Nature photography is restricted to the use of the photographic process to depict observations from all branches of natural history, except anthropology and archaeology, in such a fashion that a well-informed person will be able to identify the subject material and certify as to its honest presentation.
The story-telling value of a photograph must be weighed more than the pictorial quality while maintaining high technical quality.
Human elements shall not be present, except where those human elements enhance the nature story. The presence of scientific bands, scientific tags, or radio collars on wild animals is permissible.
No techniques that add to, relocate, replace, or remove pictorial elements except by cropping are permitted.
Not eligible: Photographs of artificially produced hybrid plants or animals, mounted specimens, obviously set arrangements, or any manipulation that alters the truth of the photographic statement.
Allowed: Techniques that enhance the presentation of the photograph without changing the nature story or pictorial content are permitted. All adjustments must appear natural. Color images may be converted to grayscale monochrome.
Not allowed: Infrared images are not allowed.