2025 Entry Submission Questions
Q1. Do you have to be an RPS member to enter?
No. You do not have to be a member of The RPS to enter your work. Entry is open to anyone, of any age or level of practice. But you do need to be a member to enter the RPS Member Category.
Q2. I can't remember my Membership number
Your membership number can be found on your membership card or on your membership details once you log in to the main RPS website.
Q3. When is the final date to submit work?
Entry Platform will close at 23:59 BST on Monday 1 September 2025.
Q4. Is there a theme?
The DPA is for documentary-focussed awards, but there is no theme. Any story, subject and photographic approaches are eligible.
Q5. I have lost the email with my entry link
If you have lost your entry, use the link on the submissions page to request a new link.
Q6. Can I pay by PayPal / Cheque / Cash
We can only accept entries paid with a credit or debit card online during the submission process.
Concessions and reduced entry is available on request to support inclusion; please contact dpoty@rps.org
Please note - that if you enter, but do not complete by the closing date, there is no refund.
Q7. Can I edit my entry and return to it later?
Yes, you can continue to edit uploaded images and text until you are ready to complete and submit your entry. Once you have clicked 'submit entry' no further edits can be made, and you will receive an entry complete notification email.
Q8. Are group entries permitted?
No. Group entries are not permitted for these Awards.
Q9. How are the projects selected?
An initial online assessment will be conducted blind by an experienced team from RPS Documentary to create a long list for selection. Images will then be further assessed in terms of intent and narrative, engagement and impact and technical execution to create a shortlist from which to select the commended projects in each category. From these the category selections will be selected. Whilst you can enter multiple categories with the same entry (paying any appropriate fee), that entry can only be selected in one category.
Uploading Images
A detailed illustrated entry guide can be found here: Guide
Q10. What type of image file can I upload?
Files must be less than 10MB in size. All images must be submitted as JPEG files, in sRGB colour space. Any files submitted in any other format (including TIFF, PSD etc) will not be accepted by the system. Ensure images are at least 2MB so they can readily be reviewed online as part of our selection process.
Q11: Can I submit in monochrome or colour or a mixture?
It is totally up to you. But remember the selectors are looking for compelling stories and a coherent entry.
Q12. Can I enter more than once?
Multiple entries are permitted (up to three). You may also enter the project into multiple categories (paying the appropriate fee, if necessary), but can only have an award in one category.
Q13. Can I enter by email / WeTransfer or post?
No. We can only accept images that are uploaded using our Entry Platform system to ensure that all entries are logged and available for the selection panel.
Q14. I have submitted my entry can I edit it?
No. You can edit uploaded images and text prior to submitting, but once you have clicked 'submit', you can no longer edit.
Q15. Is there a time limit on when images were taken?
There is no time restriction set on when photographs were taken.
Q16. Should I include my name in the image description or watermark my images?
Submissions must be anonymous and not include the photographer's name in an image filename, in any image title or caption or in the project statement or using a watermark. Any such entires will not be accepted.
Q17. Can my images be manipulated in some way?
Yes, manipulation or editing using software is permitted, however, the images submitted must be the work of the entrant only. As this competition is for documentary work excessive post-processing or manipulation that alters the authenticity of the subject is not acceptable. The use of generative-AI for manipulation or creation is not permitted.
Q18. Do I need to title my images?
No. It is optional, but if you do - please do not include your name in any image title.
Further Questions
Q19. Can I send in prints as my entry?
No, we only accept online entries for the Awards.
Q20: Can I take an alternative to the prizes being offered?
No. We offer no alternatives to these prizes.
Q21: Do I retain copyright of my images?
Yes. See our Terms and Conditions for details.
Q22: Why are you charging? (Open category only)
The competition is staffed by a small team of volunteers, who give their time for free, but there are other fixed costs incurred in running the Awards, including printing, framing and the touring Exhibition. We have tried to keep the costs to a minimum and make the entry charges reasonable. We are not seeking to make a profit. We recognise that even these small charges may inhibit some entrants, particularly in the ‘global south’. So, we have concessions available on request to help make this as inclusive as possible; please contact dpoty@rps.org
Q23. I am a volunteer for RPS Documentary, can I still enter?
Yes, any volunteer can enter, except for those directly involved in the organising of the Awards (namely, Chair - Mark Phillips and DPA Exhibition lead- Harry Hall). All submissions are anonymised for long listing and for the external selectors.
Q24. I have another question, can you help?
Please contact us at dpoty@rps.org. Please note that this email is managed by part-time volunteers so replies may take a few days.
