Eligibility & Rules

A Digital Photo Story presents a series of images (maximum of 20), with optional text to communicate or tell a single story. No special effects are allowed. The script shall indicate the image number to which each sentence is tied and shall be mailed with the CD.
A Multi-Media Photo Story may include music and/or narration and any number of images, but may not be longer than five (5) minutes. The maker's name must not appear within, but should be labeled on the submitted disc. (All music must be royalty free. Log in and see Royalty Free Music in Members Only area for suggested sources. Essays that do not follow the music guidelines found on this page are not eligible for this contest. ) It is judged primarily for story line as well as presentation, enhanced by layout, the size and prominence of key images, the juxtaposition of close-ups and long shots and of verticals and horizontals, the use of space, and the overall composition.
A Print Photo Story may include a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of eight (8) individual prints, mounted on a board no larger that 16×20 inches. Captions and text, not to exceed 200 words, may be provided to enhance the story line and need not necessarily be tied to an individual image. It is judged on the overall impact of the total presentation
A Photo Book shows a series of images, with text interspersed. Maximum of 25 pages. It is judged on the story line and overall impact of the total presentation.
The name and contact information of the entrant must be submitted with the entry but may not appear on the judged part of the entry. Entries must be mailed in time to reach the director before the deadline of Sept 1, 2018.
Each entrant may enter up to two (2) stories in each of the four (4) sections. No photo story may be entered that has won an award in a previous PJ Photo Story Competition. A photo story may not be entered more than twice in the same format. A specific essay or travelette may be submitted to only one PSA division each year. The same essay or travelette may be submitted to another division's essay competition in another year.
All electronic entries (CD, DVD or flash drive) shall require no special software to be viewed.

Awards

A gold medal is presented to the best Photo Story and a silver medal is awarded in each section, one for the runner-up in the section from which the gold came and silver medals for the best entry in each of the other sections. HM ribbons are presented based on the number of entries and the discretion of the judges.
All Award winning stories will receive four acceptance credits and two title credits for stars 1-5, including Honorable Mentions in Photojournalism.
Acceptance credits and title credits can be used towards Photojournalism Galaxy levels 1-10 as one title accepted three times, subject to galaxy rules.
Acceptance and title credits are not eligible for Diamond Levels in Photojournalism.
PSA Who's Who credit is not earned with acceptances from the Photo Story Competition

A film about honey hunters, created a fantasy for photography in my mind.
As a photographer, I wanted to feel the flutter of wings and the hum of bees.
At the foot of the Himalayas in Nepal lies the picturesque village of LANDRUK.
Above it rises the Annapurna range. In this village live the honey hunters from the Gurung tribe. The village women are responsible for the daily housework.
4000 rocky steps lead from the village to one of the cliffs where the honeycombs were found. Before the honey removal operation, the Gurungs make preparations.
The bamboo bark should be peeled into strips, and ropes should be woven to secure those going down the cliff. Sharpening the ends of the bamboo rods used to cut the honeycombs. A shaman from the team appeals to the spirits of nature to get their permission to go down the dangerous cliff. After receiving the approval of the spirits, each team member receives a red tikka dot for blessing and success in the mission. Two heavy ladders, made of bamboo fibers are brought to the hunter's area. one of them is for me….
Wetting the ladders with water is intended to strengthen the dry bamboo fibers.
The ladders, which are about 30 meters long, are tied to the trunk of a tree, and spread out towards the abyss. About 200 meters above the river hangs the main hunter, and I am next to him. The smoke is intended to calm the venomous bees.
Like an acrobat, with his bare hands, while the bees attack, the hunter directs the pointed rods and the basket to the target. and cuts the honeycomb that lands precisely in the basket. The bees do not give up, while attacking the intruders, they stick to the golden liquid. The large honeycombs are tied with a rope and pulled to the top of the cliff.
Finally, the spoils are divided.
Despite the bites I got and the challenge in climbing, the main thing was, to complete my fantasy as a photographer.