printed entries

PRINT PREPARATION

The following instructions apply to all  photographers submitting Print entries to the Iris Awards.

If you are intending on entering prints, make sure you have ordered a print case to send them in. Details on print cases and boxes can be found below.

Follow the instructions below to ensure your submissions comply with our requirements for the printing, mounting and handling of all print entries. It can be helpful to send this link to your printer and/or framer to ensure your images meet the criteria outlined.

MINIMUM IMAGE SIZE

The visible portion of an image, inside any matting, must be no smaller than 25cm on the longest side. So at least one side of the image must be at least 25cm. The only exceptions to this are when entering polaroid, tin type or glass plate originals.

IMAGES WITH MATTED OVERLAYS

Print your images so the longest side is greater than 25cm e.g. print at 26cm so that you have some image to tuck behind the mat. Provide your matter with clear instructions about the minimum visible image size 

PRINTED MULTIPLE IMAGES (SERIES)

For an entry made up of two or more images on a single mount:

The height of at least one image must be at least 25cm

OR

The combined width of all images, the visible portion only, must be at least 25cm. This excludes the spacing between the images.

MOUNTING YOUR PRINTS

The presentation of entries in the Iris Awards must be of a professional standard. They also need to be lightweight and of a uniform size for ease of handling and display.

For all print entries:

• These must be flush- or window-mounted onto a 3mm or 5mm foam core backing board; total thickness must be between 3-7mm.

• The mat board and backing board dimensions must be 50cm x 40cm.

• The prints can be mounted using either a vertical or horizontal orientation.

• The largest size a print can be is 50cm x 40cm.

• Prints must be mounted in such a way they will not damage other prints or require special handling – no part is to protrude above the surface level of the mat board.

• If you are re-using mats and boards from other competitions, please remove any velcro strips or dots from the back of prints before sending.

• The print and mat board (if used) must be completely attached to the backing board on all four sides.

• Black mats must be shipped in individual clear plastic sleeves (This helps to prevent marking of other prints).

• A series can either be mounted in a single mat window, or each image in an individual mat window.

PDF IDENTITY LABELS

PDF documents are generated on completion of your online entry registration. Save these documents to your computer. Once you have made payment and submitted your entry, you’ll see the PDF icon to the right of your entry. Click on this to download and then print and attach to your print entry.

PDFs:

• These may print as two-page documents. We need to see the Entry Name, the barcode, entry details and file name from the document. You can cut and paste these to make them fit on the back of your print. We apologise that we are unable to alter the way these print.

• Do not reduce the size of the pdf when printing

• They must be printed so that they are clear and black to ensure they are easy to read.

• Attach the PDF printout to the TOP CENTRE on the back of each respective print.

• Ensure the corners are left clear for mounting dots to be secured for displaying awarded entries. (Approx 3cm x 3cm clear space in each corner.)

• Write the word ‘TOP’ to show the correct viewing orientation.

• Remove any residue from glue, adhesive tape, velcro, etc, from the back of mounted work, to prevent damage to your own prints or to the work of others.

VIEWING YOUR PRINTS

It is recommended when printing that you view and check your prints under similar lighting conditions to those at print judging. The judges’ lighting will be tested with a light meter set at 100 ISO with the reading taken from the centre point
of the print and the light meter pointing toward the viewing position of the judges. The exposure reading will be 1/30th of a second at f2.8. The ambient room lighting will be approximately 2 stops less.

PACKING YOUR PRINTS

When packing your prints:

• Interleaf your prints with a sheet of tissue paper, or similar, to protect the print surface. There is no need to ‘wrap’ and secure each individual print HOWEVER black mats need to be in a clear sleeve.

• Please double check your address that is saved in Award Force. This is what we use to send your print case back to you so make sure your details are correct.

PRINT CASES:

Cardboard Print Boxes (last 1-2 years) are available for $35 from:

Chris Helliwell:

email – frameit@edgesworkshop.co.nz

PRINT CASE SIZES

Print Cases need to be no larger than 45cm x 55cm with a depth of 10cm. Boxes larger than this will incur additional delivery fees to return prints.

SENDING YOUR PRINTS

PLEASE NOTE: Print boxes will only be accepted at this address between 9am Monday 13th July  – 5pm Friday 31st July please make sure that your prints arrive within this timeframe.

Send Prints To:

NZIPP IRIS Awards

c/- Pack N Send

Unit 1

213 Blenheim Rd

Riccarton

Christchurch, NZ

AUSTRALIAN AND INTERNATIONAL ENTRANTS WHO ARE ENTERING PRINTS:

Print cases need to pass through NZ Customs. To make the process smooth and to minimise the risk of additional fees and taxes:

• Mark your customs declaration form with the following: Entries into the NZ Iris Professional Photography Awards

• Limit the monetary value of the goods to no more than $150

• Track your print case progress to the delivery address label.

NZIPP will not be responsible for paying any import duties or GST for entries. Nor will NZIPP take responsibility for coordinating the release of an entrant’s work from Customs or their agent.

Those in New Zealand offering printing services may be able to organise printing, matting and delivery of your prints for you, which may save the cost of shipping internationally.

If your print case has not arrived by the delivery deadline please email immediately at: honours@nzipp.org.nz

PRINT AUCTION:

We will be once again running our Print Auction in 2026 from 5pm Thursday 6th August in-person at 25 (next to Majestic on Durham – 189 Durham Street South, Christchurch).

During entry submission you can opt to donate your print towards the auction. Please choose carefully as no changes can be made after entry submission.

PRINT RETURN:

During entry submission you need to choose whether you will be collecting your prints in-person or if you would like your prints couriered back to you.

1. If you choose to collect in-person prints are to be collected from Majestic on Durham, 189 Durham Street South, Christchurch  – late afternoon Saturday 8th August 2026. If you fail to pick up your print within the pick-up window your prints will be couriered to you at your own expense.
2. If you choose to have your print couriered back to you please ensure that the postal address in your Award Force account is accurate at the time of entry. Print cases cannot be delivered to P.O.Box addresses. NZIPP does not take responsibility for lost print cases due to incorrect addresses being supplied.

LOOKING FOR A PRINTER?

Contact one of our Preferred Printers directly to discuss your printing requirements for your entry:

Edges Art and Framing:

https://edgesframing.co.nz/

Chris Helliwell:

email – frameit@edgesworkshop.co.nz

Rahera Creative:

https://www.raheracreative.co.nz/

Rachael Smith:

email – raheraphotography@gmail.com