Natural History or Nature
Nature Definition and Guidelines
Nature Photography depicts living untamed animals, uncultivated plants in a natural habitat, geology and the wide diversity of natural phenomena. Images of animals that are domesticated, caged or under any form of restraint, as well as cultivated plants, are ineligible. The subject must be in its natural environment. Photographs of animals and birds living freely within conservation or nature reserves are also acceptable.
Naturalised subjects are allowable, providing that they are taken under natural, not domestic conditions. Examples of naturalised subjects are deer, black swan, monarch butterfly, briar (not cultivated) roses.
Minimal evidence of human influence is acceptable for some nature subjects where they have adapted to an environment modified by humans. Some examples are welcome swallows, shags and harrier hawks. The presence of scientific bands on wild animals is acceptable.
The accurate record of the subject and the natural environment are the prime factors. All images must maintain a faithful representation of a natural form, behaviour or phenomenon as captured in the original image. No elements within the original image may be moved, cloned, introduced, deleted, rearranged or combined. No artificial, false or substitute backgrounds are to be used.
Any manipulation or modification to the original image is limited to minor retouching of blemishes and must not alter the content of the original scene. Resizing, cropping, selective lightening or darkening and restoration of the original colour of the scene are also acceptable. Digital processes such as HDR, focus stacking, panorama stitching and montage are acceptable provided that they honestly and faithfully represent the original nature story.
Images in New Zealand Nature must have been taken in the natural environment of New Zealand or its offshore and sub-antarctic islands. For all nature images, scientific or common names must be included in the titles.