2026 IRIS GLOBAL RULES

 

1. General Rules 

These Global Rules apply to every entry in the NZIPP Iris Awards. They must be read in conjunction with the Category-Specific Rules and the Terms and Conditions 

1.1 Original Work & Authorship 

INTENT –  While inspiration is a natural part of the creative process, direct imitation or replication of another photographer’s unique concept, composition, or execution is not in the spirit of these awards. 

The NZIPP Iris Awards exist to reward originality, and we encourage all photographers to present work that reflects their unique voice, perspective, and storytelling ability. To strive for innovation and individuality, pushing their own creative boundaries rather than following trends. 

• All elements in an entry must be 100% photographic (except where explicitly permitted under category-specific rules) and must be the work of the entrant.
• Entries must be the original concept and interpretation of the entrant. 

• Respect the creativity of others by avoiding direct replication of previously awarded or images
• Plagiarism & Unauthorised Use: Any entry found to contain photographic elements not created by the entrant or to be a direct copy of another photographer’s work will result in disqualification. 

• No computer-generated elements (including those created by Artificial Intelligence (AI)) are allowed in any part of an entry (except where explicitly permitted under category-specific rules)

• This includes the use of textures, borders, overlays, colour layers and lines that have been either computer generated or not captured by the entrant themselves.
• see more information on allowed and prohibited AI tool – Global Rule 2.2

 

1.2 Post-Production 

• 100% of the post-production work must be completed by the entrant. No third-party retouching or editing is permitted. 
• Entries must adhere to the category specific post-production rules

 

1.3 Educational & Student Entries 

• Images created under direct guidance (during a full-time or part-time photography course) are only eligible for the Student Category. 
• Self-directed work (created independently while enrolled in photography studies) may be entered into the main categories, provided it was produced without direct guidance and in the entrant’s own time. 

 

1.4 Backdrops & Third-Party Elements 

• Third-party physical backdrops are permitted, except in the Nature category. 
• Third-party digital backdrops, textures, brushes, or other digital elements are not permitted in any category. 

 

1.5 Series & Multiple Entries 

Series –

• • Any entry may be presented as a series, such as diptychs or triptychs. 

• • See specific information about presenting a series within the category specific rules

• Each entry must be a distinct photographic work demonstrating its own concept, composition, and visual execution. While the same subject (person, animal, object, event, or location) may appear in multiple entries, images must not be recognisably captured from the similar moment, scene, setup, lighting situation or presented as minor variations of the same photograph. The awards seek to celebrate originality and diversity, and The Honours Council reserves the right to disqualify images considered too similar to other entries, including those submitted in previous years.

 

1.6 Copyright & Consent 

• By entering, you confirm that you own the copyright to the image or have obtained explicit consent from the copyright holder. 
• Entrants must also have consent for any individuals featured in the image, as outlined in the Terms and Conditions . 

 

1.7 Photographing artwork created by others is allowed under the following conditions: 

• All images must be your original capture, and any inclusion of other artists’ works must adhere to these guidelines. 
• You may photograph a room or space that includes someone else’s artwork displayed on the walls or within the room. 
• You may photograph artwork in public spaces, such as statues or sculptures, as long as they are incorporated into the composition and not the sole focus of the image. 
• You cannot photograph someone else’s artwork and present it as your own. 

 

1.8 Respect & Integrity: 

Images must be created and presented with honesty, avoiding misleading narratives or unethical editing practices. 

 

1.9 Workshop, Tutorial & Photo Tours:
Images taken during workshops, or photo tours by attendees or bystanders are only eligible if the scenes were not staged, directed, or arranged by an instructor or guide. Workshops and tours that allow spontaneous or independent photography without guided setups are permitted.

 

2.0 Previously Entered Images

Any image previously entered into the NZIPP Iris Awards cannot be entered again. The awards seek to celebrate originality and diversity, and The Honours Council reserves the right to disqualify images considered too similar to other entries, including those submitted in previous years.

 

2.1 Original Capture Files

The original capture files of any and all elements used in the creation of your final entry must be supplied at the time of submission via the dropbox link following the directions outlined. Failure to provide these may result in Disqualification.

 

2.2 Computer-Generated & AI-Generated Content and Tools: 

AI-powered tools may be used in post-processing, provided they only modify existing photographic pixels and do not introduce new elements.

 

Permitted Use of AI Tools

AI tools are allowed when they:

• Work with pixels from the original image only
• Do not add new subjects, objects, or visual elements
• Maintain the integrity of the original scene and capture

This includes (but is not limited to):

• Content-aware edits (e.g. object removal using surrounding pixels)
• Pixel-based adjustments (exposure, colour, contrast, dodging/burning)
• Automated enhancements (noise reduction, sharpening, skin smoothing)

 

Prohibited Use of AI & Computer-Generated Content

The Iris Awards recognise photography. All elements in the final image must be photographic (except where explicitly permitted under category-specific rules)

The following are not allowed:

• Any AI-generated or computer-generated elements added to the image
• Generated subjects, skies, landscapes, textures, or objects
• Tools that create new content, including:
  • Generative Fill
  • Generative Expand
  • Text-to-image or “Generate Image” tools
  • Neural filters that add or render new elements
• Any non-photographic additions such as artificial gradients, lines, or overlays (except where explicitly permitted under category-specific rules)

 

Integrity of the Image

AI tools must not be used to alter the image to the point that it no longer represents the original photograph.

Any entry containing AI-generated content, or misrepresenting such content as photographic, will be disqualified.

 

2. MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

NZIPP Members & Reciprocal Organisation Members: 

• NZIPP members (or members of recognised reciprocal organisations) must be up to date with their membership payments at the time of entry submission and judging to qualify for member entry rates. 
• Entries from non-financial members or non-members will only be judged if they have been entered and paid for at non-member rates. 

 

3. Judging Criteria 

Entries will be assessed in accordance with the judging criteria outlined at this link . 

 

4. Concerns & Complaints

• Any concerns, comments, or complaints must be submitted directly to the NZIPP Honours Council via the official online complaints form HERE
• The decision of the NZIPP Honours Council is final. 

 

5. Drone

Drone photography is permitted in the NZIPP Iris Awards and is encouraged within relevant categories such as Commercial, Landscape, Landscape Open, Open, Wedding, Wedding Open. All drone operations must comply with applicable CAA of New Zealand privacy, and airspace regulations, including any location-specific restrictions, or the regulations and laws of the country in which the image was captured. Entrants must ensure they hold the appropriate certifications, permissions, or approvals required to capture the image. If requested, entrants must be able to provide evidence of compliance (such as licences or permits for D.O.C land); Failure to do so may result in the image being disqualified. 

 

6. Film Photography

Film Photography is permitted in the NZIPP Iris Awards. Please bear in mind that printed entries have a minimum size requirements, the only exception for this is if you are entering polaroid, tin type or glass plate originals.

When submitting your entry online you will ???? ?? ?????? ? ??????? ??????? of your final print (which you can do either via scanning your print or taking a photograph of your print). While your physical print will be the one used by the judges during the judging process a digital version is used for the YouTube live stream or for potential use in future advertising. When uploading the original capture files please supply a digital scanned version of the negative used to create your entry.