BRITISH PHOTOGRAPHERS ALLIANCE

Image of the month

Entry Guidelines

Monthly submissions to three images per photographer per month

Deadline: last day of the month; judging first week of each month; results released after assessments.

Minimum 2000 pixels on the shortest edge.

No Branding, watermarks or borders.

Copyright, trademark, and law compliance required.

Maximum three images overall and no resubmission in other categories.

Newborn entries may require parental permission.

Portrait & Digital Creation is the only category allowing outsourced digital elements including stock and AI creations when suppoting the author's main body of work.

BPA may use submitted images for marketing and the annual magazine.

Filename format: Category_Name Sequential Numbering:
Example: Fine_Art_Salli_Gainsford_01

Additonal images coming soon for a nominal fee in 2027.

Natural_World_Stephen_Beaver_03-copy

Categories

All submissions must ensure they fall within the relevant criteria

Advertising and Commercial

This category is designed for commercial use in promoting, marketing, or advertising a product, brand, service, or individual. It includes aerial, automotive, food, product, still life, personal branding, music covers, and corporate photography.

Both composite and non-composite images, as well as retouched images, are permitted within this category.  Images must not contain any text or graphic elements that were not part of the original capture.

Architectural & Industrial

Architectural entries are designed to accurately document structures while also embracing artistic approaches, such as capturing distinctive angles or creating abstract images from the building's form. 

In contrast, industrial photography specifically caters to businesses in the industrial sector, serving engineering firms, manufacturers, factories, and high-tech startups with precision and expertise.

Avaition

Judges are looking for an aviation image that combines strong technical control with a clear sense of purpose and moment. The aircraft should be sharply rendered where it matters, with confident exposure and natural colour, and without distracting processing artefacts such as halos, banding, or heavy handed sharpening.

Composition must feel deliberate, with clean lines, sensible lead room, a level horizon unless an intentional angle strengthens the story, and a background that supports the subject rather than cluttering it. Above all, the image should capture energy or atmosphere through timing, light, weather, viewpoint, or context, so it reads as a crafted photograph rather than simply a record of an aircraft.

Classical Wedding

A classical wedding image should feel timeless, elegant, and emotionally true. The couple and key relationships in the frame must be the clear focus, with flattering posing, genuine expression, and a clean, intentional composition. Light should be handled with confidence, whether natural or flash, with natural skin tones, controlled highlights in dresses and shirts, and no distracting colour casts.

Backgrounds need to be tidy, with no clutter or awkward merges pulling attention away. The finishing should be polished but believable, and the image should capture connection and atmosphere in a way that will still feel beautiful in ten years, without relying on obvious effects.

Composite Creation

A composite creation should feel seamless and intentional, with a clear idea and a final image that reads as one believable scene. Light direction, colour, contrast, and perspective must match across every element, with careful attention to scale, shadows, and contact points so nothing appears to float.

Edges, hair, and fine detail need clean blending, and the background should support the story rather than compete with it. The strongest work shows confident craft and restraint, where every element earns its place and the viewer stays in the story.

Documentary

Judges are looking for a documentary image that feels truthful, intentional, and story led. It should capture a genuine moment with strong timing, clear subject emphasis, and clean technical control, with natural colour and believable processing.

Composition needs to guide the eye without feeling staged, and any context in the frame should add meaning rather than distraction. Above all, the photograph should communicate real life, real emotion, or real consequence, not just an interesting scene.

Documentary Wedding

The ability to capture unposed moments as they unfold on a wedding day is essential. These images should be genuine, reflecting actual moments rather than posed or staged scenes, ensuring authenticity in every shot.

Photographs can be taken during the wedding day or throughout the celebration, including multi-day ceremonies, without removing the couple to create/capture shots.

Environmental Portrait

 Judges are looking for an environmental portrait that feels authentic, well lit, and clearly connected to the subject’s world. The person must be the clear focal point with confident focus, natural skin tones, and controlled retouching, while the surroundings add story without becoming cluttered or distracting.

Composition should be deliberate, with clean edges, flattering perspective, and background elements placed with intention. Above all, the image should communicate character and context in a way that feels observed and honest.

Fashion & Beauty

A fashion and beauty image should feel high end, intentional, and technically immaculate. Lighting needs to sculpt and flatter with clean catchlights and controlled highlights, while retouching stays refined and believable, keeping natural texture and avoiding obvious artefacts.

Styling, hair, makeup, and pose must feel cohesive and confident, supported by a clean composition and a background that does not distract. The overall result should communicate a clear creative direction with a polished finish.

Fine Art

A fine art image should feel intentional, expressive, and beautifully crafted, with a clear creative idea at its core. Light, colour, and composition need to work together with confidence, guiding the eye and supporting the mood without distractions or accidental elements.

Technical quality must be strong, with clean detail where needed and processing that feels considered and consistent with the chosen style. Most importantly, it should leave the viewer with something to feel or think about, not just something to look at.

Landscape

A landscape image should feel purposeful and immersive, with a strong composition that leads the eye and gives the scene depth and balance. Light and timing matter, whether it is dramatic weather, soft atmosphere, or clean graphic simplicity, but it must suit the subject rather than feel forced.

Technical quality should be confident, with clean detail, controlled highlights and shadows, and natural colour that supports the mood. The best work offers a clear sense of place and a reason for the viewer to stay with the image.

Macro

A macro image should feel precise and intentional, with critical focus placed exactly where it matters and depth of field used deliberately to support the subject. Light should be carefully controlled to reveal texture and form without harsh glare or distracting shadows, and the background should stay clean and supportive.

Composition needs to be considered, with strong subject separation and no clutter, and the finishing should be natural and consistent, avoiding artefacts that pull attention away from the detail and impact. Focus stacking is permitted in this category, and if used it should be seamless and believable, without halos, ghosting, or unnatural edges.

Natural World

Natural World should show the subject as it was observed in a real environment, with the setting forming part of the story rather than being replaced or invented. Processing should be light touch and credible, limited to clean up and natural correction, with no added or swapped backgrounds, and no compositing that changes the reality of the scene.

If an image relies on created atmospheres, added textures, or constructed environments, it belongs in Fine Art or Digital Creation rather than Natural World.

Newborn

A newborn image should feel safe, gentle, and beautifully finished, with the baby supported and posed in a natural, comfortable way. Light needs to be soft and flattering, with clean skin tones and careful exposure so highlights are not blown and shadows stay kind.

Focus should be precise on the eyes, lashes, or key facial detail, with creative styling and backgrounds that keep attention on the baby. The strongest images communicate calm, connection, and tenderness, with retouching that stays subtle and believable.

Pets & Domesticated Animals

 A pets and domesticated animals image should feel full of character, with sharp focus on the eyes and light that brings out coat texture and shape, whether it is made in studio or in the subject’s everyday environment. Composition should be clean and purposeful, with backgrounds kept under control so the animal remains the clear focal point.

Shallow depth of field is welcome when it is created well in camera, with smooth, natural blur and believable transitions. If background blur is enhanced in post, it needs to be genuinely convincing and well finished, not an obvious software effect that distracts from the subject. Creative finishing is welcome, as long as it supports the animal and still feels authentic.

Portrait & Digital Creation

Portrait Digital Creation should be built around a strong original photograph of a person, animal, or main subject, with added elements used to support the story rather than replace the core work.

Stock assets and AI generated elements are permitted only in this category, including backgrounds, provided the final image shows confident compositing and feels cohesive. Light direction, shadow behaviour, perspective, and scale must match across every element, with colour harmony that makes the scene feel believable. The strongest entries show thoughtful creative intent and clean, seamless finishing, where every addition earns its place.

Press & PR

A press and PR image should feel credible, professional, and immediately usable by media, with a clear subject, clean composition, and a strong sense of context. Light and colour need to be accurate and consistent, with natural skin tones and no distracting casts, while focus and detail must hold up for publication.

Backgrounds should be tidy and relevant, with space where needed for cropping or text, and nothing that confuses the story. The strongest images communicate who, what, and where at a glance, while still feeling human and engaging.

Sport

A sport image should feel decisive and well timed, capturing peak action or a meaningful moment that tells the story of the event. Focus needs to be nailed on the key subject, with clean detail and controlled exposure, whether you are working with fast movement, mixed lighting, or challenging conditions.

Composition should be clear and uncluttered, with backgrounds kept under control and enough space to show direction of movement. The strongest images combine impact and intent, with a moment that feels chosen rather than accidental.

Street Photography

A street photograph should feel candid and well observed, with a clear subject and a moment that reveals something about people, place, or everyday life.

Composition needs to be deliberate, using light, gesture, layering, and timing to create meaning rather than relying on randomness. Technical quality should support the story, with focus and exposure handled confidently, whether in colour or black and white. The strongest images feel authentic and respectful, with a sense of atmosphere and intent that makes the viewer look twice.

Studio Portrait

A studio portrait should feel polished and intentional, with lighting that is controlled, flattering, and shaped with purpose. Focus must be precise, especially on the eyes, with clean skin tones and finishing that stays refined and believable.

Posing and expression should suit the subject, with careful attention to hands, shoulders, and posture, and a background that supports the look without distraction. The strongest images combine technical confidence with real presence and connection.

Competition Entry

Awesome! We're excited to receive your competition entry! Kindly upload it here and bare in mind that the maximum file size allowed 10MB. If file is larger, don't worry, just resize it appropriately and you're good to go!

PLEASE READ

Monthly subscribing members are automatically entered into the annual Image of the Month competition, with every score from Appraisal to Judges Choice counting towards Photographer of the Year in each category. Each category will have a winner and runner up, alongside an overall Photographer of the Year and overall runner up, with awards and certificates presented to all winners.

Subscribers also receive monthly video assessments to help move their work forward, with all images and assessments overseen by our top tier judges.

Monthly awards are judged in the first week of each month and published in the second week here - BPA Public Face Book

Gold and Judges Choice are published here - BPA Instagram

 Non members compete for the monthly Image of the Month prize and award seals only. Their entries do not take part in the annual competition and do not receive assessments. Only Bronze through to Judges Choice images are shown and published in the BPA Facebook group, and Gold winners are also featured on the BPA Instagram page.

JOIN HERE


Images criteria

To assist with your competition submissions, please see below for our guide of elements the judging team apply within their decision making.

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The Lighting

How the use of light enchanes the image

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The story it tells

The narrative and emotion conveyed

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It's technical quality

Focus, sharpness, exposure and technical skill

artisite

Style

The overall look and artistic approach

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Creativity

Originality and imagination in execution

eyeball

Points of interest

How well the image captures and holds attention

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Use of colour

Effective and harmonious use of colour

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Post production

Editing and enchancement techniques

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Impact

The strength and effect of the image

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Composition

Arrangement of elements within the frame

To create a good competition image we suggest keeping in mind the ten criteria and apply them mentally before capturing your images

"Be humble, exhibit patience, and continue to make progress. Keep in mind that the path achieving greatness is a long-term endeavour, not a shot-term one. Persevere and never abandon your quest for excellence."

30 mins with a 1-1 judge

If you are struggling with your entries and want to understand how to elevate your images beyond the monthly Develop Assessments, you can now book a 30 minute one to one session with one of our top jurors for £30, paid directly to the judge.

Book your spot

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Talk To a judge

This is a chance to talk through your images in person, gain honest and constructive feedback

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gain Insight

Better understanding what is needed to take your work to a higher level

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Learn Directly

Learn directly from our juriors whom have taught many of the industry bodies

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Experience

Guided by some of the most experienced eyes in the business

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Clearer Path

This could be the start of something really special, giving you honest insight, real direction, and a clearer path towards creating stronger, more successful images

Our top jurors have taught many of the industry bodies how to judge, and many of the photographers who have gone on to achieve at the highest level have been guided by judges such as these.

Your one to one session could be with Martin Graham Dunn or Kevin Wilson, offering you the opportunity to learn directly from some of the most experienced eyes in the industry.

Awards

Our awards recognise your progress and celebrate your achievements at every stage of your photographic journey.

Each Award Reflects the standard of your work and helps guide you towards continued growth and excellence.

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judges choice

Award

This is a special distinction awarded to an image that stands out even within the Gold category. It reflects work the judges feel is exceptional in impact, execution, and overall impression.

At this level there is very little to critique, because the image feels complete, confident, and resolved in every detail. Any comments are more likely to come down to individual taste rather than meaningful weaknesses. Judges Choice recognises a piece that truly lingers, and sets a benchmark for others.

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Gold

Award

Gold is awarded to work that shows a very high standard of craftsmanship, confidence, and artistic direction. These are images where the photographer demonstrates excellent control in lighting, composition, and technical handling, with a finish that feels polished and intentional.

At this level, the work is not only strong technically, but also shows maturity in vision and a clear personal style. Every element supports the story, with nothing feeling accidental or unresolved. Gold reflects genuine mastery in both capture and presentation.

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Highly Commended

Award

At this stage, the photographer is moving beyond the fundamentals and beginning to show clearer personal style and stronger creative control. Images at this level often feel more confident and intentional, with stronger impact and a more refined finish.

The work shows individuality and a higher level of consistency across lighting, composition, and technical handling. There may still be a few areas that hold it back from the very highest standard, but it is an excellent result. It reflects real creative maturity and direction. This is where your work starts to feel truly distinctive.

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Bronze

Award

A very important level, this award recognises images that demonstrate a sound grasp of the fundamentals and show clear ability. At Bronze level, the work is competent and well judged, with solid lighting, composition, and technical control.

The finish supports the subject and the image holds together as a complete piece, with a clearer sense of intent. There is still room for greater consistency, refinement, and impact, but it reflects genuine progress. It shows the photographer is building towards the next level. It is a strong foundation to build on.

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Appraisal

Award

This is the starting point within the awards structure and reflects work that is on the pathway towards a stronger standard. At this level, the image may show promise, but there are still key areas to refine, whether in lighting, posing, composition, technical control, or overall finish.

It represents a stage of development where the fundamentals are still being strengthened, and where clearer intent and consistency will make the biggest difference. With focused practice and guidance, this is often where real progress begins.

Prize

Our competition is completely free and we are excited to share the winning images, they will be featured on our social media platforms and in our quarterly magazin after the competition.

You'll also receive our 'seals' on your images indicating the level of award you've received.

Judges Choice Award winner

If you are selected as our monthly Judges Choice Award Winner, you'll have the option to contact our printing lab for a standard size print of your winning image, perfect for your home or studio portfolio.

As a special recognition, you'll also receive a certificate of excellence from our 'Accreditations Of Excellence' judging panel.

onevision

The judges choice award each month will receive a complimentary 16x12 framed print (or near size depending on the ration of the image) courtest of One Vision Imaging.

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