Official Rules, Terms & Conditions

You must be a current member of IAPBP to be eligible to enter. Members may enter one image per category. Entering multiple images in one category is not permitted. Each entry shall consist of an entry form, entry fee and one birth photograph. Once your entry and image have been submitted, that submission is final and images may not be swapped out or replaced. Images must be in digital format only. All digital files must be 2 MB or smaller and in JPG format. Images must be no greater than 600px on the longest side. Photograph must have been taken within the 2015 calendar year, January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. Both black and white and color images are acceptable. The photograph must be a single work of original material taken by the member. By entering the competition, the participant acknowledges that the submitted photograph is an original work created solely by the member and that the photograph does not infringe on the copyrights of any person or entity. Small, non-obtrusive watermarks are acceptable. The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers reserves the right to ask members to reduce the size of the watermark if we feel it is too large or takes away from the overall image and presentation. Opaque watermarks tend to work best as they are less likely to distract from the image itself. If we do not receive an edited image upon request within 24 hours the entry will be disqualified. You may re-enter the same image with the adjusted watermark if it is submitted before the end of the competition deadline as stated below.

You must have permission from those featured in the image to share the image publicly in the form of a model release. Upon request, each member must be prepared to provide a signed release from all persons who appear in the photograph submitted authorizing the photographer and its authorized parties to reproduce, distribute and display the entry in connection with the competition. Failure to provide such releases upon request may result in disqualification at any time during the competition and selection of an alternate winner. If at any time, one or more persons featured in the image requests that the image be removed, even with a signed model release, the image will be removed at the discretion of The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers without refund of the entry fee.

Each entry will be judged separately by the panel of Judges based on creativity and photographic quality. In the event of a tie, the tied entries will be re-submitted to the Judges for a re-judging between the tied entries alone. Decisions of the Judges are final. Winners will be notified by email. Winners will be determined as follows: 1st Place Winner, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, Honorable Mention(s) in each category. The winning image(s) will be featured on the front page of Birthphotographers.com. The winning image will also be used on the Birthphotographers.com facebook timeline and throughout the year for marketing purposes. There will be no Peoples Choice Award or popular vote for the 2016 image competition. All entries must be submitted and received by Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at 11:59:59 p.m. CST. Winners will be announced on or before February 9, 2016 once the votes have been received from the judges and tallied. All images entered in to the competition will be presented to the Judges. If for any reason the competition is not capable of running as planned, The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual(s) who tamper with the entry process, and/or to cancel, terminate, modify, or suspend the competition. If The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers elects to cancel or terminate the competition, we will not retain any rights in the submitted photographs and refunds are not applicable . This contest is void where prohibited. By entering, members also agree to be bound by these Official Rules; that the decisions of the Judges are final and binding with respect to all matters relating to the competition; and if the entrant wins that The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers may use the winning photographs and each winner’s name, photograph, likeness, etc. in any publicity or advertising relating to the competition or future promotions without compensation or approval (except where prohibited by law). The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers reserves the right to verify the validity and originality of any entry and/or member and to disqualify any member who submits an entry that is not in accordance with these official rules or who tampers with the entry or voting process. The following prizes will be awarded to the winners: Overall 1st Place Winner: $400; Best In Category: $100 each. Honorable Mentions will be awarded at the judges’ discretion and do not receive a cash award. The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers reserves the right to reduce the prize amounts if entries are low. No prize transfer, assignment, or substitution by winners permitted. Void where prohibited.