Categories
The Sandton Photographic Society follows the PSSA guidelines for the various categories of photography.
Sandton Photographic Society acknowledges the Photographic Society of Southern Africa for the list of categories and the description of what is required to enter images in the correct subject category at club nights and salons.
Please enter club images under the correct category.
PSSA Subject Categories
- Contemporary
- Macro
- Nature - General
- A Nature (Zoological)
- B Nature (Botanical / Geological)
- Photojournalism (PJ)
- Sport
- Pictorial
- Photo Travel
- Industrial
- Studio
- Still Life
- Table Top
- Birds
Contemporary
Contemporary photography may be defined as a concept that stimulates the mind of the viewer to interpret the message conveyed through use of line, form and colour. This definition specifically includes computer generated / manipulated images.
Macro
Macro photography is defined as images generated by using magnification from 0.25 and upwards with photographic equipment e.g. macro and close-up lenses, rings. bellows, etc.
Pictures taken with the aid of microscopes, electronic microscopes etc, are not permitted.
Nature - General
The Nature Photography sections are defined as the use of photographic process to depict all observations of facts and phenomena in such fashion that a well informed person will be able to identify the subject material and to certify to it's honest presentation. Human elements should not be present unless, on rare occasions were human elements enhance the nature story, they are unobtrusive. Photographs which depict artificially produced hybrids may not be used. Photographs depicting still life studies, mounted specimens, museum habitats or groups should be submitted under Pictorial.
A Nature (Zoological)
The general definition for nature as described above will apply. Images of animals, fish, reptiles, insects and birds may be entered in this category.
B Nature (Botanical / Geological)
The general definition for nature - general as described above will apply. Subject matter may include, landscape, flowers, plants and mountains.
Photojournalism
Photojournalism entries shall consist of story telling pictures or sequences such as seen in the news media, including human interest, documentary and spot news.
In the interest of credibility, contrived situations or photographic manipulations which alter the truth are unacceptable. The journalistic value of the photograph shall be weighed more than the pictorial quality.
TopOther categories used in Salons etc. (submitted under Pictorial category on club nights.)
Sport
Photographs of recognised sport activities illustrating its participants in action.
Pictorial
Pictorial entries include all the subject material, which does not fall into other categories (e.g. wildlife, landscape).
Photo Travel
Subject matter must portray travel. A photo travel image should capture the feeling of a time and place, and portrays a land, it's people, it's culture in its natural state. Ultra close-ups that lose the identity, model shots or manipulated images do not qualify. Entries should not be limited to geographical areas and may include, but are not limited to other lands or countries and include those of domestic origin. If digitally or computer produced no manipulation may be employed.
Industrial
The photographs must have been taken in an industrial (light, medium or heavy) environment. The pictures must depict either human activities in the industry, a part of the production process, industrial structures, building or architecture, The pictorial qualities of the images are important.
Studio
The exhibit must have been taken in controlled conditions, whether inside or outdoors. The use of artificial lights is not essential. The subject matter is not limited to human, but can be animals, still life, table top, or any portrait and groups. The photographer must be able to repeat his photograph,
Still Life
Inanimate objects pictorially arranged.
Table Top
Inanimate objects pictorially arranged on a table top.
Birds
The definition for nature applies, but for birds only.
