Image Competition

1. Image entries will be entered online at https://printcompetition.com
2. Image Competition is broken down into PHOTOGRAPHIC EXCELLENCE and ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE
3. Entrants may submit up to ten images to each: Photographic and Artist.
4. Entrants may submit up to three album entries in the Photographic. This is included in the maximum ten entries.
5. All entries must be titled when entered into printcompetition.com, but the title shall not appear anywhere on the face of the entry, except in the case of albums which may include a title page.
6. Images entered in local, national competitions such as PPA MIR, PPA IPC, or other competitions are allowed whether they merited or not.
7. Entrants do not need to be FPP members to enter competition. Non-members will not be eligible for member awards or competition merits. They will be eligible for the non-member award.
8. No entry will be eligible that has been made under supervision of an instructor or as a class assignment. Any images created in an educational, unless the maker was the instructor
9. The entrants’ name shall not appear anywhere on the face of the entry. Any images displaying the maker’s name, logo or any other identifying marks will be disqualified.
10. If an entry, in the good-faith opinion of the Competition Manager, violates copyright, trademark or any other applicable law, that entry shall be disqualified. Images deemed inappropriate for public display will be judged but will not be included in any public use of the competition images.
11. The entrant must have obtained and have access to all necessary releases (model or property) and agrees to hold FPP harmless against all claims and liabilities arising out of FPP’s display, publication, promotion, or other use of each image submitted to FPP.

Image Files:
Image dimensions must be sized equal to 4,000 pixels on the longest side including presentation mats. Each image file must contain an embedded color profile of either sRGB or AdobeRGB1998 and be saved at a JPEG quality setting of 10.  Total file size should not exceed 7.32 MB. It is NOT the responsibility of the Competition Manager to make sure your submissions comply with the requirements.

Album Files:
Album entries must be “zipped” files with all pages (including any cover or title image) contained in the one file for online submission.  Each page or spread in the design must be sized equal to 4,000 pixels on the longest side.

File Naming – Images
There are no file naming rules for uploading images.  The PrintCompetition.com system automatically renames files according to standardized rules (i.e. adding the category designations, etc.)

File Naming – Albums
Albums are submitted as one single zipped file.  Each page of the album should be individually named according to the two-digit page number. For example, 01.jpg, 02.jpg, etc. Album images will be displayed in numeric order and cannot be altered by competition manager once submitted.  Makers must ensure images are displayed in the correct order before zipping the file.  There are no naming requirements for the zip file since the PrintCompetition.com system automatically renames the file according to the standardized rules.

Guide Images
Guide images ARE NOT to be included in any entry in the Photographic Division.
Guide images ARE required to be included in any entry in the Artistic Division for any images not made by the maker.

Degree Entries
One to ten (1-10) entries are allowed for each Degree Classification; Florida Degree of Photographic Excellence (FDPE) or Florida Degree of Artistic Excellence (FDAE).

Photographic Competition

Artificial Intelligence editing that is allowed in Photographic Open:

• Tools that remove objects from your image, such as blemishes, stray hairs, light stands, birds, etc. Tools that are used to edit or improve your image. Sharpening, healing tools, red eye, mixer brush, dodge and burn, eraser tool, etc.
• Matching colors, lighting, and contrast.
• Image upscaling

Artificial Intelligence editing that is NOT allowed in Photographic Open

• Any tool that adds items to image (with or without text prompt).
  • Generative Fill: Adding content to your original image. This includes adding elements, expanding backgrounds, or changing items such as clothing.
  • Generative background. Swapping out the existing background for a new image.
  • Content Aware scaling. Widen an image Generative fill that adds information from the image. (Content Aware tools such as fill and scale ARE permissible in Photographic Open.)

Artistic Competition

Artificial Intelligence editing for Artistic Open

• All manners of AI editing are allowed when editing an image for Artistic Competition entries.
• All imagery created with AI software must be shown on the mat of the entry. Any created skies, extra landscape, people, etc. must be shown as a guide image.

The purpose of FPP Image Competition is to allow the maker to demonstrate their photographic imaging skills and expertise in pursuit of the FPP FLORIDA DEGREE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC EXCELLENCE. Entries will be judged for digital, artistic and technical proficiency and judged against a standard of excellence using the 12 Elements of a Merit Image. Entrants do not need to be FPP members to compete in the Photographic Open Competition. Only FPP members can earn merits towards the Florida Degree of Photographic Excellence (FDPE). Non-members are eligible only for the Nonmember Award.

1. In Photographic Competition AI editing to add items to your image such as generative fill in photoshop and other programs will not be allowed. Use of AI to extend the edges of an image is not allowed. AI is not allowed to generate anything to put into your image.
2. Artificial Intelligence editing: Software like Photoshop, Luminar, Topaz, and others may be used to edit and enhance your image or remove items from your image.
3. Entrant must have captured and created the original exposure.
4. Any entry which has been reproduced from an existing photograph, graphic, or any other artwork produced by another person, is a violation of the competition rules and will not be judged, accepted, or exhibited. The maker must have personally created all photographic elements in their entry.
5. A maximum of ten entries may be submitted per entrant, including a maximum of three entries for Albums.
6. All entries must be titled when entered into printsubmission.com and not appear anywhere on the face of the entry.
7. No single image from an album entered into competition may be entered in any other category in the current judging.
8. Any image that has received a Merit, in any category of FPP Image Competition at any time by any entrant, MAY NOT be entered again under any circumstance. This includes artist and album.
9. Images entered in local, national competitions such as PPA MIR, PPA IPC, or other competitions are allowed whether they merited or not.
10. Changes to submitted entries may be made up until the final entry deadline.
11. No changes to your entry are permitted once the final entry deadline has passed.
12. Image entries will be entered online at https://printcompetition.com
13. No refunds will be issued after the entry fee is paid.

Albums may be entered in either the Event or Non-Event category.  Event albums are for time sensitive social events such as weddings, bar mitzvahs, etc.  Non-Event Albums are for portrait and story-telling albums.

Rules for Single Maker album entries:

1. Maker must have captured and created the original exposures.
2. Each page / Spread must be sized equal to 4,000 pixels on the longest
3. Maker MUST submit an entry and pay the appropriate entry fee.
4. Each album must have a minimum of 12 images
5. There is a limit of three (3) albums per maker.
6. The entrant’s name shall not appear anywhere in or on the face of the entry.
7. Any image that has received a Merit, in any category of FPP Image Competition at any time by any entrant, MAY NOT be entered again under any circumstance, including as an image in an album.

Rules for Single Maker album entries:

1. Makers must have captured and created the original exposures.
2. Each page / Spread must be sized equal to 4,000 pixels on the longest
3. All makers of a multi-maker album MUST submit an equal entry and pay the appropriate entry fee. The multi-maker album must be an entry for BOTH makers.
4. Multi-maker albums will be judged as one entry. with the same score applying to both makers.
5. Each album must have a minimum of 12 images per maker.
6. There is a limit of three (3) albums per maker.
7. The entrant’s name shall not appear anywhere in or on the face of the entry.
8. No single image from an album entered into FPP Competition may be entered in any other category.
9. Image entries will be entered online at https://printcompetition.com

PORTRAITS

• P-1 Portrait of a Man: Man at least 16 years old.
• P-2 Portrait of a Woman: Woman at least 16 years old.
• P-3 Portrait of a Child: Male or female under the age of 16.
• P-4 Portrait of a Group: Portrait must be two or more people. May include children.
• P-5 Environmental Portrait: Subject(s) on location where the environment is significant to the image.
• P-6 Portrait of a Pet: Portrait of a pet(s) or animals in a controlled environment. This does not include zoo animals.
• P-7 Portrait of a zoo animal. This includes all wild animals in a controlled environment.
• P-8 Figure Study: Figure study portraits must be of a tasteful artistic nude subject. The subject must be age 18+.

ILLUSTRATIVE

• I-1 Abstract: Abstract subject matter.
• I-2 Landscape: Scenic image of landscape, seascape, cityscape – with or without people.
• I-3 Wild Animals: Images of animals in an uncontrolled lighting environment. Subjects include wild animals, birds, reptiles and insects. Pets and zoo animals are specifically excluded from this category.
• I-4 Open: Entry of subject matter that does not clearly fit into any other category.

COMMERCIAL

• C-1 Advertising Illustration: Image created to advertise a product or service. A tear sheet is required.
• C-2 Architectural: Interior or exterior image of a structure.
• C-3 Industrial: Image created in an industrial environment.
• C-4 Photojournalism: Storytelling, editorial image produced in a non-studio environment for use in commercial media. Image editing is limited to cropping and light minor alterations brightness/darkness, colorizing such as changing to black and white, and dodge and burn.

Note: A tear sheet included with any image (without anything identifying the maker) should be uploaded through Printcompetition.com before the final entry deadline. All entries in the Commercial category MAY include a tear sheet, but it is only required for the Advertising Illustration entries.

SOCIAL EVENT

All entries in the social event category must have been photographed on the actual event day.  Images from styled shoots, engagement sessions, formal bridal portraits, etc that are not captured on the event day should be entered in the appropriate Portrait category.

• F-1 Social Event Formal Portraiture: Image of one or more individuals associated with a social event captured under direct direction of the photographer.
• F-2 Social Event Open: Any other social event images including candid images, details, ceremony, and reception images.

ALBUMS (Limit of three per maker)

• A-1 Event Album (Single-Maker): Album depicting a single social event. A minimum of 12 images in the album and all the images must have been captured on the event day.
• A-2 Event Album (Multi-Maker): Album depicting a single social event. Each maker must have at least 12 images in the album and all the images must have been captured on the event day.
• A-3 Non-Event Album (Single-Maker): Album depicting any subject. A Minimum of 12 Images in the album.
• A-4 Non-Event Album (Multi-Maker): Album depicting any subject. Each maker must have at least 12 images in the album.

The purpose of FPP Image Competition is to allow the maker to demonstrate their photographic imaging skills and expertise in pursuit of the FPP FLORIDA DEGREE OF ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE. Entries will be judged for digital, artistic and technical proficiency and judged against the 12 Elements of a Merit Image. Entries must have been sourced, composited, manipulated and/or produced by digital means. Only FPP members are eligible to achieve FPP Competition Merits toward the FDAE Degree.

1. In Artistic Competition, AI editing is allowed. This includes using software programs for compositing new items into the image, extending backgrounds, blending images, and more. Any item that is added to an image that was not an image made by the entrant, or any AI created item must be shown on the mat of the image.
2. All digital manipulation must have been performed by the maker.
3. Any entry which has been reproduced from an existing photograph, portrait, graphic or any other artwork produced by another person must be prepared to provide written permission from that maker to the Competition Manager before 8:00 am EST on June 13th, 2026.
4. If an entry, in the good faith opinion of the FPP Competition Manager, violates copyright, trademark or any other applicable law, that entry shall be disqualified. This rule does not apply to entries in the Restoration category.
5. The entrant has obtained and has access to all necessary releases (model or property) and agrees to hold FPP harmless against all claims and liabilities arising out of FPP’s display, publication, promotion, or other use of each image submitted to FPP.
6. A maximum of ten (10) artistic entries may be submitted per entrant.
7. No entry will be eligible that has been made under the supervision of an instructor or as a class assignment. Any images created in an educational are ineligible, unless entered by the instructor.
8. Images of the same subject in different entries will be allowed as long as the images are substantially different. (including background, attire, content, etc)
9. All entries must be titled and not appear anywhere on the face of the entry.
10. The entrant’s name shall not appear anywhere in or on the face of the entry.
11. Any image that has received a Merit, in any category of FPP Image Competition at any time by any entrant, MAY NOT be entered again under any circumstance. This also includes any image in a merited album.
12. Images entered in local, national competitions such as PPA MIR, PPA IPC, or other competitions are allowed whether they merited or not.
13. No changes to your entry are permitted once the entry deadline has passed.
14. No refunds will be issued after the entry fee is paid.
15. Entrants do not need to be FPP members to compete in the Artist Image Competition. Only FPP members can earn merits towards the Florida Degree of Artistic Excellence (FDAE). Non-members are eligible only for the Non-member Award.

1. All entries MUST include guide images. Guide images shall be placed on the mat on the entry. It should be noted that judges are limited to the information available to them on the entry. Guide images should clearly demonstrate the artist’s talent in producing the final image. Guide images must be displayed adjacent to the finished image in the submitted digital file.
2. There are no file naming rules for uploading images. The PrintCompetition.com system automatically renames files according to standardized rules (i.e. adding the category designations, etc.)

DIGITAL RESTORATION

• EA-1 Digital Restoration Authentic: Entry in this category must demonstrate the ability of the artist to provide historically accurate digital restoration services. Entry will be judged on the restoration, not the original image. The original image must be placed on the mat.
• EA-2 Digital Restoration Artistic: Entry in this category must demonstrate the ability of the artist to provide artistic digital restoration services. AI services may be used to restore the image. The image does not have to look exactly as it was originally. Any AI elements added to the image must be included on the mat along with the original restoration image.

DIGITAL ART

• EA-3 Digital Art: Entry in this category should be an artistic image created using any method a maker desires, normally Photoshop, Painter, etc. AI components may NOT be added to the entry. All elements used in creating this entry must be represented in the guide images.
• EA-4 Digital AI Art: Entry in this category should be an artistic image created using any method a maker desires, normally Photoshop, Painter, etc. AI components MAY be added to the entry. All elements used in creating this entry must be represented in the guide images.

The scoring ranges are as shown below.

Scoring:
100 – 95 Exceptional
94 – 90 Superior
89 – 85 Excellent
84 – 80 Very Good
79 – 75 Above Average
74 – 70 Average
69 – 0 Unacceptable

IMPACT: Compelling images evoke emotion—laughter, sadness, anger, pride.

TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE: The quality of the actual image as presented for viewing. Aspects such as retouching, sharpness, printing, color, and exposure should be spot on.

CREATIVITY: The image is original, fresh, and an external expression of the maker’s imagination.

STYLE: The subject matter meshes with the presentation. Style can also include the characteristic ways that an artist applies his or her specific lighting, posing, or compositional style to underscore the desired impact.

COMPOSITION: The visual elements of an image come together to express intent, whether that’s to please the viewer or otherwise. The viewer’s attention is captured and directed where the artist plans it to be.

PRESENTATION: The way an image is showcased gives it a finished look. Everything in the presentation—mats, borders, color choices—should work to enhance the image. 

COLOR BALANCE: Color work together to evoke feelings in the viewer. For example, it can bring harmony to an image and enhance emotional appeal. It can also be incongruous to arouse diverse feelings.

CENTER OF INTEREST: This is where an image’s creator wants a viewer’s attention focused. There may be primary and secondary centers of interest. Sometimes all the elements in an image work together to create the center of interest.

LIGHTING: The image demonstrates excellence in the use and control of light, whether natural or additive. Light informs dimensions and shape, sets tone and mood, and enhances the image.

SUBJECT MATTER: The subject matter is central to the story being told, so the subject should sync with the story.

TECHNIQUE: The approaches used to create the image—lighting, posting, capture, presentation—work together to be effective.

STORY TELLING: The image evokes the viewer’s imagination. While the act of creating is a personal thing, so too is the act of viewing. Each image is a story, and the one it tells a viewer may be unique to that person.

Robert Becker Award for Creative Photography:
This award will be presented to the maker whose image is judged to be the most creative single image in the overall photographic competition category. A minimum score of 85 is required to be considered for this prestigious award.

Sandra Pearce Award for Creative Artistry:
This award will be presented to the maker whose image is judged to be the most creative single image in the overall artistic competition category. A minimum score of 85 is required to be considered for this prestigious award.

Susan and Stewart Powers Award:
The “Best-of-the-Best” album will be awarded the “Susan and Stewart Powers Award“ as determined by the judges. A minimum score of 85 is required to be considered for this prestigious award. Both Single-Maker and Multi-Maker albums will be considered.

Photographer of the Year, Artist of the Year and Florida Top Ten Photographers:
To be eligible, makers must submit at least six images into FPP Image Competition.  For Photographer of the Year, and Top Ten Photographers, it must be six entries in Photographic Open.  For Artist of the Year, it must be six entries in Artistic Open.  Makers may enter up to ten entries in PO and ten in AO, but only the top six entries will be considered for these awards.

Emerging Artist Award:
This award recognizes new and upcoming talent within FPP.  To be eligible, it must be the maker’s first year competing in the FPP Image Competition and must not already be a Master Photographer or Master Artist.  The maker must enter at least three images.  The maker may enter up to ten images in Photographic Competition or Artistic Competition, but only the top scoring three images from their case will be considered.

Non-Member Award:
This award recognizes the highest scoring non-maker image. The maker may enter up to ten images in Photographic Open, or Artistic Open.