Frequently Asked Questions

NIPA is open to amateur and professional photographers worldwide. Participants must be at least 18 years old at the time of entry.

Create your online profile, upload your images and descriptions, choose the correct category, and complete the entry fee payment. After successful payment, you should receive a confirmation email.

A series is a connected body of work made of 2 to 7 photographs. The images should work together through subject, concept, visual language, or story.

Each series entry may include a minimum of 2 images and a maximum of 7 images.

Submit JPEG files in sRGB color space, 8-bit, with the longest side at 2500 pixels and a maximum file size of 4MB. Save files at high quality, avoid watermarks, logos, borders, and do not use special characters such as @, $, or # in file names.

Yes. A photograph may be entered into more than one category when it fits the category theme. Each category submission is treated as a separate entry.

No. You may submit multiple single images, series entries, and category entries, as long as each submission follows the rules and payment is completed.

No. There is no restriction on when the submitted artwork was created, provided that the work belongs to you and follows the current NIPA rules.

Yes. Previously awarded photographs may be submitted, unless the image has already won an award at NIPA.

AI-generated or AI-assisted images are accepted only in the AI category. If an AI-assisted work is submitted to another category, NIPA may move it or disqualify it at its discretion.

The Early Bird Deadline is July 5, 2026. The Final Deadline is August 5, 2026. Judging begins August 6, 2026, winners are announced September 5, 2026, the published book is scheduled for September 15, 2026, and awards are sent from September 20, 2026.

During Early Bird, a single entry is $15 and a series entry is $25. During the Final Deadline period, a single entry is $25 and a series entry is $35. Optional credit packages may also be available on the entry fee page.

Your submission is complete when your files are uploaded correctly, the required entry details are provided, and payment is confirmed. Please keep your confirmation email for your records.

No. Once payment has been completed, submitted entries cannot be changed. Please review all images, titles, descriptions, and categories carefully before payment.

Yes. NIPA judging is conducted anonymously whenever possible so the work can be reviewed fairly and professionally.

The Photographer of the Year receives a prestigious trophy and $1,000 in cash. Each of the 13 category winners receives a NIPA Gold Medal. Winners may also receive official certificates, badges, book features, interviews, press exposure, and other award assets.

Copyright remains with the photographer. By entering, selected photographers grant NIPA permission to use submitted images for award-related promotion, exhibition, publication, and archival purposes without additional compensation.

Please use the contact page to reach the NIPA team. Include your name, entry details if relevant, and a clear description of the issue so the team can help you faster.