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This is an multi-club competition for members of these Western and Central Pennsylvania photography clubs:
- Pittsburgh Photography Club
- New Kensington Camera Club
- Lens Shooters
- State College Photography Club
- Greensburg Art Center
- Latrobe Arts Center
- The Westmoreland Photographers Society
- ABC Photographic Society (Altoona)
- Photographic Arts Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania
- Erie Photography Club
- View Finders Camera Club
- Washington Camera Club
Submitted photographs must be no larger than 1920 pixels on the longest side, file size no larger than 5 MB, and in the sRGB color space. For details, please review the Conditions of Entry.
Pittsburgh Photography Club is the host of this competition which uses the MyPhotoClub platform to facilitate photography club competitions.
// Action for CLUBS
Conditions of Entry
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Only members of a participating club in this Salon may enter images.
All images will be taken with a camera by the same image maker. All parts of the image must be taken by the same image maker.
Images are to be no larger than 1920 pixels longest side (vertical or horizontal), less than 5 MB, and in the sRGB color space.
APPLICABLE TO ALL SECTIONS: STATEMENT ON SUBJECT MATTER.
The first rule that must be observed at all times, and that 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 or removal of birds from nests for the purpose of obtaining a photograph, are highly unethical, and such photographs are not allowed. 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 disrupts the way any individual or animals interact with their environment. Entrants must comply with all relevant laws and regulations associated with aerial photography in the country in which the image was taken.
APPLICABLE TO ALL SECTIONS: STATEMENT ON IMAGE CREATION, OWNERSHIP, AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI).
The second rule that must be observed at all times is that ALL elements of the work must be created and owned by the maker. Images must originate as photographs made by the entrant. They may not incorporate images produced by anyone else (for example: clip art, software-provided replacement skies, or stock images). Images that originate from words or text rather than light capture (frequently called ‘AI’ images) are NOT allowed.
...Awards
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1st overall
1st, 2nd, 3rd and HM for each category
...Calendar
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Please note the following key dates:
The competition opens for acceptance of images on May 1, 2024.
Deadline for submissions is September 23, 2024 at 23:59 EST.
Dates for judging and publication of the final results will be announced.
...Section Definitions and Rules
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Keystone Salon of Photography Sections include:
- Open Color
- Open Monochrome
- Altered Reality
- Street Photography
- Nature
- Pennsylvania Travel
Guidelines
Open Color
There are no limitations on subject matter or photographic techniques used for image capture or post processing. The images must be color, although partially toned or selective coloring of monochrome or B&W images are allowed.
Open Monochrome
There are no limitations on subject matter or photographic techniques used for image capture or post processing. 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 Statements on Subject Matter and Image Creation, Ownership, and Artificial Intelligence, found in the Conditions of Entry, apply to all sections.
Altered Reality
Images in this category should be photographs that have been digitally altered, either by use of creative camera techniques or in post process using photo-editing software. The goal is to present photographic subject matter in a way that is unique, appealing and causes the viewer to marvel at the ingenuity of the image. All elements of the work must be created by the maker. Clip art is not allowed. The maker must not violate any copyrights.
Attention is drawn to the Statements on Subject Matter and Image Creation, Ownership, and Artificial Intelligence, found in the Conditions of Entry, apply to all sections.
Street Photography
Street photography is a record of everyday life in public places, with a long history dating back to the earliest photographers. It may, but it does not have to, include people to capture the moment. Street photography happens anywhere outside of private spaces: the street, the beach, the suburban park, a museum. Street photographs are about emotion, meaning, story, history, events, metaphor, symbolism, information… The image in the frame records the tapestry of life. The story-telling value of the image should receive priority over pictorial quality. Images may be monochrome or color. 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.
Attention is drawn to the Statements on Subject Matter and Image Creation, Ownership, and Artificial Intelligence, found in the Conditions of Entry, apply to all sections.
Nature and Photo Travel Sections 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
Content Guidance for Nature
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, anesthetic or any other method of restricting natural movement for the purpose of a photograph is not allowed.
It is suggested, but not mandatory, that nature images be entered in the Nature category. Any images entered in either Open category will be judged on pictorial value, not the nature story.
Natural landscapes and seascapes may be entered in either Open Color, Open Monochrome or Nature.
Images of nature subjects that have been manipulated or modified outside of the editing guidelines allowed by the Nature definition below should be entered in either Open category.
Attention is drawn to the Statements on Subject Matter and Image Creation, Ownership, and Artificial Intelligence, found in the Conditions of Entry, apply to all sections.
Content Guidance for Pennsylvania Travel
A Photo Travel image is a portrayal of the real world we live in, as it is found naturally. For the purposes of this salon, entries are geographically limited to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Content guidance:
- If the image is predominantly or exclusively a land-, sea- or cityscape, these “scapes” must include characteristic, distinctive and recognizable physical features, although it is not necessary that the image identify the exact location;
- Portraits or other close-ups of people or objects, in addition to meeting the above paragraphs as applicable, must include elements depicting some of the surrounding environment to make it obvious that the image was not taken in a studio setting;
- Images from events or activities arranged for photography, or of subjects directed or hired for photography, are NOT allowed.
- Time exposures are allowed, if they do not dominate the image as a special effect (star trails, for example, are a dominating effect).
- Highly distorted images such as those produced by fish eye lenses are NOT allowed.
Attention is drawn to the Statements on Subject Matter and Image Creation, Ownership, and Artificial Intelligence, found in the Conditions of Entry, apply to all sections.
...Entry Fee & Payment Details
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The entry fee is $20 for submissions in up to four categories. If you submit to more than four categories, the entry fee is $25. No more than four images per category can be accepted.
...Exhibitions
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Accepted images will be shown at the 110th Pittsburgh Salon of Photographic Art by the Academy of Science and Arts of Pittsburgh April 5 & 6, 2025 at the Mt Lebanon Recreational Center, Mt Lebanon, PA.
Planning for other exhibitions are in progress.
...Catalog
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Accepted images will be published in an exhibit catalog in eBook format that will be available to every participant and participating club.
...Judging
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There will be three judges, independent of the participating clubs.
Lisa Schnelzer, EPSA, AFIAP
Lisa started her photographic journey during college with a borrowed camera.
Her first role with the Photographic Society of America (PSA) was as Area Membership Director, which led her to serve as PSA Membership Vice President. She currently serves as the PSA Service Awards Director and has recently been appointed as Director, PAA Service Recognition (Photographic Alliance of America).
Lisa is an active judge for PSA and FIAP recognized international exhibitions, local and regional juried shows, and the DCC National Photo Contest in India. She has earned her EPSA and AFIAP distinctions and received a Five Membership Stars plaque from PSA for referring over 100 members. She was honored with her fourth PSA Bronze Editorial Star at the PSA Photo Gathering in Jaisalmer. The PSA Fallon Membership Award plaque was presented to her in 2023.
Lisa has served on the boards of two art organizations, promoting photography as a fine art medium. Her photographs have been exhibited in numerous juried shows, including the recent PSA International Print Gallery Show in Kolkata, India and in Bali, Indonesia. She has also been highlighted in several publications.
Born and raised in Colorado, Lisa worked as a sales consultant until her retirement in 2021. Her passions include traveling with her husband J.R., and meeting and sharing photography with new friends around the globe.
Lori Fisher
Director of the Bellefonte Museum in Bellefonte PA.
Lori Fisher, artist, and life-long central Pennsylvania resident, driven by a passion for art and love for community, joined the Bellefonte Art Museum in 2010 as a volunteer. Having fully immersed herself in the museum’s mission, Lori was added to the staff in 2013 as the Gallery Manager, promoted to Deputy Director in 2019 and to Director in 2023 where she currently curates several galleries and manages the daily museum operations. She has assisted in cultivating a thriving art community and played a part in creating a destination for artists near and far. In addition, Lori currently curates a satellite gallery in the Bellefonte Courthouse Annex and rotates exhibits of local art on a quarterly basis.
Lori is a 2018 graduate of Leadership Centre County and served as an LCC Arts Day Committee member from 2019-2022. She served as judge for the 2022 State College Photography Club year-end awards, was a Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Program Stream Grant panelist for 2019 and 2022, and currently serves on the boards of two local non-profit arts organizations in Central Pennsylvania.
Lori’s most recent adventure is the conception of Pint-Sized Posies, LLC, a self-serve mobile flower cart offering pint-sized posies and accessories. This new adventure combines Lori’s passion for flowers, art, and her community.
Danny Volk
Assistant Curator of the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg, PA will be the juror for this year’s exhibition. Previously he was the Terra Foundation for American Art Curatorial Fellow at The Westmoreland where he organized Breaking Ground: Landscape and Labor in Southwestern Pennsylvania in 2023.
Previous curatorial projects include Made-Up with Danny Volk at Screen Share at the University of Chicago, The Baby Gap, at Outhaus (Urbana, IL), Submissive Exhibitions at The SUB-MISSION (Chicago), and The News Gallery at SPACES (Cleveland).
He has received grants from the Knight Art Challenge Grant through the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Akron Community Foundation Grant, DCASE (City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events) Individual Artist Program Creative Project Grant, Propeller Fund Grant, and the Mary E. Hofstetter Legacy Scholarship for Excellence in the Visual Arts from the Banff Centre in Alberta, Canada, and he completed an MFA from The University of Chicago in 2014.
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