FAQS

FAQs

How do I enter?

Click on the 'ENTER NOW' menu link. If you need help in working out what to do, read the Help page.

When is the deadline?

31st October at midday (GMT). The Photo Project categories and Special Awards have their own separate deadlines. Always check the competition category pages for further details.

Once I have paid for my entry can I upload my photographs later on?

Yes, as long you do this before the competition deadline dates which always close at midday (GMT).

I have previously entered an IGPOTY competition and now I would like to enter the current one. Do I have to register again?

Please attempt to use your existing login with the details you used before. If any of your details have changed - your e-mail address for example - you can change this by logging in with your old details as normal, then update them within 'My Account'.

Is my payment safe on your site?

We do not record nor store any financial information from you, all we are given is a unique ID number for each transaction from PayPal (secure) payment provider. We have no more details than that. All of the transaction details are held by the PayPal system or your credit card company. Refer to PayPal for details of the security offered by their site.

I don't like to make payments on the internet- can I phone my details through?

Sorry, we don't have the resources to take payments by phone.

The system has not accepted my registration details. What shall I do?

Make sure you have JavaScript enabled in your browser. Check your browser 'help' or search the web for 'enable JavaScript' to find out how to do this. If you still have problems, please contact us.

I have changed address/phone number/e-mail address

Please update these details once you have logged in with your old details. Click 'My Account' make your amendments and then press Save.

The competition

How should I prepare my pictures?

Go to the Help page to find out about this.

Can I enter the same photograph or portfolio into multiple categories in the competition?

Yes you may, however Judges cannot award the same image(s) twice (with the exception of the overall winner). If Judges feel an image would be better suited in a different category to the one originally chosen then they are able to reassign categories (only at the Judging stage).

What does 'Single Entry' mean?

In the IGPOTY competition a 'Single Entry' (despite giving you 4 x slots) refers to the individual nature of an image and that it will be judged by itself, on its own merit. There will be 1st place winners of each main category chosen, of which one of these becomes the Overall Winner and receives the top prize and the title 'International Garden Photographer of the Year'.

Can I mix entries across different categories from purchased 'Single Entries'?

No, due to the way the IGPOTY system works, each category is handled like a mini 'competition', therefore if you have purchased 4x slots for example to 'The Beauty of Plants' then they can only be entered into that category and not mixed with any other category.

What does 'Portfolio Entry' mean?

In the IGPOTY competition a 'Portfolio Entry' gives you 6 x slots to use and all 6 slots must be filled with a consistent set of images in order for your Portfolio to progress through the judging process.

The IGPOTY Portfolio is a standalone special 'category' in its own right and the categories listed for Portfolio entry act as themes for the Portfolios.

There will be only 1 overall winner of the Portfolios, as well as several runner-up awards.

Can I enter the same photograph or portfolio into multiple categories in the competition?

Yes you may, however Judges cannot award the same image(s) twice (with the exception of the overall winner). If Judges feel an image would be better suited in a different category to the one originally chosen then they are able to reassign categories (only at the Judging stage).

Can I enter 6 x distinct single images as a Portfolio entry?

Yes you may, however it is not recommended as Judges will be looking for consistency and theme-fit as part of a Portfolio.

Do I need a professional DSLR/SLR camera to enter?

Not at all, we recommend that you use the highest quality camera available to you. In this way, you will have greater flexibility over your photographs. If your image is shortlisted, you will be asked to supply a digital file of at least 3780 pixels (on the longest side) @300ppi, ideally greater as (if awarded) better/larger prints can then be made! See also the Help page.

Can I manipulate my photograph(s) in Adobe Photoshop™ or similar photo software?

Yes, basic image management is encouraged. Advanced techniques/filters are allowed but must be declared when uploading the photograph(s).

Do I have to enter photographs captured in this year?

No, the competition year is purely a marker of how long the competition has been running and is not reflective of date entry requirements (please see below) unless specified in the category guide information.

Does it matter when I captured the photograph I want to enter?

No, providing that the quality is there and the minimum size (see above) is met there are no date restrictions unless specified in the category guide information.

Do I have to be a professional photographer?

The competition is open to all - amateurs, enthusiasts, semi-pro and professionals.

Do I have to live in the United Kingdom to enter?

No, you can enter your images from anywhere in the world - this is an international competition.

Do I need to know the names of the flowers I photograph?

No. The judges will be looking for artistic and photographic skill, a correct name will be a welcome bonus.

Can I add text to my photograph(s)?

No, especially not descriptive scientific names please use the caption/description fields. However an exception to this would be the use of words in an artistic way in a stylised font which adds something to the overall image rather than just describing it.

Will your organisation assume copyright over my pictures?

No, all photographers who enter retain their copyright/moral rights. The organisers all work professionally in the photographic industry. We respect copyright. If you enter a photograph, you agree to allow us to do things with it such as keep it on our server for judging and (for awarded images only) - produce prints for IGPOTY exhibitions, and inclusion in our annual printed book and other branded promotional items.

Any photographs uploaded may be retained on the IGPOTY website as a record of entries, to opt-out entrants would need to file a GDPR removal request. Removal does not apply to awarded entries.

For more information please see competition Rules.

If my awarded photograph is displayed in an IGPOTY exhibition, will I have to pay for my exhibition prints?

No, exhibiting the prints (physically or digitally) is part of the prize.

What happens if my photograph wins another competition after I have entered it - will it be disqualified?

If a picture has already won another competition (1st Place, overall) then it cannot win this one. If your photograph is awarded (any place except overall winner) in another major competition in the interval between the end of an IGPOTY competition and the winner announcements, then that is ok as it is not reasonably foreseeable. Regardless, all awards are issued at the discretion of IGPOTY.

I uploaded the wrong images/captions to my entries when I submitted them, how do I add them now?

1. Make sure you are logged in to the site

2. Then go to: My entries

3. At the top of this page are your current photo entries, click the 'View entry' button next to each entry you want to change.

4. At the bottom right of the entry pages there is a button 'Edit this photo' - click it.

5. Now you will be able to amend the image, caption and other info, be sure to click the 'UPDATE MY ENTRY' button to save changes.

Please note: we recommend you only make the above edits up to 24 hours before the competition deadline to avoid website congestion.

Payments

Do I require a PayPal™ account to checkout or can I pay by credit/debit card?

Please login to your PayPal™ account (when prompted) if you have one. PayPal™ also allows you to pay by credit or debit card without logging into their system. For more information, see Help.