PPC follows PPA competition rules.
PPC Membership FAQs
Do I have to be a PPC or PPA member to enter an image competition?
No, but the non-member entry fees are customarily higher.
What are Colorado Fellowship degrees?
You can find out more about the Fellowship Degree program
Image Prep
Can I enter a physical photograph?
For our PPC competition, no. We use only a digital judging format.
Can I use added elements to a photograph for competition?
– For the Open category, any added elements MUST be ones that YOU have created, not from a plug-in action or someone else’s creation.
– For the Artist category, you may add photographic or graphical elements if YOU have created or purchased them.
Am I allowed to use someone else’s image in my entry?
In the Photographic Categories not only is it a violation of copyright laws, but it is also strictly forbidden in the rules to use images not created by the maker. Entries should show your creativity and not intentionally copy any existing work from someone else.
In the Artist Category, entries which have been reproduced from an existing photograph, portrait, graphic, or any other artwork produced by another person must be accompanied by permission from that maker and emailed to president.ppcolorado@gmail.com.
Do I need to add a background and keystroke(s)?
Presentation is one of the 12 Elements of Design so it will be looked at for this kind of presentation. As to how large or small your borders, keystrokes, and the position of the image on the presentation, these are up to you.
Should I have my name or logo on the front of the image?
Absolutely not! If any of your identification is on the front of an image it will be DQ’d.
Can I have text on my image?
Yes, if it helps tell a story and is NOT your name or logo.
Should I give a title to my image?
Yes. A title helps tell the story and can enhance the impact of your image during the actual judging.
What size should my file be to upload for entry?
It should be sRGB color space, a jpg, and sized at 4000 pixels at the widest side of your image at 300DPI. On saving the file the compression should be at 10 to begin with. If your file is still above 3.5MB reduce the compression number to 9 or 8 …
What if my file size is larger than the suggested minimum after compression?
Refer to the last part above, please!
How do I name my files for upload?
For PPC competition please use the following format:
image01.jpg, image02.jpg, image03.jpg, image04.jpg
OR image1.jpg, image2.jpg, etc.
Can I enter PPC image competition if my image(s) has Merited at the PPA IPC, (International Photographic Competition)?
NO, …if it has Merited at PPA, time to move on, right??? Any image that has received a Merit or Imaging Excellence status from PPA is NOT eligible in PPC competition.
Image Submissions
Where can I go for registering entries?
https://printcompetition.com Then click on the “REGISTER” link from the menu bar. Fill in the information, as you will need to have a personal account at printcompetition.com to submit images. Make sure you select the PPColorado button to register for the correct image competition!
How many images can I enter?
For PPC, you may enter 8 images in any combination of categories. This is ONLY true with PPC.
Should I enter 8 images? Can I just enter 2, for example?
You may enter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 images into the competition. Some PPC awards are based on total case score so entering at least 6 images is the smartest way to go.
Can I mix my 8 entries with Open, Artist, and Wedding categories?
Yes, but only at this level of PPC. At the District and IPC competitions you can only enter up to 4 images per Open and 4 per Artist and 4 per Wedding categories.
What is the difference in the Open, Artist, and Wedding categories?
The Open category is for photographic imagery. The Artist category is for composited imagery including photographic and graphic elements. You must have created or purchased the elements used in your image. In addition to consideration of the 12 elements of a merit image; for an image to be Merit worthy in the Artist Competition, additional evaluation is given to the skill level of the artwork done to the image as well as the creativity demonstrated by the maker. Ultimately the primary difference is the additional value or bias given to ability, technique, and the quality of the process to achieve the result. The wedding category looks closely at the candid element and storytelling of a wedding.
I’m confused about choosing an entry category…
See the list of categories. Before submitting your registration and if you have a question, please feel free to contact Jeff Johnson at 303-921-4454 with any questions you may have.
Can I enter the same subject in another image if it is treated differently and is unrecognizable?
Yes you may! Each image needs to be treated as a unique subject from your other image entries. If a subject is thought to be in another image, the Jury Chairman will make sure that it’s not from another photographer first. If you enter more than one image with the same subject, regardless of the pose, clothing, location, etc., your image will be DQ’d after the judging. So, use the same model but make sure the images are very different from each other.
When entering albums as “Multi-Maker” do both makers submit the album files?
It is not necessary to do so. Both makers must be members in good standing and register the entry along with case fees.
If I and another photographer have photographed an event together, can we both enter an album?
Yes, but each would have to register and pay the image submission fee.
Can I enter a self-portrait?
Yes, you may. Remember, the judges DO NOT know the maker of the images they are judging.
Can I enter an image I created at a photography workshop?
No. Grey area here . . . but the official rule is NO.
Can I change an image or title after registering and uploading
Yes. Please call Jeff Johnson at 303-921-4454. But you’re gonna owe me …!
PPC Conference Image Competition Day!
Can I see my entries being judged?
Judging will begin on Sunday, November 6th at 9am and will continue until completed. It is free and open to anyone. You may also be able to stream the competition live through printcompetition.com
When will I know my entry score?
Your entry score will be announced immediately after the Judges scores are tabulated. If you are in the room (online), you will know your score. After that, your score will be posted on the www.PPColorado.com website soon after the competition. You can also follow along online at printcompetition.com. Information on this feature is available on their website.
How can I get feedback on my images?
Before a competition, you can come to this program!! Or, seek out a PPA Master of Photography and ask if they would look at your images for feedback and critique. When submitting to a PPC competition, you can request a critique for an additional fee for each of your images. Video critiques take place after the competition, however!
After PPC State Image Competition
How can I win an award for my entry?
Entries marked “Print of Distinction”, scoring 80 points or higher, are eligible for awards. Awards are determined by the judges or by the print score itself. These awards will be announced at the PPC Awards Celebration (TBD).
Download PPColorado Image Competition FAQs 2022 for reference.
