Monochrome images are permitted in this Section provided they are not eligible for entry into the Pictorial Arranged Monochrome Section. However, in the event of any doubt whether an image belongs in the Individual or the corresponding Arranged category, judges are instructed to give the benefit of the doubt to the maker of the image, and only to DQ the image if they believe beyond a reasonable doubt that the image does not belong in the entered category. If an image is DQed in one category, the Competition Chair will make sure that it is not subsequently DQed in the other category for the same reason.

An image is considered to be Monochrome only if it gives the impression of having no color (i.e., of containing 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 color across the entire image. NOTE: Any border of a toned image must have the same tone as the rest of the image!

A greyscale or multi-colored image that gives the impression of having been modified by partial toning, multi toning, or by the inclusion of spot coloring does not meet the definition of Monochrome.

In any toned images entered into Pictorial Monochrome or Pictorial Arranged Monochrome, any borders must be toned the same as the body of the image.

Pictorial Monochrome images are judged both for their technical and pictorial merit. The image must be properly exposed, be in focus, and have appropriate depth of field. A Pictorial Monochrome image should have strong composition; pleasing quality; and texture, pattern, and/or tone impact. The content is unrestricted.