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

Tiji Exorcism Festival in the Mustang Kingdom in Nepal
The dominant religion in the Mustang Kingdom is Buddhism.
In the 18th century, the kingdom ceased to be independent and was annexed to Nepal.
It lies at an altitude of 4000 meters and is surrounded by the Himalayas.
The Mustang pathway is accompanied by unique landscape formations
Buddhist prayer flags, alluding to the entrance to the city walls of Lu Mantang, the capital of the kingdom.
Many temples, prayer wheels of different sizes, are scattered between the walls, used by the believers of Mustang.
The locals are greatly influenced by the culture of Tibet, the neighbor to the north.
It is reflected in the language, clothing and lifestyle.
Once a year, before the monsoon rains, the Tiji Festival takes place.
The festival symbolizes the exorcism of the evil demon that brought drought to Mustang.
During the three days of the festival, the monks, in colorful costumes, wear masks on their faces and move in circles.
Trumpets, drums and cymbals accompany them as they try to catch the demon.
The monks who do not participate, watch what is happening from the windows of the temple.
The rest of the residents, who do not take part in the event, continue with their daily lives.
Construction, watering, milking, herding, washing, etc.
On the third day of the festival, the event steps up and becomes more aggressive.
The monks put on gruesome masks, their steps become more aggressive and the cheering of the trumpets intensifies.
Until they manage to tie up the captured demon and impale it on a sword.
The monks, the captive demon, and the whole crowd march outside the city walls towards the parched desert.
Here, ancient guns are used, armed with gunpowder, as in the old days.
Ignite the gunpowder
As a result, a powerful explosion happen,
The deafening sounds of the explosion leave no choice for the evil demon,
Just run away to the desolate desert.
Next year, the demon will secretly return to Lu Mentang, and there will be a reason to hold the Tiji Festival again.