Digital Image Categories are defined below:

1. Portrait
2. Weddings & Events
3. Landscape
4. Nature/Wildlife
5. Photo Journalism
6. Open Illustrative
7. Artist

Portrait This category celebrates the art of portrait photography, where the photographer demonstrates mastery in controlling all elements of the image. From lighting and composition to posing and expression, the photographer skillfully creates a compelling and intentional representation of the subject. Entries should showcase creativity, technical expertise, and the ability to connect with and portray the essence of the individual or group being photographed. Human and domesticated Animals are acceptable subjects for this category. Judges will look for creativity, technical precision, and the photographer’s ability to bring their artistic vision to life.

Wedding and Event category celebrates the artistry of capturing life’s most memorable occasions as they unfold. This category includes weddings, quinceañeras, and similar events where the photographer’s skill in storytelling through imagery is paramount. Judges will evaluate submissions based on the creativity and originality demonstrated in the approach, the emotional impact of the image, and how effectively the photographer captures the essence of the event. Key technical aspects such as overall lighting, composition, and the ability to balance spontaneous moments with deliberate artistry will also be considered. Images must be taken during the event itself, showcasing the authentic atmosphere and emotion of the day.

Landscape category focuses on capturing the beauty and grandeur of natural or man-made terrains. Photographers should highlight the composition, light, and mood of the environment. This category excludes images with prominent human subjects but allows minimal human-made elements like pathways, fences, or distant structures, provided they enhance the scene. While post-processing is permitted, images should retain a natural essence and not include heavily manipulated or surreal elements. This category encourages wide-angle views or unique perspectives that convey the story and essence of the landscape. Images should primarily feature wide views of outdoor scenery, including but not limited to:

• Natural landscapes: Mountains, valleys, forests, deserts, oceans, waterfalls, or rivers. Dramatic weather patterns, serene sunrises or sunsets, and seasonal transitions.
• Man-altered environments: Farmlands, vineyards, or industrial terrains integrated with the surrounding environment.

Nature/Wildlife The Nature and Wildlife category focuses on the beauty and behavior of the natural world. Images must capture the subject in an authentic and unaltered state. Photos of domesticated animals, captive wildlife, or heavily manipulated scenes (e.g., added elements or composite images) are prohibited. Images should primarily feature wide views of outdoor.

• Wildlife in its natural habitat: Birds in flight, mammals in the wild, insects pollinating flowers, or aquatic life underwater.
• Action shots: Predatory animals hunting, birds building nests, or animals interacting with their environment.

Photojournalism: This category celebrates the art of capturing decisive and defining moments that tell a compelling story. The photograph should clearly and authentically chronicle the emotions, sentiments, reactions, and visual essence of the narrative. To preserve the integrity of the story, no alterations are allowed. Only minimal adjustments—such as dodging, burning, dust spot removal, cropping, curve adjustments, and black-and-white conversion—are permitted. The photographer must be prepared to submit the original file for verification if requested.

Open Illustrative  category is designed to celebrate the wide-ranging creativity and artistic expression of photographers. This category encompasses various photographic styles and subjects, including but not limited to sports photography, animal action, landscapes, nature, commercial work, and macro photography. While portraiture can be included, it should not be the primary focus of the image. Photographers are encouraged to use a broad brush of artistic expression, showcasing their unique perspective and storytelling abilities while maintaining a photographic essence in their work. This category offers participants the freedom to explore innovative techniques, compelling compositions, and dynamic storytelling, pushing the boundaries of traditional photography.

Artist Category Description

• The Artist category showcases creations that significantly transform the original image(s) captured by a camera or consist entirely of elements never photographed. Submissions may incorporate a wide range of artistic techniques, including freehand drawing or painting in traditional or digital formats. Entries may include stock photography or works from other artists, provided proper written consent for their use is obtained.
• The Image Competition Chairperson may require documentation at any stage of the competition. Judges evaluate entries based on technical proficiency, artistic expression, and the clarity of conveyed ideas, as well as the 12 elements of a merit print.
• Important: Guide images must be displayed within the entry.
• For guide image samples go to https://www.ppa.com/events/photo-competitions/ipc-gallery and select the Artist Category, then select either the Merit or Image Excellence Collection.

• Five (5) or (3) judges will be chosen by the Image Competition Chairperson or person designated by the Image Competition Chairperson.
• Judges must be PPSV professional members or special visitors (PPA/PPC Approved Judges, PPA/PPC Masters, PPA CPP's, or as determined by the Image Competition Chairperson)
• Judging will be based on PPA's 12 Points of a Merit Image and additionally, in the case of the Artist category, computer and artistic skills.
• The following PPA Scoring Categories will be used to rate each entry:

SCORE  GRADE LEVEL
100-95  Exceptional
94-90    Superior
89-85    Excellent
84-80    Deserving of a Merit
79-75    Above Average
74-70    Average
69-65    Below Exhibition Standards

• Tabulation of points will be the responsibility of the Competition Chairperson or by one or more PPSV members as directed by the Competition Chairperson.
• All points will be recorded for future reference.
• On prints scoring an average of 70 or better, an automatic challenge will be issued if a point spread of ten (10) points exists between one or more judge's score and the resulting average score. In the case of more than one outlier score, the judge who scored highest will comment first, followed by the judge who scored low.