This year we have introduced four brand new categories, designed to better reflect the variety of work submitted to the awards. You can find out more about the new Studio, Phone, and In-Camera Artistry categories on the blog.

The fourth new category is Commissioned Portfolio, and it's one that's close to our hearts. IPPA directors, Charlotte and Craig, have collectively spent a total of 44 years working as professional pet photographers, serving private clients and building profitable businesses in this unique niche.

They wanted to create a space that celebrates not just the stunning standalone images that working and hobbyist photographers produce, but also highlight the working professional's ability to deliver a complete, cohesive body of work for a client - using light, location, and their unique skill set to capture the personality and distinctive look of each pet across a full session.

This category is our way of supporting the working professionals in our industry and recognising the skill it takes to do what they do, session after session.

In this post, we're answering some of the questions we've received about this category. You can find the original announcement post here, but if you're considering entering, keep reading. We can't wait to see what you submit.

FAQs

Entering

How many images do I need to submit?

Every Commissioned Portfolio entry consists of exactly 10 single images.

How many portfolios can I enter?

You can submit a maximum of two Commissioned Portfolio entries per year.

Does a portfolio entry count as one entry or ten?

One. A 10-image portfolio counts as a single entry in the competition.

Can I include images that "set the scene" without having the actual pet in them?

No, all images need to feature one at least one of the session's subjects.

Can I include detail shots?

You may include close ups and detail shots to show variety.

What are the editing rules?

For all individual images, Global editing rules apply, along with Standard AI Editing rules. This category must abide by the Standard Editing rules, the only exception being that image series (diptychs, triptychs) are not permitted (all individual images must be standalone, single images). Please review the Editing Rules section of the entry information for full details.

Do I need to submit RAW files?

Yes. RAW or source files for every image in the portfolio are required at the time of entry.

Do I need to create a "montage" with all images?

No, the images will be submitted individually.

Can I include images that I have entered previously in other categories in previous years?

All images entered in the IPPA must be unique, so no, you cannot include images in the portfolio that have previously been entered.

Can I include images that I am also entering in other categories this year?

No, all images in your Commissioned Portfolio must be unique. You'll need to decide whether to enter images as standalone entries in other categories, or include them in the portfolio.

Judging and Scoring

Will I receive individual scores for each image?

No. The portfolio is scored as a whole, not image by image. The final score is an average of five judges' scores, using the same scale and award levels as a single image entry.

How many finalists are there in this category?

The top five highest scoring portfolios will be named finalists.

What are judges looking for beyond individual image quality?

As well as the usual judging criteria, judges will assess the portfolio as a complete body of work. That includes editing consistency, variety, storytelling, and overall cohesiveness in style. 

Eligibility

Can I include images of multiple pets from the same session?

Yes. If the session featured more than one pet, you can include images of each pet individually. Images featuring the pets together, or with their owners, are also permitted.

Can I include images with the owners in them?

Yes, images featuring pets with their owners are permitted.

Can the images be in different styles?

Yes. There's no restriction on style, but the portfolio will be assessed for editing consistency and cohesiveness as a complete body of work, so keep that in mind.

What does "commissioned" mean?

In the context of this category, a commissioned session is one that was formally requested by a client and agreed to in advance of the shoot taking place. The session must have been initiated by a client, not by the photographer. A model call, a shoot you organised yourself, or a session featuring your own pets would not qualify, regardless of whether a formal agreement exists.

The key question to ask yourself is: did a client come to you and ask for this shoot before it happened? If yes, and you have a signed, dated contract to show for it, you have a commissioned session.

Does the session have to be a paid shoot?

Not necessarily. What matters is that the session was formally commissioned by a client before it took place. The vetting team may request a copy of that contract as proof, so make sure your paperwork is in order before you enter.

Will you be requesting proof of commission at the time of entry?

No, however during the vetting phase or at any time after the entry period, we may contact you to ask for this paperwork. If none is able to be supplied, your entry will be disqualified.

So if I am not a professional photographer, I can't enter this category?

Unless you are a working professional photographer who is approached by clients for a photo session, you won't be eligible for this category. You are more than welcome to enter any of the other 11 categories in the competition though!

Will you be creating a category like this, but for non-commissioned shoots, in the future?

Let's see how this one goes first, shall we. 😉