Waterfalls / Waterways photography definition
Waterfall / waterway photography is a sub-genre of nature photography that focuses on capturing the beauty and dynamics of moving water.
It aims to freeze the motion of cascading water in a way that emphasises its power, grace, and ethereal quality.
The primary aim of waterfall photography is to convey a sense of movement and energy while keeping a balance between sharpness and artistic interpretation. This is achieved through the careful choice of camera settings, composition, and the use of specific techniques such as using a slow shutter speed.
Preferred images will emphasise the dynamic motion of water such as waterfalls, rivers and cascades rather than static bodies of water. Pay careful attention to composition, lighting and focus to suit the scene whether that be a serene flow or crashing cascade.
Waterfall / waterway photography is a sub-genre of nature photography that focuses on capturing the beauty and dynamics of moving water.
It aims to freeze the motion of cascading water in a way that emphasises its power, grace, and ethereal quality.
The primary aim of waterfall photography is to convey a sense of movement and energy while keeping a balance between sharpness and artistic interpretation. This is achieved through the careful choice of camera settings, composition, and the use of specific techniques such as using a slow shutter speed.
Preferred images will emphasise the dynamic motion of water such as waterfalls, rivers and cascades rather than static bodies of water. Pay careful attention to composition, lighting and focus to suit the scene whether that be a serene flow or crashing cascade.
Big Sky photography
From deep, moody skies filled with dark storm clouds, to light, sunny images filled with a blue backdrop and white fluffy clouds, there’s no shortage of opportunities to capture amazing sky images –each one completely unique.
Far from simply being a background element, when captured effectively, the sky can prove to be a key feature in your landscape images, serving as a main point of interest and even taking center stage in your photos.
You’ll want to pay attention to where you place the horizon and consider how it impacts the rest of your image. Having the horizon line dead center is generally considered to be a bad idea, and could result in the image looking like it’s being cut in half. Instead, look to move the horizon line lower to include more of the sky in your image.
Don’t forget that while the sky may be your main focal point, there are other elements that play a big role in the composition as well. In most cases, you’ll want to include some land in your sky shots, to help set the stage, add some context, and make for a more visually interesting image.
While the clouds can look threatening, they can result in some spectacular sky images. The type of clouds that are found just before, or during a strorm can present a great chance for some dramatic images. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you could also look for opportunities to capture a vibrant blue sky filled with soft, fluffy clouds. Different types of weather can convey different moods, so be sure to keep that in mind when composing your images.
From deep, moody skies filled with dark storm clouds, to light, sunny images filled with a blue backdrop and white fluffy clouds, there’s no shortage of opportunities to capture amazing sky images –each one completely unique.
Far from simply being a background element, when captured effectively, the sky can prove to be a key feature in your landscape images, serving as a main point of interest and even taking center stage in your photos.
You’ll want to pay attention to where you place the horizon and consider how it impacts the rest of your image. Having the horizon line dead center is generally considered to be a bad idea, and could result in the image looking like it’s being cut in half. Instead, look to move the horizon line lower to include more of the sky in your image.
Don’t forget that while the sky may be your main focal point, there are other elements that play a big role in the composition as well. In most cases, you’ll want to include some land in your sky shots, to help set the stage, add some context, and make for a more visually interesting image.
While the clouds can look threatening, they can result in some spectacular sky images. The type of clouds that are found just before, or during a strorm can present a great chance for some dramatic images. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you could also look for opportunities to capture a vibrant blue sky filled with soft, fluffy clouds. Different types of weather can convey different moods, so be sure to keep that in mind when composing your images.
Spring
Spring is defined by change. Frozen landscapes give way to blooming life, and dull grays are replaced with lush greens, vibrant yellows, and delicate purples. For a photographer, this shift is more than visual—it's emotional. There’s a sense of renewal that reflects through every image captured during this time.
To harness that emotion in your photography, pay close attention to transitions. Look for melting ice creating puddles, buds forming on bare trees, or animals emerging from hiding. These are the subtle visual cues that signal the arrival of spring, and they make for deeply engaging photographs. Use early mornings and late afternoons to take advantage of soft directional light, which brings warmth and mood to your shots.
The soft, diffused light of early spring mornings and dew-dotted plants create ideal conditions for intricate detail shots and breathtaking golden hour photography.
Wildflowers are a standout highlight for nature photographers during this time, enhancing all genres: as bokeh in wildlife portraits, as vibrant pops of colour in landscape scenes, or as captivating close-up subjects.
Spring showers and their resulting moody, stormy skies also add an element of drama to your images, making this season a fascinating time for photography.
Spring is defined by change. Frozen landscapes give way to blooming life, and dull grays are replaced with lush greens, vibrant yellows, and delicate purples. For a photographer, this shift is more than visual—it's emotional. There’s a sense of renewal that reflects through every image captured during this time.
To harness that emotion in your photography, pay close attention to transitions. Look for melting ice creating puddles, buds forming on bare trees, or animals emerging from hiding. These are the subtle visual cues that signal the arrival of spring, and they make for deeply engaging photographs. Use early mornings and late afternoons to take advantage of soft directional light, which brings warmth and mood to your shots.
The soft, diffused light of early spring mornings and dew-dotted plants create ideal conditions for intricate detail shots and breathtaking golden hour photography.
Wildflowers are a standout highlight for nature photographers during this time, enhancing all genres: as bokeh in wildlife portraits, as vibrant pops of colour in landscape scenes, or as captivating close-up subjects.
Spring showers and their resulting moody, stormy skies also add an element of drama to your images, making this season a fascinating time for photography.
| spring_definition.pdf |
Sports / Action Photography
Action photography is a dynamic genre that captures fast-paced movements, freezing moments of motion in sports, wildlife, or any high-energy activities, demanding specialized skills and equipment to ensure sharpness and clarity.
To excel in this field, photographers often utilize fast shutter speeds, wide apertures, and advanced autofocus systems, allowing them to seize split-second moments with precision.
Whether capturing a sprinter crossing the finish line or a bird taking flight, action photography combines technical expertise with artistic vision to tell compelling stories through high-impact images.
Preferred images should be critically sharp (focused) on the main subject, although some motion blur may add another dimension. Ball sports should show the ball / projectile to add context to the action.
| sports__action_photography_definition.pdf |
After Dark / Low Light / Astro Photography
Description: Low light in photography refers to any scenario in which the amount of ambient light is low. In other words, low light occurs when there isn't much natural light available. This can be indoors, a poorly lit street at night, or even out in the middle of an
overcast day.
In low light photography, photographers must use their knowledge and creativity to compensate for the lack of available light.
To do this, they must rely heavily on faster lenses that allow more light in through a wider aperture, as well as higher ISO settings and/or slower shutter speeds to increase the sensitivity of the camera's sensor. They might also need to use external lighting such as flashes or reflectors to get enough light into the scene.
By combining these techniques creatively, talented photographers are able to capture incredible images even in situations that many would consider too dark. Overall, low light photography gives us all a chance to explore the world around in a different way that can be dramatic and interesting.
Preferred images will be correctly exposed for the lighting conditions and should show reasonable detail in the darker portions of the image where appropriate.
Focus / sharpness and composition are important, and high ISO noise should be well controlled.
Description: Low light in photography refers to any scenario in which the amount of ambient light is low. In other words, low light occurs when there isn't much natural light available. This can be indoors, a poorly lit street at night, or even out in the middle of an
overcast day.
In low light photography, photographers must use their knowledge and creativity to compensate for the lack of available light.
To do this, they must rely heavily on faster lenses that allow more light in through a wider aperture, as well as higher ISO settings and/or slower shutter speeds to increase the sensitivity of the camera's sensor. They might also need to use external lighting such as flashes or reflectors to get enough light into the scene.
By combining these techniques creatively, talented photographers are able to capture incredible images even in situations that many would consider too dark. Overall, low light photography gives us all a chance to explore the world around in a different way that can be dramatic and interesting.
Preferred images will be correctly exposed for the lighting conditions and should show reasonable detail in the darker portions of the image where appropriate.
Focus / sharpness and composition are important, and high ISO noise should be well controlled.
| low_light_definition.pdf |
Winter Photography Definition
The Winter season falls between Autumn and Spring with some small overlap into both seasons. Your image should show typical Winter conditions including (but not limited to) snow, ice, freezing cold, bare trees and similar.
While these conditions can exist outside the recognised Winter period, preferred images will make a clear distinction that this is indeed winter.
Minimalist and monochrome treatments may be a good choice here, although composition, exposure and focus must be well executed as per normal.
The Winter season falls between Autumn and Spring with some small overlap into both seasons. Your image should show typical Winter conditions including (but not limited to) snow, ice, freezing cold, bare trees and similar.
While these conditions can exist outside the recognised Winter period, preferred images will make a clear distinction that this is indeed winter.
Minimalist and monochrome treatments may be a good choice here, although composition, exposure and focus must be well executed as per normal.
| winter_definition.doc |
Monochrome Photography
The definition of monochrome is an image displaying a single colour or different shades of a single color. Monochrome photography is photography in which the entire image is recorded and represented by differing amounts of light instead of different hues. Black and white photography is the most prominent example of monochrome photography, as it represents subjects in varying shades of neutral gray, but includes no other colors. In monochrome photography, tones of a single color are used to represent all the different colors within an image.
Because of this distinction, monochrome images are not true renditions of the world, but rather abstractions that represent different colors with different shades of the same color. Because of this, monochrome photography is most often used for artistic and aesthetic purposes.
Subject matter. Generally monochrome works best with a strong primary element in the image, one that captures and holds attention. A strong subject matter can anchor monochrome photography, taking advantage of its ability to emphasize the foreground.
Tonal range. Ensure that monochrome photography doesn’t just show one shade of color by using it to capture scenes with a wide variety of tones.
Lighting and shadows are also important when shooting monochrome as they will provide the contrast on which monochrome thieves. Ensure contrast is set appropriately on your digital or analog camera.
Textures, lines, and angles play out dramatically in monochrome photography.
The definition of monochrome is an image displaying a single colour or different shades of a single color. Monochrome photography is photography in which the entire image is recorded and represented by differing amounts of light instead of different hues. Black and white photography is the most prominent example of monochrome photography, as it represents subjects in varying shades of neutral gray, but includes no other colors. In monochrome photography, tones of a single color are used to represent all the different colors within an image.
Because of this distinction, monochrome images are not true renditions of the world, but rather abstractions that represent different colors with different shades of the same color. Because of this, monochrome photography is most often used for artistic and aesthetic purposes.
Subject matter. Generally monochrome works best with a strong primary element in the image, one that captures and holds attention. A strong subject matter can anchor monochrome photography, taking advantage of its ability to emphasize the foreground.
Tonal range. Ensure that monochrome photography doesn’t just show one shade of color by using it to capture scenes with a wide variety of tones.
Lighting and shadows are also important when shooting monochrome as they will provide the contrast on which monochrome thieves. Ensure contrast is set appropriately on your digital or analog camera.
Textures, lines, and angles play out dramatically in monochrome photography.
Still Life Definition
Still life photography is used for the depiction of inanimate subject matter, typically a small group of objects. Similar to still life painting, it is the application of photography to the still life artistic style. Tabletop photography, product photography, food photography, found object photography, etc. are examples of still life photography. One thing that makes it so special is that often the subjects are just ordinary objects that you normally wouldn’t pay much attention to. That means that to be successful, you need to find ways to make your photos interesting. That also means it’s a great style of photography for learning new skills. You can create an image with almost full control over lighting, mood, and composition. By experimenting with different arrangements, lighting and compositions, still life photographers can breathe life into their subjects.
Still life photography is used for the depiction of inanimate subject matter, typically a small group of objects. Similar to still life painting, it is the application of photography to the still life artistic style. Tabletop photography, product photography, food photography, found object photography, etc. are examples of still life photography. One thing that makes it so special is that often the subjects are just ordinary objects that you normally wouldn’t pay much attention to. That means that to be successful, you need to find ways to make your photos interesting. That also means it’s a great style of photography for learning new skills. You can create an image with almost full control over lighting, mood, and composition. By experimenting with different arrangements, lighting and compositions, still life photographers can breathe life into their subjects.
Autumn Definition
The season for autumn photography is short. We have a couple of months and just a week or two for the peak of the season to capture the beautiful, warm fall colors.
It’s a favorite time of year for many landscape photographers. The falling leaves, crisp air, and changing colors make a compelling case to load up your camera gear and get out there.
Autumn colours are predominantly warm-toned and saturated. In a carefully composed image, you will try to present those colours arranged harmoniously. Every different colour has its weight. If possible,look for complementary colours to balance the bright autumn hues when composing a scene. Blue skies and evergreen foliage are a pleasing counterweight to warm red, yellow, and brown tones.
“As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see.”
Vincent Van Gogh
PHOTO JOURNALISM:
(PJ), is about capturing story telling images as they happen.
A PJ image should have informative content, tell a story and have emotional impact, such as seen in news media and periodicals. This may include documentary, contemporary life, illustrative and spot news and human interest. It does not necessarily require a person in the photograph.
In the interests of credibility, contrived situations or photographic manipulations which misrepresent the truth of the situation are not acceptable.
An image should be able to stand alone and tell its story but, if carefully chosen, a title can often add to its impact.
LANDSCAPE:
A landscape is a photograph of a section or portion of scenery as seen from a single viewpoint, where The Land is dominant. Scenery is the subject of a landscape image. ‘The Land’ includes lakes, waterways, trees etc. An image with a dominance of sky or cloud is acceptable provided the image also contains significant features of a natural landscape. Evidence of people, animals, buildings and structures should be avoided or minimal in the composition if used to provide scale and perspective.
NOTE: ‘Urban landscapes’ are generally not included in the Landscape competition unless specifically stated in the programme.
SEASCAPE:
A seascape is a photograph of natural coastal scenery in which the sea or seashore is the dominant feature. People, boats and man-made structures may be present but not dominant in the photograph. Coastal saltwater inlets are eligible but inland freshwater environments are excluded.
NATURE:
Nature depicts living, untamed animals and uncultivated plants in a natural habitat; geology and a wide diversity of natural phenomena. Photographs of animals that are domesticated, caged or under any form of restraint, as well as photographs of garden plants are ineligible.
Minimal evidence of human activity is acceptable for Nature subjects: e.g. banding on penguins, seals, introduced birds; wild briar, lupins etc; or natural forces reclaiming modified environment.
Any manipulation or modification to the original image is limited to basic adjustments and must NOT alter the content of the original scene.
An entry may be up to four photographs in a series (on one mount) showing the development, or behaviour of a subject. This entry will count as one picture and be judged as a set.
Correct identification of the subject is strongly recommended. The use of scientific, common, native or Maori names should be used wherever possible. Cute, humorous or other such titles are not appropriate for Nature competitions.
OPEN:
There is NO restriction to choice of subject or treatment. The emphasis is on interest, visual impact, composition, and technical excellence. Images are not confined to any particular subject, type, or style of photography. These may include scenery, close-ups, buildings, animals, portraits, abstract, creative, and still-life. Special techniques are also allowed and include unlimited digital and darkroom manipulation. Images generated by purely electronic means (i.e. Fractals or AI generative) will not be accepted.
PORTRAIT:
A photograph of a person or people, animals. Should be character studies, not actions shots, and may range from a head study to full body length; formal or candid. May also be environmental portraiture where inclusion of the surroundings may tell more about the subject.
WILDLIFE:
Images entered in Wildlife section meeting the Nature Photography Definition above are further defined as one or more extant zoological or botanical organism free and unrestrained in a natural or adopted habitat. Landscapes, geologic formations, photographs of zoo or game farm animals or of any extant zoological or botanical species taken under controlled conditions are not eligible in Wildlife sections. Wildlife is not limited to animals, birds and insects. Marine subjects and botanical subjects (including fungi and algae) taken in the wild are suitable wildlife subjects, as are carcasses of extant species. No techniques that add, relocate, replace, or remove pictorial elements except by cropping are permitted. Techniques that enhance the presentation of the photograph without changing the nature story or the pictorial content, or without altering the content of the original scene, are permitted including HDR, focus stacking and dodging/burning. Techniques that remove elements added by the camera, such as dust spots, digital noise, and film scratches, are allowed. Stitched images are not permitted. All allowed adjustments must appear natural. Colour images can be converted to grey-scale monochrome. Infrared images, either direct-captures or derivations, are not allowed.
WATER / LIQUID:
Water photography refers to any photo that emphasises water as the main visual element. That can include landscape photograhy of an ocean, long exposure photos of silky waterfalls and even shots of particularly photogenic puddles. The goal of water photography is to capture the way water moves and how it interacts with light, especially reflections and refractions.
Drawing the line between water photography and similar subniches depends on the focus of the photo. Strict water photography tends to center on the water itself with little to no surrounding elements. That said, you can make a reasonable argument that water photography can be any photo with water as a significant focal point – such as a lake or a winding creek.
Overall, this niche stands out for its ability to capture the sensations of water of being brisk, cold, and refreshing. With a little practice, you’ll be able to invoke these visceral responses in the viewer – making someone feel thirsty, crave the cold splash of a swimming pool, or miss the ocean breeze.
Sunset / Sunrise / Changing Light:
When we talk about ‘sunset’ and ‘sunrise’, we’re discussing two parts of the day that involve the sun’s position in the sky. The key difference lies in timing. Sunrise marks the start of the day when the sun appears over the horizon, bringing light after night. This happens in the morning. On the other hand, sunset is when the sun goes down below the horizon, signaling the end of daylight and welcoming night. This occurs in the evening. So, in simple terms, sunrise is about beginning with brightness, while sunset is about closing with darkness setting in.
Your images should highlight this transitional period making the the most of the intense colours and strong textures.
Exposure, focus and colour balance are very important for maximum impact, and remember that good composition and framing are also important.
Use water reflections, clouds and snow to emphasise and reflect the broad colour palette of this special genre.
Autumn Definition
The season for autumn photography is short. We have a couple of months and just a week or two for the peak of the season to capture the beautiful, warm fall colors.
It’s a favorite time of year for many landscape photographers. The falling leaves, crisp air, and changing colors make a compelling case to load up your camera gear and get out there.
Autumn colours are predominantly warm-toned and saturated. In a carefully composed image, you will try to present those colours arranged harmoniously. Every different colour has its weight. If possible,look for complementary colours to balance the bright autumn hues when composing a scene. Blue skies and evergreen foliage are a pleasing counterweight to warm red, yellow, and brown tones.
“As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see.”
Vincent Van Gogh
PHOTO JOURNALISM:
(PJ), is about capturing story telling images as they happen.
A PJ image should have informative content, tell a story and have emotional impact, such as seen in news media and periodicals. This may include documentary, contemporary life, illustrative and spot news and human interest. It does not necessarily require a person in the photograph.
In the interests of credibility, contrived situations or photographic manipulations which misrepresent the truth of the situation are not acceptable.
An image should be able to stand alone and tell its story but, if carefully chosen, a title can often add to its impact.
LANDSCAPE:
A landscape is a photograph of a section or portion of scenery as seen from a single viewpoint, where The Land is dominant. Scenery is the subject of a landscape image. ‘The Land’ includes lakes, waterways, trees etc. An image with a dominance of sky or cloud is acceptable provided the image also contains significant features of a natural landscape. Evidence of people, animals, buildings and structures should be avoided or minimal in the composition if used to provide scale and perspective.
NOTE: ‘Urban landscapes’ are generally not included in the Landscape competition unless specifically stated in the programme.
SEASCAPE:
A seascape is a photograph of natural coastal scenery in which the sea or seashore is the dominant feature. People, boats and man-made structures may be present but not dominant in the photograph. Coastal saltwater inlets are eligible but inland freshwater environments are excluded.
NATURE:
Nature depicts living, untamed animals and uncultivated plants in a natural habitat; geology and a wide diversity of natural phenomena. Photographs of animals that are domesticated, caged or under any form of restraint, as well as photographs of garden plants are ineligible.
Minimal evidence of human activity is acceptable for Nature subjects: e.g. banding on penguins, seals, introduced birds; wild briar, lupins etc; or natural forces reclaiming modified environment.
Any manipulation or modification to the original image is limited to basic adjustments and must NOT alter the content of the original scene.
An entry may be up to four photographs in a series (on one mount) showing the development, or behaviour of a subject. This entry will count as one picture and be judged as a set.
Correct identification of the subject is strongly recommended. The use of scientific, common, native or Maori names should be used wherever possible. Cute, humorous or other such titles are not appropriate for Nature competitions.
OPEN:
There is NO restriction to choice of subject or treatment. The emphasis is on interest, visual impact, composition, and technical excellence. Images are not confined to any particular subject, type, or style of photography. These may include scenery, close-ups, buildings, animals, portraits, abstract, creative, and still-life. Special techniques are also allowed and include unlimited digital and darkroom manipulation. Images generated by purely electronic means (i.e. Fractals or AI generative) will not be accepted.
PORTRAIT:
A photograph of a person or people, animals. Should be character studies, not actions shots, and may range from a head study to full body length; formal or candid. May also be environmental portraiture where inclusion of the surroundings may tell more about the subject.
WILDLIFE:
Images entered in Wildlife section meeting the Nature Photography Definition above are further defined as one or more extant zoological or botanical organism free and unrestrained in a natural or adopted habitat. Landscapes, geologic formations, photographs of zoo or game farm animals or of any extant zoological or botanical species taken under controlled conditions are not eligible in Wildlife sections. Wildlife is not limited to animals, birds and insects. Marine subjects and botanical subjects (including fungi and algae) taken in the wild are suitable wildlife subjects, as are carcasses of extant species. No techniques that add, relocate, replace, or remove pictorial elements except by cropping are permitted. Techniques that enhance the presentation of the photograph without changing the nature story or the pictorial content, or without altering the content of the original scene, are permitted including HDR, focus stacking and dodging/burning. Techniques that remove elements added by the camera, such as dust spots, digital noise, and film scratches, are allowed. Stitched images are not permitted. All allowed adjustments must appear natural. Colour images can be converted to grey-scale monochrome. Infrared images, either direct-captures or derivations, are not allowed.
WATER / LIQUID:
Water photography refers to any photo that emphasises water as the main visual element. That can include landscape photograhy of an ocean, long exposure photos of silky waterfalls and even shots of particularly photogenic puddles. The goal of water photography is to capture the way water moves and how it interacts with light, especially reflections and refractions.
Drawing the line between water photography and similar subniches depends on the focus of the photo. Strict water photography tends to center on the water itself with little to no surrounding elements. That said, you can make a reasonable argument that water photography can be any photo with water as a significant focal point – such as a lake or a winding creek.
Overall, this niche stands out for its ability to capture the sensations of water of being brisk, cold, and refreshing. With a little practice, you’ll be able to invoke these visceral responses in the viewer – making someone feel thirsty, crave the cold splash of a swimming pool, or miss the ocean breeze.
Sunset / Sunrise / Changing Light:
When we talk about ‘sunset’ and ‘sunrise’, we’re discussing two parts of the day that involve the sun’s position in the sky. The key difference lies in timing. Sunrise marks the start of the day when the sun appears over the horizon, bringing light after night. This happens in the morning. On the other hand, sunset is when the sun goes down below the horizon, signaling the end of daylight and welcoming night. This occurs in the evening. So, in simple terms, sunrise is about beginning with brightness, while sunset is about closing with darkness setting in.
Your images should highlight this transitional period making the the most of the intense colours and strong textures.
Exposure, focus and colour balance are very important for maximum impact, and remember that good composition and framing are also important.
Use water reflections, clouds and snow to emphasise and reflect the broad colour palette of this special genre.