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

My heroes – production floor workers
As a former industrialist for many years, I am curious to re-examine the production floor and the workers within the industry. Not as a manager or as an employer, but, as an observer looking through the lens of a camera at a group that is often ignored…the worker who dirties their hands. To provide a different perspective, an objective perspective without biased and prejudice.
Recently, I toured a number of traditional industrial plants that specialized in metal work.
Right before my eyes were the workers in this field, those who do the work, those who carry out the production plans and those who must meet deadlines with the quality and efficiency to be successful.
Despite the harsh conditions, like warriors on the battlefield, like automated machines without fear and with great bravery, they attack their mission for perfect execution. Moving between the hot sparks and the smoldering smoke, surrounded by the terrible heat and noise, enveloped in the toxic particles that float in the air – they do not shy away from the horror or risk of what may happen to them.
I have seen dedicated workers clinging to their missions, fighting for their livelihoods, in a non-stop routine, day in, day out, hour after hour, shift after shift with only a mask separating them from the dangers and threats hanging in the air… dust, dirt, fire and plumes of smoke always surrounding them.
I was impressed and very honored to observe the determination and dedication of these men and women to their jobs.

I watched these workers commit themselves to their jobs , in a light of glory, with admiration, respect and appreciation – as befits heroes.