Photographic Evaluation Guidelines & Rules
PPSA Bi-Annual Digital Photographic Evaluation
Official Guidelines & Rules
The Professional Photographers of San Antonio (PPSA) invites all members and non-members to participate in our bi-annual digital photographic competition. This event provides valuable feedback, local recognition, and preparation for larger PPA competitions.
All entries must be submitted via PrintCompetition.com.
General Overview
- Judging Standard: 12 Elements of a Merit Image
- Scoring: Traditional 65–100 scale (unlike PPA IPC's merit/no merit)
- Purpose: Strengthen your work before entering State, MIR and IPC competitions.
Registration Deadlines & Fees
PPSA Members:
- 4 entries free
- $10 per additional entry (up to 8 total)
Non-Members:
- $10 per entry (up to 8 total)
Important:
- Entries must be paid in full before eligibility.
- Submission Deadline: May 11th at 11:00 PM
- No late entries accepted!
How to Enter
-
Create or log in at PrintCompetition.com.
-
Select the PPSA competition (look for the PPSA logo).
-
Upload images, assign titles, select categories.
-
Pay any applicable fees.
Image Categories
- Portrait: Individuals, groups, animals.
- Scenic: Nature or landscape images without dominant human subjects.
- Illustrative: Photographic art, architecture, commercial, photojournalism.
- Wedding: Images from weddings or bridal sessions.
- Digital Artist: Composites, paintings, and manipulated artworks (with guide images).
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Album: A cohesive story or theme; original captures only
Image Entry Requirements
- Digital files only.
- Entrant must have captured/created original work unless entering Digital Artist.
- No names, watermarks, or logos.
- Required model/property releases.
- No classroom assignments or previously merited images (80+ at State/IPC).
- File specs:
- 4,000px longest side
- sRGB or AdobeRGB profile
- JPEG quality 10
- Recommended 13:20 ratio (2600x4000px)
- Max size 3.5MB
- Landscape orientation for judging.
Album Entry Requirements
- Digital albums only.
- Entrant must capture and process original content.
- No identifying marks.
- Spreads/pages:
- 4,000px longest dimension
- JPEG quality 10
- Minimum 5, maximum 36 pages
- Sequential file naming (01.jpg, 02.jpg, etc.)
- Compress into one ZIP file with underscores (e.g., wedding_day_album.zip)
Artificial Intelligence Image Entry Requirements
-
Category Overview
-
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) category is intended for images that incorporate AI-generated elements in combination with original photographic work created by the maker. This category recognizes AI as a creative tool while maintaining photographic authorship and transparency.
- Eligibility Requirements
- • An original photographic image captured by the entrant must be used as part of the final submitted image
- • Images created entirely from text prompts or AI generation without original photographic capture are not eligible
- • The entrant must be the creator of the original photographic source material
- Use of AI Tools
- • AI tools may be used to generate, enhance, or modify image elements when blended with the maker’s original photography
- • AI may be used for creative expansion beyond traditional retouching, including backgrounds, textures, environments, or conceptual elements
- • AI use must be intentional and integral to the final image
- Disclosure & Documentation
- • All AI usage must be disclosed at the time of entry
- • A guide image or reference image showing the original photographic capture must be submitted
- • Judges may request additional proof of photographic authorship, including original RAW files
- Judging Criteria
- Images will be judged using the 12 Elements of a Merit Image, with consideration given to:
- • Strength of the original photographic elements
- • Creative and effective integration of AI-generated components
- • Technical execution and artistic impact
- • Overall storytelling and visual cohesion
- Technical Specifications
- All files must meet the same digital specifications as other image categories, including size, resolution, file format, and color space requirements.
- Important Clarification
- AI-generated images entered into this category must not be submitted in other photographic categories. Images using AI beyond basic retouching or cleanup should be entered exclusively in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) category.Awards
PPSA Member Awards:
- Awards will be given based upon print scores
Disclaimers
- Judged to PPA standards, but PPA merits are not awarded.
- PPSA may re-categorize, correct, or disqualify entries.
- Disqualified entries may be judged but are not eligible for awards.
Questions?
Contact: Trey Homan
✉️ Email: Trey@ehoman.com
Submit by May 11th at 11:00 PM!
NO LATE ENTRIES ACCEPTED!