Evaluation Standards • Defined criteria

Judged on the work alone.

IPC evaluates submissions using a fixed set of criteria. No popularity signals. No reputation bias. The standard does not change based on who submits.

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The four criteria

IPC evaluates submissions only through these four criteria. A strong submission is coherent across the full set, not just one standout image.

1

Technical execution

Control of exposure, focus, composition, light, color, and final presentation quality.

2

Creative vision

Intent, direction, and coherence—your decisions support a clear concept and visual language.

3

Originality

Distinct perspective and authorship. The work feels intentional, not trend-driven or imitative.

4

Artistic integrity

Consistency, honesty, and credibility of the image-making process across the submitted work.

What “cohesive” means:
A cohesive submission has a consistent visual language (light, color, tone, framing) and a clear intent. It should read as one body of work—not unrelated images mixed together.

What IPC does not consider

These factors are irrelevant to IPC decisions.

Excluded

Social media following

Follower counts, engagement, virality, and platform popularity do not matter.

Excluded

Reputation

Fame, connections, and perceived “status” are not evaluation inputs.

Excluded

Previous awards

Prior recognition does not influence IPC evaluation decisions.

Presentation rules

Standards include presentation discipline. Clean exports and honest authorship protect the integrity of the process.

  • ✓
    Watermarks should be avoided
    Watermarks, frames, heavy branding, and screenshots reduce evaluation clarity.
  • ✓
    Edits are allowed
    Retouching is allowed if it supports the work. If manipulation is the concept, it must be intentional and consistent.
  • ✓
    Authorship is mandatory
    Stolen work, false authorship, or deceptive claims lead to rejection and possible revocation.
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