Celebrating iconic photography with inspiration, education, integrity and the power of print to elevate the photography community.
Entries Now Open August 1 - October 1, 2024
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LIVE PRINT JUDGING OF CATEGORY FINALISTS AT WPPI:
MArch 3-4, 2024  - UTC 12 (IDLW)
Enter now
latest winners' galleryaccess over 400 critiquesawards ceremony 2024finalists judging 2024buy the awards book

Icon Awards  

The Icon Awards features photography created on an actual wedding day to pre-wedding photography from all over the world. There are multiple portrait disciplines that are celebrated such as boudoir, newborn, pets, family and individuals from children, teenagers and people of all ages.

Whether you do limited post production or create fantastical composites or enjoy in-camera artistry, there is a category made just for you!

The Icon Awards consists of two competitions:  An online digital competition (entries now open until October 1, 2024) and an in-person print competition (with physical prints) at the WPPI convention in Las Vegas in March 2025.

The Icon International Photography Awards continues WPPI's legacy as the world's most prestigious wedding and portrait photography competition. The Icon Awards will match your former WPPI Honors of Excellence designation and accreditation points.

You must first enter the digital competition for a chance to enter the annual in-person print competition at the WPPI convention. We will send invitations to the top 10 finalists in each category to enter the in-person print competition to be held at the WPPI convention in 2025. You will not receive an invitation if you haven't entered the digital competition.

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Overview

The Icon Awards includes an online digital competition and will be followed by an in-person physical print competition at the WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) convention in Las Vegas in March 2025.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must first enter the digital competition for a chance to enter the annual in-person print competition at the WPPI convention. We will send invitations to the top 10 finalists in each category to enter the in-person print competition to be held at the WPPI convention in 2025. You will not receive an invitation if you haven't entered the digital competition.

enter now

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Read the rules, upload your images and enter an unlimited number of entries into the online digital competition for $45 per entry (entries close October 1).

Your entry will be anonymously scored by 5 experienced judges and eligible to receive a silver, silver distinction, gold, gold distinction, or platinum award.

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Your top 4 scoring entries will contribute to your Icon Honors of Excellence designation and accreditation points.

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Critiques may be purchased as an add-on for just $15 per entry. If you purchase a public critique, your image will be included anonymously in a gallery for all to learn from.

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Each category's top ten scoring entries will be invited to enter the Icon International Print of the Year Awards. There is a flat rate of $60 per entry (early bird price), to participate in the annual print awards.

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The print judging will be an in-person event at the WPPI convention and we will also broadcast it live online on March 16 and 17, 2025.

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Awarded prints will be displayed in a gallery on the WPPI tradeshow floor on March 18-20, 2025.

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A selection of images that score 79 or below in the online competition will be anonymously critiqued at during WPPI and be made available after the show.

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Trophies will be given to 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, and Grand Award winners and presented at the Icon Awards Ceremony at the Rio Hotel on March 18, 2025. We will also broadcast the Awards Night live online.

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All entries that score 80 or above in the online competition will then be published in a book available for purchase.

Detailed overview
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10 Reasons to Enter

1) It encourages excellence, educates, and motivates photographers to be committed to their craft.
2) Share your best work with your peers to inspire and continue learning and growing.
3) Receive valuable feedback from respected photographers and judges.
4) Be recognized by your peers for your achievements.
5) Attend or watch the live judging for an incredible learning experience.
6) The rules for the competition place all entrants on a fair and level playing field.
7) There are a variety of categories that respect and encourage all genres.
8) Become an Icon Grand Master - the organization's highest honor.
9) Receive a trophy and prize by winning a category or even a Grand Award.
10) It's a fun, challenging, and exciting way to share your work

Enter Now

Divisions + Categories

© Nancy Flammea - Master

Icon Honors of Excellence + Accreditation

Icon Honors of Excellence + Accreditation

The program's primary goal is to encourage excellence, educate photographers, and motivate them to be constantly committed to their craft by entering the competition and to be recognized by their peers for their achievements.

Your top 4 scoring entries from the online digital competition will contribute to your Icon Honors of Excellence designation and accreditation points.

Former WPPI entrants:

The Icon Awards will match your former WPPI Honors of Excellence designation and accreditation points.

Scores, Awards & Accreditation Points

79 or lower: No award or points
80-84: Silver Award + 1 point
85-89: Silver Distinction Award + 1.5 points
90-94: Gold Award + 2 points
95-99: Gold Distinction Award + 2.5 points
100: Platinum Award + 3 points

Icon Associate

5+ Points

Icon Master

20+ Points

Icon Double Master

35+ Points

Icon Triple Master

50+ Points

Icon Grand Master

65+ Points

Icon Double Grand Master

130+ Points

© Belinda Richards - Master
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Dates + Deadlines

Date
Milestone
08/01/24
Online submissions open
10/01/24
Online submissions close
12/01/24
Finalists personally notified and announced
12/12/24
Private critiques available
01/06/25
Physical print entry submissions open for finalists only
02/02/25
Physical print entry submissions close for finalists only
03/03/25
Physical print entries delivery deadline
03/16/25 +
03/17/25  
Live judging
03/18/24
Awards Night Ceremony

The gallery of winners from the online competition and the print of the year award winners will be live on iconawards.com as soon as possible after the awards night on March 18, 2025.

Public critiques will also be made available at this time.

Competition Pricing

There will be no early bird pricing or extended deadlines.

Online Entries

Digital competition entry


$45/each

Public Critique

Recorded video critique of your entry available on iconawards.com
$15/each
+ Add-On

Private Critique

Recorded video critique of your entry for your eyes only

$20/each
+ Add-On

Print Entry

16x20 print entries (finalists only) Early Bird Price $60
Regular price $70
$60/each
+ Add-On
© Adam Hourigan - Associate

Now with personalized feedback

Enhance Your Icon Awards Experience with Personalized Feedback

Icon Awards is proud to collaborate with Critiq, an innovative personalized video feedback platform, to offer an exclusive opportunity to participants.

Elevate your competition entry by opting for a Critiq feedback video.

Expert Insights: Receive a video recording of a world-class photographer reviewing and critiquing your image.

Precision Analysis: Watch as the expert zooms into your photo, using annotation tools and pointers to provide detailed insights.

Make the most of your Icon Awards submission by adding a Critiq feedback video. Elevate your skills, gain valuable insights, and enhance your creative journey. Embrace the power of personalized learning with Icon Awards and Critiq.

View over 400 Critiques in 2023 Gallery

Example Critiq: Check out this Critiq video by Jerry Ghionis.Videos can be anywhere from 1-3 minutes and you will see and hear the expert explain their feedback while you see all screen interactions and markup. Experts will be selected by Icon Awards and will include verified category experts.