An image is considered to be Monochrome only if it gives the impression of having no colour (le. contains only shades of grey which can include pure black and pure white) OR it gives the impression of being a greyscale image that has been toned in one colour across the entire image. (For example by Sepia, red,
gold, etc.)

The subject matter is unrestricted for PID images in separate colour and monochrome section. There may be a theme specified for some PID Salons and the exhibition's definition of the theme should be consulted. Use of Computer generated graphics is totally restricted except in Creative thematic section.
All element of the image must have been shot by the author. No part of the image should have been taken from Net or other person's image. Use of some filters available on net is permissible. Same images either colour or mono in two different section of the same Salon will result in disqualification for both the images.

Nature Photography is restricted to the use of the photographic process to depict 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 its honest presentation. (Suggested*: An example will be helpful to the New Jury). The story telling value of a photograph must be weighed more than the pictorial quality while maintaining high technical quality.
1. Human elements must not be present, except where those human elements are integral parts of the nature story such as nature subjects, like barn owls or storks, adapted to an environment modified by humans, or where those human elements are in situations depicting natural forces, like hurricanes or tidal waves.
2. Scientific bands, scientific tags or radio collars on wild animals are permissible.
3. Photographs of human created hybrid plants, cultivated plants, feral animals, domestic
animals, or mounted specimens are ineligible.
4. Techniques that add, relocate, replace or remove any element of the original image, except by cropping, are not permitted. Conversion to infrared, either by digital technique or by original technique is not allowed. Stitching of two or more image is not permitted.
5. Complete conversion to grey scale Monochrome is allowed but without partial or complete toning.
6. It is perfectly legal to remove dust, flares or digital noise. Minor global colour / tone correction is OK as long as it is not selective and the final image looks natural but not dramatic. Dodge and Burn tool is for you only but use it judiciously. Selective darkening of background is prohibited. Techniques like panning, slow shutter speed or in-exposure zooming are part of your creativity. Use of filters like Polarizers and NDs are ok.
7. Drone Photography in the National Parks of India is illegal except with prior written permission from the concerned authorities. Drone images of Wild animals will be disqualified.
8. Welfare of the subject is extremely important. Use of live bait is totally prohibited. Relocated nest is a big NO NO and jury members should not award Nest images. Images entered in Nature section meeting the Nature Photography Definition above can have landscapes, geologic formations, weather phenomena, and extant organisms as the primary subject matter. This includes images taken with subjects in controlled conditions, such as zoos, game farms, botanical gardens, aquariums and any enclosure where the subjects are totally dependent on man for food.

This theme focuses on capturing the likeness, personality, and emotions of individuals or groups of People. The primary objective of people photography is to portray the subjects in a visually appealing and authentic manner, often emphasizing their facial expressions, body language, and overall demeanor. It can encompass a wide range of styles and approaches, including formal studio portraits, candid shots, environmental portraits (where subjects are photographed in their natural surroundings), lifestyle portraits (capturing people in everyday activities, like people at work, rest, entertainment, social events, festivals, etc. The photographer aims to convey the subject's character, mood, and narrative through careful composition, lighting, and posing. It involves a strong connection between the photographer and the subjects, as the photographer strives to elicit genuine expressions and emotions, creating images that tell a story or evoke an emotional response from viewers.