allowed.
· Images taken with subjects under controlled conditions, such as zoos, are allowed.
· Controlling live subjects by chilling, anaesthetic or any other method of restricting natural movement for the purpose of a photograph is not allowed.
Here is an excellent resource showing how NATURE should be judged and will help you create better images for competition.
Editing Guidelines
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 Statement on Subject Matter which applies to all sections
Black & White/Monochrome
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.
Attention is drawn to the PSA Statements on Artificial Intelligence and Subject Matter which apply to all sections.