Entrant Checklist - 2026 Competitions

This checklist is designed to help entrants to self-verify eligibility before submission. Failure on any mandatory point may result in disqualification.

This checklist supports the rules applicable to:

• • The BIPP Member’s Monthly Competition 2026
  • The BIPP’s International Print Masters 2026
  • The BIPP Student Awards 2026

Minor ammendments and clarifications may be made throughout the competition year.

Last updated: Tuesday 30th June 2026 (revision history). 

☐ The image was created with commercial intent (commissioned work OR self-initiated professional work intended for sale, licensing, exhibition, promotion, competition, or portfolio use)

☐ The image was not created casually, experimentally, or purely for personal use

☐ The image was not created during:

• • An instructor-led workshop
  • A mentored shoot
  • A portfolio day
  • A training event (paid or unpaid)

☐ The image was captured legally, with appropriate permissions, access rights, and releases where required

The image clearly fits the entered category
☐ I have read the full category definition, not just the title
☐ The subject matter does not fall under another category’s exclusions

Quick reminders:

• • Styled wedding shoots → NOT Wedding
  • Pregnant subjects → NOT Newborn
  • Captive animals → NOT Natural World
  • Heavily staged portraits → NOT Photojournalism

☐ The image is predominantly captured in-camera, unless entered in Digital Creation
☐ The scene, moment, and subject genuinely existed as shown (within category rules)
☐ No elements were fabricated to misrepresent reality (unless permitted by category)

☐ I can provide:

• • The raw/ original files
  • Additional frames from the same shoot if requested
  • Image metadata

☐ No generative AI has been used at any stage

☐ Any AI-assisted tools used:

• • Only referenced my own captured imagery
  • Did not introduce new people, objects, textures, skies, or environments

☐ Permissible examples used (if any):

• • Noise reduction
  • Sharpening
  • Content-aware fill from the same image or shoot

☐ I did not use:

• • Generative fill from external datasets
  • AI-created skies, people, objects, or backgrounds

☐ Heavy compositing is used only if entered in Digital Creation

☐ For all other categories:

• • Retouching supports the image, not rebuilds it
  • Manipulation does not alter the fundamental truth of the scene

☐ If compositing was used:

• • All source images were captured by me
  • No stock imagery was used

☐ No subject was harmed, distressed, or manipulated unethically
☐ Wildlife was photographed without baiting, coercion, or habitat damage
☐ Newborn and animal subjects were handled safely and responsibly

☐ I confirm that the images (or their principal components) have been shot after 1st January 2024
☐I accept that the BIPP may request verification files
☐ I accept that judges’ decisions are final and that no correspondence will be entered into
☐ I understand that disqualification may occur without refund if rules are breached
☐ I have the necessary rights and permissions to enter the image in competition and for its potential use in any subsequent related promotional usage.

• 30th June 2026 – Link IPM26
• 12th January 2026 – Initial publication