Rules

PSA NO: 2025-2083

LUMINAR 2025

 

CONTACT

Chair:                                      Subhasis Sarkar, EFIAP (India)

Email:                                     titanexhibition@gmail.com

Location of Entry Form:       https://luminar.fotokontest.com Click on “LOGIN”

Website:                                https://luminar.fotokontest.com

 

SECTIONS

Five Sections and One Salon – All Digital

OPEN COLOUR                                 (color only)                                        PIDC

OPEN MONOCHROME                     (monochrome only)                         PIDM

NATURE GENERAL                            (color or grayscale monochrome)   ND

PHOTO TRAVEL GENERAL               (color or grayscale monochrome)   PTD

PHOTOJOURNALISM GENERAL      (color or monochrome)                   PJD

 

FEES

US $ 11 for any one section,

US $ 15 for all sections

Payment via PayPal to titanexhibition@gmail.com or by NEFT/IMPS (equivalent of USD)

 

For Indian Entrants Only

Bank Account

Account Number:   50100402758428

IFSC Code:               HDFC0001988

Bank                         HDFC

Account Holder:      Subhasis Sarkar

 

Discounts are not allowed.

 

Submitted works of the authors who did not pay entry fee before the closing date will not be taken into consideration.

CALENDAR

Closing Date:                                                   October 18, 2025

All Judging Completed By:                             November 15, 2025

Score Reports Sent By:                                   November 22, 2025   

Awards Mailed By:                                          January 14, 2026

On-Line Gallery Posted By:                             December 06, 2025

Catalogs Posted By:                                        January 14, 2026

Status Page and Website Available to:         November 15, 2026

 

JUDGES

Scoring All sections

Abhijit Sarkar, EPSA, EFIAP (India)

Avik Sett, MPSA, EFIAP (India)

Soham Sarkar, EPSA, EFIAP/b, (India)

 

PSA Rules for the Judging Process •

• The exhibition will be conducted in accordance with the rules of the PSA. 
• An entrant’s images will not be presented to the judges consecutively.
• An entrant’s four images will be distributed throughout four rounds of judging in that section.
• Distribution of images will be in the same round order as submitted by the entrant.
• At no stage will a judge be able to view all the entrant’s images together

 

AWARDS

For each section

1 PSA Gold Medal

2 Salon Gold Medals

6 Jury Choice

3 Salon Diploma

 

PSA Medals and Salon Gold medals shall be dispatched by India post. Other awards are online and can be downloaded by the authors from the date of result notification from the exhibition website.

 

NOTIFICATION

- Each participant will receive via email with the results of his/her submitted photos.

- Report card, acceptance certificates & award certificates can be downloaded by logging in participant’s account in the website. Results will be available on website https://titan.fotokontest.com and will be mailed as well.

 

CATALOG

PDF downloadable from web site by participants. https://titan.fotokontest.com

 

DIGITAL ENTRY SUBMISSION

Entrants must fill out an Online Entry Form on the official website and submit entries online:

https://luminar.fotokontest.com

• Photos must be in JPEG format, dimensions no more than 1920 pixels horizontal width by no more than 1080 pixels vertical height at 300 dpi, JPEG compression value 7-12. Maximum file size is 2 Mb. Please note, portrait images must be no more than 1080 pixels vertically.
• Exhibitions are not allowed to resize oversized images. In such cases the entrant is required to resubmit their entry with properly sized images.

ACCEPTANCES AND AWARDS

Judging Method

• The judging will be done by remote online judging.  The judges will be using color-calibrated monitors.  Images will be displayed at exactly 100% of their resolution. That is - the images will not be enlarged beyond their native resolution
• An award session will be held on-line by the judges viewing the images together.

 

Target Acceptance Range

• The acceptance target range will be no more than 30% in each section.
• No image may receive more than one individual award in a section, but in circuits an image may receive an award in different salon sections. Only one award can be given to an entrant in any one section.
• For sections with more than 230 images, no more than 10% of the acceptances can receive medals/awards.

 

EXHIBITION REQUIREMENTS

Image and Entry Requirements: This exhibition is open to anyone; however, an entry maybe rejected when the exhibition chair believes the entry does not conform to exhibition rules and these ES-COE. Membership in any photographic organization is not required.

 

Neither awards nor acceptances will be granted to any entrant who is on the PSA Penalties List for Ethics Violation. Entry fees are not refundable in these circumstances.

 

PSA Star Ratings: To receive proper star ratings credit from PSA, entrants must provide their names and country exactly the same way in each exhibition. Aliases are not permitted. Please contact PSA in the event of a name change or relocation to another country. Using one’s name differently in different exhibitions exposes the entrant to the risk that many of their acceptances may not be recognized in PSA Star records.

 

Reproduction: The entrant permits the sponsors to reproduce all or part of the entered material free of charge for publication and/or display in media related to the exhibition. This may include low resolution posting on a website. PSA may request specific permission from entrants to reproduce entered images in its educational materials. The terms of that permission will be mutually agreed upon between the entrant and PSA except in the circumstances where the entered image is found to breach the PSA Ethics Policy. In those circumstances, the image may be reproduced by PSA without the entrant’s further permission, for educational purposes, or to illustrate serious exhibition rule violations. For those reproductions, the entrant’s name will be withheld.

Entries will not be accepted from entrants who indicate that their images may not be reproduced in materials related to the exhibition. The exhibition assumes no liability of any misuse of copyright.

 

Re-use of accepted images: Any image that has been accepted in this exhibition, past or present, may not be entered again in the same division star ratings class in any future instances of this exhibition. It may, of course, be entered in any other PSA recognized exhibitions but must always have the same title. Re-titling in another language is not allowed.

 

Entry: An entry consists of up to and including four (4) images entered by a single entrant into the same section. The same image can receive no more than a total of twenty (20) acceptances (per star path). Identical or similar Images shall not be allowed in the same section or different sections of the same exhibition as determined by the judges or exhibition chair. Similar images are those which are practically equivalent, as defined on this page: https://psa-services.org/pdf/Practical-Equivalence.pdf  When a group of similar images is uploaded by the entrant, all similar images in all sections will be disqualified. Be advised: while similar images may be entered in different exhibitions, these images and acceptances may be disallowed by the separate review process associated with applications for stars, diamonds and galaxies. To avoid disappointment, do not enter images that are practically equivalent.

 

Titles: Each image must have a unique title that relates to the content of the image. That unique title must be used for entry of that image into any and all PSA-recognized exhibitions. Titles must be 35 characters or fewer. No titles may be visible to the judges, and nothing in the image may identify the entrant. Titles may not include file extensions such as .jpg or .jpeg (or any other camera capture file names such as IMG_xxxx). Titles may not consist of personal identifiers possibly augmented by a number; and may not include words such as “untitled” or “no title.” Titles may not consist solely of numbers unless those numbers are prominently contained within the image, such as a contestant number in a race.  When entering titles, exhibitors may use Latin1 or Latin2 character sets (ISO-8859-1 or ISO-8859-2) which allow diacritical marks (e?, n?, u?, a?, e?, s?, etc). While text written in non-Latin writing systems (Hanzi, Cyrillic, Arabic, Devanagari, etc) might be accepted by exhibition software, this practice is discouraged because it may yield unpredictable results in galleries, catalogs and may be rejected in Star applications.

 

Color and Monochrome: Color and monochrome images from the same capture that share substantial pictorial content in common will be considered the same image and must be given the same title.

 

DATA PROTECTION

By entering this exhibition, you are explicitly consenting to the personal details you have supplied, including physical addresses, email addresses, being held, processed and used by the exhibition chair for purposes associated with this exhibition. You also explicitly consent to such information being sent to organizations that have accorded official recognition, patronage or accreditation to this exhibition. You acknowledge, agree and accept that by entering this exhibition, your participation status which includes your first and last name, name of the country used during registration at the exhibition, number of sections entered and number of photos entered in those sections will be made public in a published status list and that the results of your entry shall be made public in exhibition gallery and exhibition catalog. You also agree and accept the policy regarding non-compliance to the rules of PSA.

 

SUBJECT MATTER & Definitions

Image creation and ownership

In all sections of the exhibition, images must originate as photographs made by the entrant. They may not incorporate identifiable images produced by anyone else (for example: clip art, replacement skies, or stock images). Images created in whole or in part by image creation software (frequently called ‘AI’ images) are not allowed. Editing or alteration of images is permitted within the limits specified in the relevant section definitions that are available here https://psaphotoworldwide.org/page/division-definitions  Any person submitting or attempting to submit a totally AI generated image that does not begin with a light capture from the maker to any Photographic Society of America exhibition, social media, event, or publication, other than for editorial purposes, shall be prohibited from PSA for a period of from 3 years to Life.

 

Statement on Subject Matter - applicable to all sections

The fundamental rule that must be observed at all times and applies to all sections offered in exhibitions with PSA recognition 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 and removal of birds from nests, for the purpose of obtaining a photograph, are highly unethical, and such photographs are not allowed in any exhibition with PSA recognition. Under no circumstances may a living creature be placed in a situation where it will be killed or injured 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, using drones, helicopters, or 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 animal interacts with their environment. Entrants in PSA recognized exhibitions should comply with all relevant laws and regulations associated with aerial photography in the country in which the image was taken.

Entry into PSA recognized exhibitions is conditional on accepting the above policies. The images must comply with the division and section definitions listed on the PSA website and other conditions. Images that do not comply will be disqualified by the judges.

 

PSA Color Definition

The Image category for PID color must be a color image. 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 color on a monochrome image is considered a Color Image.

 

PSA Monochrome Definition 

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.

• Monochrome images may not be entered in color sections of PPD or PID.

 

Pictorial Image Division Definition

PID includes open or general subject photography. There are no limitations on subject matter or techniques used for image capture or post processing other than the restrictions described in the PSA Statements on Artificial Intelligence, Image Creation and Authorship, and Subject Matter, which apply to all divisions. These restrictions include prohibited image elements not authored by the entrant (for example textures, replacement skies from third party software, clipart or stock images).

 

Open sections have unrestricted subject content and may include creative images. PID theme sections have specific definitions assist both the judges and entrants.
 

PSA/FIAP Nature Division

Content Guidelines

Nature photography records all branches of natural history except anthropology and archaeology. This includes all aspects of the physical world, both over water and underwater.

 

Nature images must convey the truth of the scene. 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 threatening a living organism’s life or welfare 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.
• Photographs made where the scene is natural and the animal is unharmed in a carefully managed environment, such as Zoo, rescue centers, and ethically managed natural environment farms are permitted.
• Attracting or controlling subjects through the use of food or sound for the purpose of photographing them is not allowed. Maintained situations such as provided supplemental food due to hardship caused by weather conditions or other conditions beyond the animals’ control, where photography is incidental to the feeding of the animal does not fall under this provision.
• Controlling live subjects by chilling, anesthetic, or any other method of restricting natural movement for a photograph is not allowed.
• Human-made elements shall be permitted under the following circumstances:

a) When they are an integral part of the nature story, such as a songbird singing atop a fence post a manmade object used as nest material, or a weather phenomenon destroying a man-made structure.

b) When they are a small but unavoidable part of the scene, such as an unobtrusive footprint or track in the background.

c) Scientific tags, collars, and bands are specifically allowed.

 

When photographing at a zoo, sanctuary, or rehabilitation center, it would be construed that the

photographer ensured that it’s properly accredited and conforms to best practices.

 

Attention is drawn to the PSA Statements on Artificial Intelligence and Subject Matter which apply to all 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

 

Photo Travel Division Definition

A Photo Travel image is a portrayal of the real world we live in, as it is found naturally. There are no geographic limitations.

 

Content Guidelines:

1. If the image is predominantly or exclusively a land, sea or cityscape, these “scapes” must include characteristic and distinctive physical features, although it is not necessary that the image identify the exact location.
2. Images that predominantly or exclusively depict people and their activities must illustrate a distinctive culture of a country, region, or continent.
3. Images that predominantly or exclusively depict animal populations are allowed if the animals are in their native environment and are characteristic of that country, region, or continent.
4. 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.
5. Time exposures are allowed, if they do not dominate the image as a special effect (star trails, for example, are a dominating effect).
6. Highly distorted images such as those produced by fisheye lenses are not allowed.

 

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.

 

Photojournalism Division Definition

Photojournalism Entries Are:

• images with informative content and emotional impact
• reflecting the human presence in our world
• The journalistic (story-telling) value of the image receives priority over pictorial quality
• 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

 

Editing Guidelines for PJ: Processing or editing is limited to making the image look as close to the original scene as possible, or complete conversion to monochrome.

 

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 or lens distortion
• Global and selective adjustments such as brightness, hue, saturation and contrast to restore the integrity of the original scene.
• Several images (typically 2-4), each with a small white border, combined into a single image that depicts a progression of events or related activity.

 

Editing Techniques That Are Not Allowed:

• Removing, adding, moving or changing any part of an image, except for the eligible techniques
• Blurring or darkening parts of the image during processing to obscure elements in the original scene
• Partial color or partial toning
• Unnatural color, extreme saturation or desaturation

See the PSA statement on Subject Matter, Statement on Artificial Intelligence, and Image Creation and Authorship at https://psaphotoworldwide.org/page/division-definitions

“I hereby confirm that I have read and understood and agree to the Conditions of Entry of this exhibition. I have read and understood the PSA document to be found at https://psaphotoworldwide.org/resource/resmgr/pdf/exhibitions_/exhibition-entrants-agreemen.pdf

EXHIBITION SPECIFIC RULES:

• If Raw/unedited jpeg file of submitted photos are requested by jury, respective author must submit the same within 3 days of requesting. If the author is unable to provide raw/unedited jpeg file, submitted photo may be rejected.
• The Exhibition will not be responsible for any taxes, customs or duty charged for the delivery of awards. All physical awards shall be dispatched after PSA medals are received by us.  Awards won by group members will be shipped to a single address only.
• Authors agree that their data shall be stored and used for future exhibitions by this organizer.
• Authors are requested to read circuit rules, PSA definitions and restrictions etc. before submitting entry.
• There is no scope of individual discount and such requests shall go unanswered
• After registration of an entrant and payment of entry fees thereof, we will check and verify the process all through. Then the payment status will be updated. This will take some time. Entrants are requested to wait for at least 24 hours ( after the payment ) for status update. After that period of time one can send a mail to make a query if his/her status is not updated.