Nature Photography

PSA Nature Division
What is Nature Photography?

PSA definition of Nature Photography PDF file


PSA NATURE DIVISION
NATURE DEFINITION


GENERAL

Photographs entered in all Exhibition Sections recognized by the PSA Nature Division and all nature competitions conducted in accordance with the PSA Nature Definition must conform to the following definition:

Nature Photography is restricted to the use of the photographic process to depict observations from all branches of natural history, except anthropology and archeology, in such a fashion that a well informed person will be able to identify the subject material and 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, sharpening, cropping, selective lightening or darkening, and restoration of original color to the scene. No special effects filters can be applied. Any adjustments must appear "natural". This definition does not limit nature photography to Wildlife subjects. Scenics, zoo shots and game farm shots are fair game for the Nature Photographer.


WILDLIFE

Some Nature Exhibitions and some nature competitions do have sections restricted to Wildlife Subjects. Where this restriction applies, all photographs must meet the following definition in addition to the General definition above:

"Authentic wildlife" is defined as one or more organisms, living free and unrestrained in a natural or adopted habitat. Therefore, photographs of zoo or game farm animals are not eligible for Wildlife competitions.
Join Minnesota Nature Photography Club

Membership Details

We meet at the REI store
750 West American Blvd
Bloomington, MN 55420

Please join us at our monthly meetings, third Wednesdays September Through May. Visitors are always welcome.

Click here for meeting details
Recent news and announcements

September Newsletter Posted
August 30, 2010

Find it under "Nature Photo Times" below

2009 Year End Results Posted
March 12, 2010

View the images here. (requires flash player to view)

Nature Photo Times

September 2010

Click here for all current issues or visit the archive for past issues