HPS competition rules

NOTE: THESE RULES WERE REVISED IN JULY 2026. PLEASE READ THEM CAREFULLY BEFORE ENTERING ANY HPS COMPETITION, INCLUDING THE GENERAL RULES BELOW. 

Please note that an additional annual competitions group has been introduced, entitled “Multiple Images in a Single Array, including Diptychs and Triptychs”. It comprises both a PDI competition and a Print competition. It is separate and different from the existing Annual Print and PDI competitions and the Open Panel competition. Its rules are set out below.

General Rules:

1.     Images must comply with these rules, or they will be disqualified.

2.     These rules are applicable to all Harrogate Photographic Society (HPS) competitions.

3.     The HPS Committee’s Competition Team will apply these rules and have the final decision in case of query.

4.     Only current members of HPS may enter HPS competitions - Payment of subscription must have occurred to qualify for membership.

5.     There is currently no entry fee for any of the competitions.

6.     Entries must be in the possession of the Competition Team on or before the announced closing date. Late entries will not be accepted.

7.     No entry, or a substantially similar entry, whether or not from the same original source, may be entered in more than one competition during the same HPS Season. Except under the rules of the Centenary Medal competition.

8.     No entry or a substantially similar entry may be entered if it has previously won an award (Trophy or Certificate) in the Society’s Annual Competitions. Except under the rules of the Centenary Medal competition.

9.     Trophies and Certificates are awarded at the discretion of the Judge and/or the Committee.

10.  Trophies are held by the winner until recalled the following year.

11.  All images entered into competitions must be based on photographs taken by the competition entrant and not generated by artificial intelligence (AI). The use of stock images, clip art, screen grabs or photographs taken by others is not permitted. Entrants must own the copyright of their images entered into competitions. The use of AI assisted tools within image editing software is permitted only where those tools enhance or adjust the image or images captured by the competition entrant. This is subject to the particular requirements of a competition’s rules and to category definitions. Subject to those requirements, post processing may include, but is not limited to, exposure and tonal adjustments, white balance, colour correction, contrast, sharpening, noise reduction, cropping, lens corrections, perspective correction, and masking. Entrants must refer to category definitions and competition rules to check where such post processing is prohibited. Any post processing must only be carried out by the entrant. Where there is any doubt as to whether an entry meets the permitted requirements, the Competition Team shall determine its eligibility, and its decision shall be final. This may require sight of the original RAW file of any image in doubt.

Unless specifically requested it will be assumed that all entries shall be available for:

• Yorkshire Photographic Union (YPU) competitions

• Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB) competitions

• Retention in the HPS Archive

• Display on the Society website/PhotoEntry.

You must submit an image in PhotoEntry 

Prints may be either entrant or trade processed.

Entries submitted into PhotoEntry may be changed, replaced or deleted up to competition closing date. After that all entries are automatically locked.

Definitions:

Entry – A single image, except in the cases of the ‘Open Panel’ and ‘Multiple Images in a Single Array, including diptychs and triptychs’ competitions.” 

Competition - A group of entries that are judged together and against each other.

Normally a trophy and/or certificates are awarded for best entries in that competition.

Some examples: - Annual PDI-Nature, Monthly PDI-October, Annual Print-Monochrome,

Competition Group - A grouping of competitions that have the same rules and often have an overall Entry limit. Current competition groups are the Annual PDI and Print, the Monthly PDI and Multiple Images in a Single Array, including diptychs and triptychs PDI and Print.

Category - A description of the type of photographs allowed in a particular competition. These may also include the amount of image adjustment allowed. See General Rule 11 and theseparate document covering HPS category definitions.

PhotoEntry – Web based software used by HPS to input all digital images.

PhotoEntry Sequence Number – In each Competition PhotoEntry generates a unique 4 digit random number for each Entry. This identifies the photo/panel and in particular is used to tie the PDI image to the printed version (i.e., Number must be on back of print).

Substantially similar - An image that is exactly the same, an image that is very close in appearance to another image already entered (for example one of a short burst of images), an image that replicates or attempts to replicate an existing image. Images taken that are for example of the same animal, location, activity but are different by virtue of the season, lighting, position, or time elapsed can qualify. An image entered as a single entry in a competition should not be entered again as part of a panel or a multiple images in a single array, including diptychs and triptychs entry but other images shot, for example, at the same activity/event can be entered.

Annual Projected Digital Image (PDI) Competition (Group Rules):

No more than 2 entries are allowed in any one competition per member.

No more than 8 entries are allowed in total in this competition group per member. 

In the case of excessive entries, the Competition Team may reduce these numbers. 

All images must be in .jpg format, maximum file size is 10Mb.

Minimum dimensions to ensure that your images are projected at optimum quality are 3240 Pixels wide by 2160 Pixels high. Images may be in landscape, portrait or square format

PhotoEntry will resize images down (but not up) to these sizes. Suitable warnings will be given in PhotoEntry. Lower resolution images will work but quality may suffer.

Colour space should be (if possible) sRGB. If not PhotoEntry will warn you and colours projected may not quite match those expected.

Annual Print Competition (Group Rules):

No more than 2 entries are allowed in any one competition per member.

No more than 9 entries are allowed in total in this competition group per member.

In the case of excessive entries, the Competition Team may reduce these numbers. 

There should be no printed/written information on the front of a print.

Prints must be submitted online by the date identified in the programme and then handed in on the date identified in the programme. This will be around a week later to allow the entries to be reviewed

On the reverse of each mounted print, put a label in the top left-hand corner as viewed

from the rear showing:

• PhotoEntry “Sequence Number”

• Category Code (As on PhotoEntry)

• Photograph Title

Example:

Seq No 6805

A

Cat Code

Title Nidd Viaduct, from Knaresborough Castle

 See separate document for more comprehensive label instructions. Take care not to change any data in PhotoEntry after doing this, Print and PhotoEntry data must always match.

 The judge will judge against the physical print they are provided, however print images must match the PDI images on PhotoEntry. Prints without PhotoEntry records or which are visually different from the digital image will not be accepted.

 All prints must be mounted and fit within the mount. The mount is to be 50cm x 40cm, plus or minus 2 mm. The overall thickness of print plus mount shall be no greater than 4mm. This is the standard size adopted by the YPU and PAGB for all competition entries; any print intended for subsequent entry into these competitions must comply with these requirements.

Prints may be either surface or ‘window’ mounted. Entrants must ensure that neither print nor mount has any feature – such as an unsuitable mount material, sharp edges or rough surfaces, extraneous glue, adhesive tape etc. – that is likely to cause damage to other print entries when placed, for transit, in a stack of mounted prints.

The minimum size of print for an entry in the annual print competition is 7” x 5” (178mm x 107mm).

Monthly PDI Competition (Group Rules)

A single image based on the theme/subject chosen for the month may be submitted per month. All other annual PDI competition group rules apply.

Subjects are publicised on the HPS website. It is expected that the images submitted are recent and not from a back catalogue.

The competition is judged by the current President, or if circumstances dictate, the President may elect another person to judge.

The results of this competition will be announced at Society meetings, and the images and comments will be made available for all to view on PhotoEntry.

 The current President (or elected judge) will select one or more entries to progress to the final. Specifically, this is done in PhotoEntry by marking entries suitable to go forward to the final. The numbers may vary depending on the quality and number of entries each month. There will be a popular vote for the winning image from the finalists. Finalist entries must not be entered into any other Society annual competitions. Except the winning image which shall be entered int the Centenary Medal Competition.

ANNUAL PROJECTED DIGITAL IMAGE (PDI) COMPETITION RULES – Updated July 2026

These Rules differ from previous issues. Please read carefully. Your entries may be disqualified if they do not comply. 

1. The Annual PDI Competition is open to any member of Harrogate Photographic Society (HPS) with a membership number that is valid for the current season. 

2. All images must have been created by the entrant. All parts of a creative or composite image must be the sole work of the entrant. Use of commercially available images, clip art, screen grabs, or similar images is not allowed. Images must be primarily of photographic origin.

3. Post processing of images on the computer is permitted in all categories but, in some categories, this is limited to adjustment of brightness, contrast, sharpness, colour tone, removal of blemishes, and cropping; more radical alteration of the image is restricted to certain categories - refer to the Category Definitions document for further information. Any post processing must be carried out entirely by the entrant. 

4. Entrants may enter up to eight PDI images with a maximum of two per category. 

5. Images must comply with the official category definitions

6. No image, or substantially similar image (whether or not from the same original source), may be entered: 

a)  into more than one category in the same season; 

b)  into more than one of the HPS Annual Competitions in the same season; 

c)  if it has previously won an award (Trophy or Certificate) in any HPS competition; 

7. PDI Competition entries must be entered into PhotoEntry as per the deadline and upload requirements

 8. It will be assumed that digital versions of members' competition entries shall be available for retention in the HPS Archive, and for display on the Society website. 

9. Trophies and Certificates of Merit are awarded at the discretion of the Judge. Trophies are held by the winner until recalled the following year by the Trophies Manager. They must be returned undamaged and cleaned. 

10. If uncertain about the Rules, please contact info@hpsmail.co.uk

HARROGATE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY Digital Open Panel Competition – Updated August 2024 

 How the Open Panel Competition works:

 The purpose of the panel is to show a group of images that relate to each other and which, in their arrangement, work together both aesthetically and logically. They may tell a story or illustrate a concept. The entirety of the panel should ideally work better than any individual image. The judge will also assess whether the panel fulfils the author's statement of intent

The individual images, and the completed panel image (ie the composite image) will be sent to the appointed judge, together with the statement of intent, prior to the evening of the competition. This allows the judge sufficient time to carefully consider each panel.

1. The Digital Open Panel Competition is open to any member of Harrogate Photographic Society (HPS) with a membership number that is valid for the current season.

 2. All images must have been created by the entrant. All parts of a creative or composite image must be the sole work of the entrant. Use of commercially available images, clip art, screen grabs, or similar images are not allowed. Images must be primarily of photographic origin.

 3. Post processing of images is permitted and must be carried out solely by the entrant.

 4. No image, or substantially similar image whether or not from the same original source, may be entered into any of the other HPS competitions in the same season.

5. No image, whether or not a part of a panel, which has previously won an award (Trophy or Certificate) in any HPS competition, either as a part of a panel or as an individual image, may be included as a part of the panel to be entered

 6. A panel consists of between four and seven individual images of a common theme or subject, plus a composite of the images arranged as a single image.

 7. Entry must be via PhotoEntry. PhotoEntry will ask you for an entry title and entry statement, plus your individual entries and your composite image. Individual entries can also have a title if you wish.

8. It will be assumed that the composite image shall be available for retention in the HPS Archive, and for display on the Society website.

 9. Trophies and Certificates of Merit are awarded at the discretion of the Judge.

HARROGATE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY Competition Categories – Updated July 2026

The following categories apply to the Annual Print Competition and to the Annual Projected Digital Image (PDI) Competition. They do not apply to the Monthly Competition, the Open Panel Competition or the Multiple images in a Single Array, including, diptychs and triptychs Competitions.

Important Notes:

1. Images which do not comply with the category definitions are not acceptable and will be disqualified.

2. Images that qualify for any of the following categories – Architecture and Manmade Objects; Creative; Landscapes and ‘Scapes; Nature; Portrait and Figure; Sport and Action; Street Photography – must be entered in the appropriate category and must NOT be entered in Pictorial.

3. Each of these categories is designed to allow entrants to demonstrate their skills in specific photographic genres or disciplines.

4. Entries that do not conform to the category definitions and guidance below may be moved into another category, if appropriate, at the discretion of the Competition review panel. Members will be offered the chance to accept a suggestion or provide a new image should there be sufficient time between the closure of photo entry and submission to the judges.

ARCHITECTURE AND MANMADE OBJECTS (Code A)

Any man-made object or part of an object, photographed in an accurate, interesting, informative and realistic manner.

 Guidance: Subject matter includes: An individual building or part of a building or structure, ancient or modern, exterior or interior, including architectural or engineering details, and/or allied objects or furnishings, manufactured, constructed or created inanimate objects such as vehicles, sculpture and other works of art, ceramics, tapestries, jewellery, furniture, archaeological artefacts, etc. The subject matter must form the dominant part of the image.

NB: Correction of apparent perspective distortion is permitted. Manipulation or modification of the original image is limited to minor retouching of blemishes, cropping, colour, contrast, sharpening and tone corrections; however, these must not alter the content and realism of the original photograph as captured by the camera.

 Trophies: Annual Print: The Ackrill Trophy Annual PDI: The Allen Trophy

CREATIVE (Code C)

A work of the imagination through the use of camera techniques and/or post processing manipulation. Images must be all the entrant’s own work and not created with Artificial Intelligence (AI). All post processing must be the work of the entrant (see General Rule 11)

Guidance: The essence of a creative image is Altered Reality. The creative work must be seen in the skilful and appropriate use of camera techniques and/or post processing manipulation. A photograph of a physical artwork does not constitute creative photography and will not be allowed in this category. Enhancements which do not obviously alter the reality of the scene, such as pasting in or cloning out features, do not constitute Creative Photography. The source material of a creative image should be predominantly photographic, from camera or scanner. Photographic images may be used in any combination and with computer generated imagery. Unlimited manipulation of the image is permitted only in this category. All source material and subsequent manipulation thereof must be the work of the author; imported "clip art" is not permitted. On their own, the use of effects filters, HDR, art brushes, special lenses, camera movements and similar enhancements and distortions of an otherwise straight image can only be regarded as Creative if a new meaning or interpretation of the subject is revealed as a result. 

Trophies: Annual Print: The Menwith Hill Trophy Annual PDI: The Brown Trophy

LANDSCAPES AND ‘SCAPES (Code L)

An image showing a vista: Natural, physical, geographical or urban scenery.

Guidance: This category includes, but is not restricted to, landscapes, countryside, seascapes, shorelines and waterscapes, skyscapes, townscapes and cityscapes, to illustrate the physical and human geographic features of the world around us. An image must show a broader view rather than a close detail of the location; An individual feature may be included but it must not dominate the overall vista. Skills tested include image composition, mood, atmosphere, and use of light

NB: Use of infra-red photography is acceptable. Post capture image manipulation is allowed but it is important that the character and features of the view are retained.

Trophies: Annual Print: The Cartmel Trophy Annual PDI: The Civil Service Trophy

MONOCHROME (Code M)

Any subject, in monochrome only, produced either by traditional darkroom techniques or by computer and printer.

Guidance: An image rendered entirely in shades of grey or a single colour. Images using partial toning of a greyscale image, or any toning involving a second colour, are not acceptable.

Trophies: Annual Print: The Ogden Trophy Annual PDI: The Counter Trophy

NATURE (Code N)

Images that depict living, untamed creatures and uncultivated plants in a nature habitat, and the wide diversity of natural phenomena.

Guidance: Images may include microscopic subjects, geology, botany, zoology, meteorology, astronomy etc. Minimal evidence of humans is acceptable for nature subjects, such as barn owls or storks adapting to an environment that has been modified by humans. Natural forces such as hurricanes, tidal waves etc. affecting and reclaiming the environment from mankind are also acceptable. Creatures in reserves, wildlife parks and zoos are permitted provided there is minimal evidence of humans. Subjects such as “falconer’s” birds are acceptable although only minor retouching is permitted, which would not, for example, include cloning to remove jesses in post processing. Also allowed are images of “wild” flowers growing in parkland or “wild” gardens provided they have not been modified by such cultivation. Creatures photographed under “controlled conditions” in order to record species behaviour that would be very difficult or impossible to record in the wild, such as in burrows, vivaria or aquaria, or microscopic subjects which may have to be anaesthetised, are eligible.

 NB: Photographs of pets and animals that are domesticated, cultivated or hybrid plants, dead or mounted specimens, museum groups and the like are ineligible. Artistic skill and composition in the image may be assessed. Creatures in poor condition, perhaps due to their captivity, may be judged less favourably. Ringed birds and tagged wild creatures in a nature habitat are acceptable. Entries should be accurately titled – although Latin names are not essential – but not on the front of the image. Any manipulation of or modification to the original image is limited to minor retouching of blemishes, cropping, colour correction for accuracy, contrast, sharpening and tone corrections, and must not alter the content and truth of the original scene.

 Trophies: Annual Print: The Barry Carter Trophy Annual PDI: The Harrogate Corporation Trophy

Outings (Code O)

 Images that are taken of the outing subjects that were set by the president and on the HPS website

Guidance: Images must be submitted within the specific timeframe or day of the outing – eg a specific event, or a date range.  

Trophies: Annual Print: The Alan Steel Trophy Annual PDI: The Eric Downer Trophy

PICTORIAL (Code P)

The sole purpose of this category is to give members the opportunity to enter images into the annual PDI and print competitions that do not meet the requirements of any of the other categories in those competitions. The Competitions Team shall only accept images that meet this requirement. This is to ensure the fairness and openness of HPS competitions. The Competition Team’s decision shall be final.

Trophies: Annual Print: The Newey Trophy Annual PDI: The Simmonds Trophy

PORTRAIT AND FIGURE (Code F)

Individual and group portraits, and figure studies of the human form.

Guidance: Candid, informal and formal photographs of a person or a group. Images of the human form in part or in entirety.

NB: Portraits of animals are not acceptable in this category.

Trophies: Annual Print: The Brotherton Trophy Annual PDI: The Marshall Trophy

SPORT AND ACTION (Code S)

Any sport or action image.

Guidance: Sport: Competitive and individual sports, between people, animals or vehicles, including those with specialist equipment or machines; horse and motor racing, windsurfing, skiing, fishing, cycling, running, skateboarding, etc. Action: Includes activities such as dancing, juggling, skipping, or other activity not generally considered to be a `sport`, but where active movement of the subject is involved. NB: Images may capture (‘freeze’) a moment in time or convey movement in the sport or action portrayed.  Trophies: Annual Print: The Murgatroyd Trophy Annual PDI: The Preston Trophy

STREET and DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY (Code U)

An image that captures life as it happens, in a photographically interesting way, in public places, wherever located, including seaside locations, and may include people, buildings, traffic, situations, and any aspect of the scene. 

Guidance: Images should be candid, must not be posed, staged or contrived and must be accurate, unbiased and truthful. The image must reflect the immediacy and reality of the scene or event captured. No applied effects, cloning, adding or removing elements of the scene are permitted. Images may be in colour or monochrome but must not be altered other than adjusted for accuracy in tone, colour and contrast, plus sharpening and cropping. Images and their titles must not be disrespectful of the people photographed. The Competition Team reserves the right to exclude images that risk damaging the reputation of Harrogate Photographic Society.

Trophies: Annual Print: The Vessey Trophy Annual PDI: The Dabell Trophy

TRAVEL (Code T)

An image illustrating the characteristic features or culture of a place outside Yorkshire, as they are found naturally. For the purposes of this rule, “Yorkshire” is defined as North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and the East Riding. 

Guidance: An image will only be included if it can be readily recognised as a true and faithful representation of the region in which it was captured. The image title must be specific in describing the location. Subject matter may be the land, towns and other forms of habitation, the people, their everyday lives and customs or special occasions. Close up pictures of a person or a group of people must show something of the environment in which they are photographed. The original scene must not be altered or enhanced by the use of effects filters, or by cloning objects in or out. Images may be in colour or monochrome, and post processing is allowed only for adjustments to levels, contrast, colour balance, sharpness and cropping. Infrared or simulated infrared images are not permitted. Photographs of hired models or of scenes staged only for photography are not permitted. For example, ‘tourist shots’ where scenes are set for photographers to take, often for payment. If there is doubt, The Competition Team’s decision shall be final.

Trophies: Annual Print: The Bass & Bligh Trophy. Annual PDI: The Davidson Trophy

HARROGATE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY - ANNUAL MULTIPLE IMAGES IN A SINGLE ARRAY, INCLUDING DIPTYCHS AND TRIPTYCHS COMPETITIONS GROUP (CODE D) – GROUP RULES

Please note the differences between the competitions in this Group and the Open Panel competition.

This competition group comprises two competitions, one PDI, the other Print. Each entry must feature a combination of several, separate individual images into a single array, Unlike the Panel competition, completed arrays do not have to be themed, nor be supported by a statement of intent.Also,this new competitions group is separate from the Annual Print and PDI competitions. The category requirements that apply to the Annual Print and PDI competitions do not apply to these new competitions. These competitions are subject to the HPS General Competition Rules.

Each entrant may enter up to two entries in each of these new competitions. Thus, no more than a total of four entries across both competitions, PDI and Print. In the case of excessive entries, the Competition Team may reduce these numbers. 

Guidance: Entries must combine multiple, individual images into a single finalised array, Entries may be diptychs, triptychs or any arrangement of individual photographs.  The combined array must allow identification of the individual images. However, only the complete array is judged, rather than each component photograph separately. Component photographs must not be combined in such a way as to appear to be a single image, captured as such. Borders, backgrounds and grids of photographs may be used to distinctly separate the individual component images; alternatively, the component images may be overlaid without borders provided they are distinctly separate. With the exception of text appearing within the original captured photographs, words or titles must not be included in the array.

All arrays and component images must be solely created by the entrant. Post processing of images is permitted – refer to General Rule 11 for further information. All post processing must be the entrant’s own work. Additional elements such as backgrounds, separators, etc must also be all the entrant’s work and not derived from the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), “stock” images, or clip art. Please note that no entry, or a substantially similar entry, whether or not from the same original source, may be entered in more than one competition during the same HPS Season. However, different images shot, for example, at the same activity or event, may be entered into one or other of these competitions No image can be entered if it has previously won a trophy or certificate in any HPS competition. 

Trophies: The Graham Roberts Trophy, the other to be confirmed.

PDI Competition entries

All entries must comply with the requirements of the Group rules, which are stated above. Entries must be entered into PhotoEntry in accordance with the stated deadlines.

Entries must be in .jpg format, maximum file size is 10Mb. Minimum dimensions to ensure that your entries are projected at optimum quality are 3240 Pixels wide by 2160 Pixels high. Images may be in landscape, portrait or square format. PhotoEntry will resize entries down (but not up) to these sizes. Suitable warnings will be given in PhotoEntry. Lower resolution images will work but quality may suffer. Colour space should be (if possible) sRGB. If not PhotoEntry will warn you and colours projected may not quite match those expected. It will be assumed that entries shall be available for retention in the HPS Archive, and for display on the Society website. 

Print Competition entries 

All entries must comply with the requirements of the Group rules, which are stated above. PDI versions of prints must be entered into PhotoEntry by the date specified and the prints then handed in on the specified later date, which will be around a week later. Entrants must take care not to change any data in PhotoEntry after handing in prints.  PhotoEntry and print data must always match. The judge will judge against the physical print they are provided with.

Print images must match the PDI images on PhotoEntry. Prints without PhotoEntry records or which are visually different from the digital image will not be accepted.

All prints must be mounted and fit within the mount. The mount is to be 50cm x 40cm, plus or minus 2 mm. The overall thickness of print plus mount shall be no greater than 4mm. This is the standard size adopted by the YPU and PAGB for all competition entries; any print intended for subsequent entry into these competitions must comply with these requirements.

Prints may be either surface or ‘window’ mounted. Entrants must ensure that neither print nor mount has any feature – such as an unsuitable mount material, sharp edges or rough surfaces, extraneous glue, adhesive tape etc. – that is likely to cause damage to other print entries when placed, for transit, in a stack of mounted prints. Prints may be processed by the entrant or be trade processed.

On the reverse of each mounted print, affix a label in the top left-hand corner, as viewed from the rear, showing:

• PhotoEntry “Sequence Number”

• Category or competition Code (As on PhotoEntry). The code for this competition is D.

• Entry Title

Forexample: 

Seq No: 3491

Cat Code: D

Title: The Three Musketeers

If uncertain about these Rules, please contact info@hpsmail.co.uk

Guidance for completing Print Competition Labels

Editable Print Competition labels document

HARROGATE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY – Centenary Medal Competition

This annual competition differs from other annual HPS competitions. It brings together the winners of every single image competition held at the Society over the previous three seasons, including the overall winner of each of the previous three seasons’ monthly PDI competitions. It is the premier award of the Society. Initiated in 2022 to celebrate the centenary of HPS. Its aim is to identify the ‘supreme champion’ photograph.  To meet this competition’s founding criteria, entries are limited to Projected Digital Image (PDI) single images, including the PDI versions of single image print competitions. Entries to multi image competitions are not included. Only current, fully paid up, members of HPS may be entered. Once a medal winner has been declared, the image for which the award was made shall be withdrawn from the competition. Trophy – The Centenary Medal

.