January 31 - February 2, 2027 • Charlotte, NC

International Photographic Competition

IPC Live Judging at Imaging USA

The International Photographic Competition (IPC) is PPA’s annual image competition, and its final rounds happen live at Imaging USA. Watch the top images go head-to-head on January 30 and February 1, vote for your favorites, and see who wins the $10,000 Grand Imaging Award. It’s all free with an Expo Plus Pass.

IPC Live Judging at Imaging USA

The Experience

What It's Like in the Room

On Saturday, the top 32 images in each of the 16 categories are judged live in front of an audience of photographers. At Monday’s Finale, the top 4 from each category compete for the win. You don’t need any competition experience to enjoy it. Just bring your opinions.

The Prizes

$26,000 on the Line

Every category gets a winner, and those winners go on to compete for the top prize.

The IPC Exhibit

Award-Winning Images All Around You

Take your time with hundreds of award-winning images from PPA’s International Photographic Competition.
Imaging USA audience cheering with raised arms at the International Photographic Competition

See the Work in Person

Stop by any day of the show and see what top-level photography looks like up close.

Stop by between classes and trips to the Expo.

Find new ideas for your own images.

See award-winning work from photographers across the industry.

How to Get In

Pick Your Pass

Live judging, the Finale, and the exhibit are included with both passes below.

Questions

Watching IPC: Common Questions

The IPC Finale is where the final four images in each of the 16 categories are judged live and $26,000 in prizes is awarded. Anyone can attend with a free Expo Plus Pass, so bring your friends!

Yes. IPC live judging and the Finale are open to everyone with a pass, and the Expo Plus Pass is free.

Entries for 2027 are closed. See the IPC rules and categories on PPA.com to get ready for next year.

Yes. You can vote for your favorite images at the Finale and compare your picks with the jurors' choices.