How do I enter?
To enter, click on the 'Login Here' menu button at the top right of the page.
Is there a limit to the number of photos that I can enter?
No, you may enter as many photographs as you like.
What format should I save my digital images?
Digital image files should measure 3000 pixels on the longest side, 72 dpi, be saved as a JPEG (recommended setting 9 or 10), in AdobeRGB colour space (but sRGB is fine). Square and panorama, horizontal and vertical images - all are permitted.
I can't get my file below 10MB?
When saving your JPG file, try setting 10 or setting 8 and you will find the file size is much smaller, but the quality remains extremely good.
Can I change my entries after I have entered?
Yes, you can. Go to your account and click on Completed entries. A list of your entries will appear. Click on Edit to open the entry you want to change:
Your entry will open up again. Delete your entry using the bin icon, and then upload your new entry.
What does 'No names, titles, captions or other indicators are allowed in or on the Entry', really mean?
When a judge looks at your entry, they should not be able to identify who you are, so you can't put a signature or watermark on the front of the photograph. The filenames for your entries are not seen by the judges, so you can name them as you wish.
Do I need to remove my name and details from the photo file's metadata?
No. In fact, we recommend you leave your name and details in the metadata. When the judges see your work, they don't get to see the metadata on the judging screen, only the photo.
Are there limits in the type of post-production I can apply?
There are no limits on post-production, but entries presented for judging must be photographic in origin (taken with a camera). This means you can use HDR, tone mapping, cloning, composites, stitching, focus-stacking etc. However, all post-production must be the work of the entrant. You cannot have someone else edit or work on the image for you. We consider this part of the art of photography.
Can I Use AI in my entries?
No and yes! Different people use the terminology in different ways. At the basis of our rule, we want to see images that come from your camera or your imagination, not from an algorithm or app. Generally speaking, this means you can't use 'generative AI' to create new subject matter or new elements in the photograph, but you can use generative AI to retouch an image. You can also use AI for noise reduction. And the healing brush, which we've used for years, is also a type of AI and is acceptable.
Can I Use Sky Replacement?
Yes, you can, but of course, the new sky must have been photographed by you. You can't use a stock sky image or the skies provided in your software.
We don't consider sky replacement 'generative AI' because the photographer is providing the sky image. The sky isn't being created or generated by software. While the merging of the sky and the landscape together may use advanced algorithms, it makes sense to use technology like this when it exists. It's a bit like automatic exposure control on a camera - you might as well use it if it's an efficient way to create you images.
Does it matter where I live in the world?
Except where prohibited by law, international entries can be submitted and are most welcome!
What are my chances of winning?
Chance does not enter into the process as it is based on the judges' assessment, but we expect to get several thousand entries each year.
Will my photos be returned?
No. There is no need for us to return your digital images. However, your images will not be used except as allowed in the Rules (which is essentially only for promotional purposes for this competition).
Will my images be sold?
No. We will not be selling your images, but we hope people who see your images may contact you to buy them. You never know! You retain the copyright in your photographs and we are not able to use your photographs except as outlined in the rules. In summary, we can only use your photographs on the website and as part of the promotion of this year's and future years' awards (in press releases for other publications and websites as news items or as exhibitions of the winning images etc). Generally speaking, we'll only be using the Top 20 category images for promotion of this competition.
Can you enter if you are a professional photographer?
No, the awards are open to non-professional photographers only. See the rules for how we define a 'professional photographer' as earning some money doesn't exclude you, but earning too much certainly does!
Colour Spaces - Why AdobeRGB and not sRGB?
Entries to BPPOTY are asked to be saved in the AdobeRGB colour space (strictly speaking, with the Adobe RGB (1998) colour profile).
The AdobeRGB colour space is larger than the sRGB colour space, especially in the greens and blues which we expect is important for many landscape photographers.
The entries will be viewed and judged in a web browser. Modern web browsers can read and use colour spaces (as profiles). Our judges use high quality, calibrated monitors that can take advantage of the larger colour space.
When you enter your photographs, our system generates a small preview to show you what you have entered. The 'preview' in our system is just that, a preview thumbnail with no ICC profile embedded - so different web browsers will 'assume' certain characteristics and you may see a flatter or desaturated result. However, the judges do not judge this thumbnail - they are shown a version of your original entry, plus they can view your original entry at 100% if they wish.
We have chosen AdobeRGB because it is a larger colour space, provides a better quality image, and we are using modern browsers and monitors to take advantage of it. However, it is true that in the past, sRGB was chosen as the default colour space for the web and still is in some situations where the lowest common denominator is a poor quality screen, tablet or smart phone. This does not apply to us. Also, when you research this issue on Google, check the dates of the posts and articles - they are often quite old and the information has been superseded.
Thumbnail Image For Entry Screen
The thumbnail image on the entry screen and in your account has had the ICC profile stripped out to make it a smaller file (and so quicker to load via the internet). It may not look the same as your original - it may look blurred and fuzzy. However, this is quite okay because it is only a reference image so you know what you're looking at. It is NOT used by the judges for judging. It is just for administration purposes only, so please don't worry. We do know what we are doing and your photographs will be judged respectfully on good quality monitors by judges who are experienced in colour management and understand the processes involved. Importantly, every entrant's images are judged the same way, so there is consistency as well.
Are you strict on the dates when the original photographs were taken?
Yes! And it won't be us who complains, it will be another entrant! Every year, we find photos in the top 101 that are posted on Facebook or a website before the allowed date - and we have to disqualify them. We know it is not intentional - people just forget! We do a search first these days, before making the announcement, because we found other entrants and viewers would do it for us after we announced the results and then it was embarrassing to disqualify the entrant later on!
Is a Drone a Camera?
A drone has a camera inside it, so even though you're taking photos with your drone, it's the camera inside the drone that's doing all the work. So yes, photos taken with a drone are definitely accepted!
How Do I See My Results?
We will send you an email which includes your results and judge comment, but you can also log into your account on the competition website to see this information. You'll also need to return to your account to get your Bronze, Silver or Gold certificates. See next answer for how to do this.
Where Do I Get My Bronze, Silver or Gold Certificates?
These are available from your account on the website, so log back into your account and follow these directions:
Once you have opened your account, click on Results in the left hand menu. This will open a list of your entries.
To view your score, click 'View Scores' on the right next to each entry. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Next. This will take you to the score page and you can click See Judge Scores to view the comment.
To download your Award certificate (if you have earned one), click on Print to download a PDF file that you can save and print.
Any more questions?
For additional questions email Kim Valenti at