Digital Image Categories are:

The individual entering an image has the responsibility to determine the category in which the image is to be judged. To help decide which category to choose, please consider the following category definitions:

1. Portrait may be of individuals, groups, or animal(s), where the primary focus is on the subject(s) portrayed. Minor enhancements, such as use of filters, overlays, painting, etc., are acceptable as long as they don't fundamentally alter the image's focus on the person, group or animal.
2. Weddings & Events are self-explanatory. An 'event ' does not have to be a wedding (i.e., it could be a Quinceañera, a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, an anniversary, a corporate event, a special celebratory event, etc.) Only images taken during the event are permitted in this category. Images taken on days before or after, such as special bridal or couple sessions, should be placed either in the Portrait, Open Illustrative or Artist categories.
3. Commercial images are associated with advertising or industrial illustration (such as seen in annual reports). Besides judging on the 12 elements of a merit image. A Guide image(s) must be included on the face of the entry, as to show how the intent/direction, or is being used. Judges will also heavily consider how well the image would work with layout and typography in the selling of a product or idea.
4. Photojournalism - Image captured at the peak of action and telling a story. Nothing may be altered. Minor dodging, burning, dust spot removal, cropping, curves adjustment, and conversion to black-and-white are the only treatments allowed. The maker must be prepared to submit the original file at any point for verification.
5. Open Illustrative is a catchall category for everything that is NOT Portrait, Wedding, Event or Commercial. The image may contain people or animals where portraiture is not the primary focus of the image, such as sports photography or animal action. Landscapes, nature and macro photography would also fall into the illustrative category.
6. Artist represents images that fundamentally alter the original image(s} captured by the camera, including images that were never captured by a camera. Entries may be created in various artistic mediums. Entries may include freehand drawing or painting in traditional or digital applications. Entries can include stock photography, photographs or artwork from other artist(s) with written consent to use those sources. Documentation may be requested by the Image Competition Chairperson before, during or after the competition.  Judges rate computer skills, artistic skills and how ideas are represented, as well as the 12 elements of a merit print. NOTE: Guide images must be included on the face of the entry.
   For guide image samples go to https://www.ppa.com/events/photo-competitions/ipc-gallery and select the Artist Category, then select either the Merit or Image Excellence Collection.