Submissions • Official process

How to apply for IPC recognition.

IPC evaluates photographic work by standard—not reputation, followers, or popularity. This page defines the submission format, requirements, and evaluation flow.

Read the Standards Recognition Levels Verify a Certificate
Applications status
Closed (for now). Submissions will open during the Founding Cycle (2026). When the form goes live, this page will link directly to it.
No shortcuts

Only official submissions count

IPC does not accept entries via Instagram DM or third-party “submission agents”. If it isn’t submitted through the official method, it is not considered.

At a glance

The essentials most applicants need immediately.

Submission size

6–12 images

Minimum 6, maximum 12 images per submission. Cohesion matters.

Best format

Series-first

A series is preferred. A coherent portfolio is accepted if consistent.

Outcome

May be withheld

Recognition is not guaranteed. IPC may issue none if standards aren’t met.

Eligibility

International. Not age-restricted. Work-first evaluation.

  • ✓
    Open worldwide
    No geographic limitation.
  • ✓
    All photographers
    Emerging and established are eligible.
  • ✓
    Work-only evaluation
    Followers, likes, and fame are irrelevant.

What to submit

IPC is portfolio-based. A tight, coherent set beats random singles.

Recommended: a cohesive series (6–12 images)
A series demonstrates authorship, intent, and consistency—core evaluation signals for IPC.
If your images are unrelated, split them into separate submissions (when cycles allow multiple entries).
Optional but strong

Artist statement (2–6 sentences)

Include intent, approach, and how the work was produced. Keep it clear and factual. No marketing copy.

Submission package

When the form opens, expect to provide the following.

Identity

Applicant details

Name, country, email, and a portfolio link (if available).

Work

Series title + images

6–12 images with a simple title and consistent presentation.

Context

Short statement

Optional: 2–6 sentences on intent, process, and authorship.

Important:
Submit only work you authored. Stolen work, false authorship, or manipulated provenance results in rejection and may lead to certificate revocation if discovered later.

File & presentation rules

These prevent avoidable rejections and protect evaluation quality.

Format

JPG (high quality)

No screenshots. No watermarks. No heavy compression artifacts.

Resolution

Long edge ≥ 3000px

Maintain aspect ratio. Provide enough detail for review.

Naming

Simple filenames

Example: IPC_Lastname_Title_01.jpg

Editing policy
Standard photographic editing is expected. Retouching is allowed if it supports the work. If manipulation is part of the concept, it must not misrepresent authorship or provenance.
AI policy (initial)

Authorship must be clear

IPC prioritizes authorship and integrity. Detailed AI/generative rules may vary by cycle and will be published when submissions open.

What happens after you submit

A simple, formal process — no voting, no popularity influence.

Step 1

Technical & integrity check

Files, formatting, and basic compliance are verified before evaluation.

Step 2

Standards-based review

Work is evaluated against IPC standards (execution, vision, originality, integrity).

Step 3

Decision & certificate

If recognized, a certificate number is issued and can be verified on the site.

Recognition may be withheld.
IPC is designed to protect credibility. If the work does not meet the standard, recognition may be withheld regardless of submission volume.

Cycle timeline

These dates can be updated anytime — the structure stays professional.

Founding Cycle (2026)

Opening announcement

When submissions open, the official form link will appear here and on the homepage.

Where to watch
IPC will announce submission openings on the official website and Instagram only. Avoid unofficial pages claiming “early access”.

Submission checklist

If you can’t tick these off, don’t submit yet.

  • ✓
    My set is cohesive
    It reads like one body of work, not random favorites.
  • ✓
    6–12 images
    Minimum 6, maximum 12.
  • ✓
    No watermarks / no screenshots
    Clean presentation only.
  • ✓
    I am the author
    Full ownership and authorship of the work.
Next

Read this before applying

Standards define outcomes. If you haven’t read them, you’re guessing.

Already recognized?
Verify certificate authenticity using the official checker.