Complete Showcase FAQ
Questions are part of making a strong entry.
Find answers about Series entries, files, category decisions, image processing, captions, discounts, Membership, and the submission deadline.
Who may enter the 2027 NANPA Showcase?
Active NANPA and ASMP Members may enter. Membership must remain active through the close of entries on September 22, 2026. Renew early because last-minute Membership assistance may not be available outside normal business hours.
What belongs in the Series category?
A Series contains 3–7 images from one story, project, or directly connected theme. It should demonstrate multiple facets of one topic, not function as a mixed portfolio of unrelated favorite photographs. Every Series requires a detailed description explaining how the images connect.
When are the three entry periods?
Early Entry runs August 17 at noon ET through August 25 at 11:59 p.m. ET and adds a 20% discount. General Entry runs August 26 through September 16 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Extended Entry runs September 17 through September 22 at 11:59 p.m. ET, with fees 50% above the standard rate. No entries can be accepted after the automatic final shutoff.
How old can my photograph be?
There is no capture-date limit. A photograph is eligible unless it previously received Top 250 recognition in an earlier NANPA Showcase.
Can I return later and submit more entries?
Yes. Return to the entry portal as often as you wish. Entries 1–5 use the regular category rate; entry 6 and every subsequent entry receive the standing 20% discount. The count carries across separate sessions and includes any mix of single images and Series.
What dimensions and file size should I submit?
Submit a JPEG no larger than 10 MB. The image’s longer side must be at least 1920 pixels. It may be larger if the final file remains below the 10 MB limit. Review the uploaded version to confirm that color and detail display as intended.
Do I need to remove IPTC metadata?
No. IPTC metadata may remain. The judges must not see a visible photo credit, watermark, border, or other identifying mark on the submitted image.
May I remove a distracting leaf or blade of grass?
Removing material content changes the captured scene, so the image must be designated Photo Illustration if the category permits it. Cropping the distraction out is another option. Routine dust-spot and film-scratch cleanup does not require the designation.
Can a Photo Illustration enter Conservation?
No. Conservation entries cannot be altered in a way that requires a Photo Illustration designation. They must preserve the integrity of the original scene.
What artificial-intelligence tools are allowed?
Generative AI images and text-to-image or text-directed content changes are not allowed. AI-assisted tools may be used for permitted processing such as noise reduction, sharpening, or enlargement when the photograph and primary creative decisions remain the entrant’s own. Read the official AI Policy for the controlling details and Altered Reality provisions.
Read the official AI PolicyWhere do underwater photographs belong?
Underwater seascapes generally belong in ‘Scapes. Images centered on fish, invertebrates, or other underwater wildlife belong in Macro / Micro / All Other.
Should a close-up insect within its habitat enter Macro or ‘Scapes?
Either category may be reasonable. Choose ‘Scapes when the habitat is a strong, primary element of the photograph. Choose Macro / Micro / All Other when the insect or close-up treatment is the principal interest.
Can a photograph include people?
People may appear when interacting with, or existing near, the natural subject as long as they are not the primary point of interest. A broad scene may fit ‘Scapes; a wildlife-centered photograph may fit its relevant animal category.
Where should I enter an abstract or intentionally blurred nature image?
Start with the underlying subject: a landscape in ‘Scapes, a mammal in Mammals, a bird in Birds, or other wildlife in Macro / Micro / All Other. If the work is clearly transformed beyond its natural appearance, Altered Reality may be the better fit.
Where should I enter a bear shown within a spectacular landscape?
When the bear is a small element and the landscape provides the photograph’s primary impact, consider ‘Scapes. Use Mammals when the bear itself is the unmistakable subject. Entrants are responsible for choosing the most appropriate category.
Still unsure?
Ask the Showcase team.
If your question is not answered here, include enough detail for the team to understand the entry or category issue.
