Does International Garden Photographer of the Year 20 (IGPOTY 2027) allow AI-generated images?

No. International Garden Photographer of the Year 20 (IGPOTY 2027) does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.

Are RAW files required to enter International Garden Photographer of the Year 20 (IGPOTY 2027)?

Finalists may be asked to supply their RAW files for verification.

How much does it cost to enter International Garden Photographer of the Year 20 (IGPOTY 2027)?

Per-entry fees vary by category; Competition 20 amounts not confirmed

Opens soonInternational Garden Photographer of the Year

International Garden Photographer of the Year 20 (IGPOTY 2027)

IGPOTY (International Garden Photographer of the Year) is the leading international award for garden, plant and botanical photography, with winners exhibited at Kew Gardens in London. The 19th competition (2026) has been judged. The next edition is Competition 20, whose results are due in 2027; following the usual IGPOTY calendar its main competition is expected to close at the end of October and publish results early in 2027, with entry and the current rules handled on the organiser's entry platform. IGPOTY's rules separate AI-generated images (prohibited) from AI-assisted editing of own-camera material (allowed with disclosure), require shortlisted entrants to declare the extent of their post-capture work, and specifically forbid passing off artificial subjects as natural.

AI bannedRAW for finalists

Deadline: —
Entry fee: Per-entry fees vary by category; Competition 20 amounts not confirmed

Official site Read full rules

Authenticity policy

AI policy

IGPOTY expressly prohibits the use of AI software and systems used solely to produce an image/photograph. However, there are some permitted uses: General photo editing software or 'intelligent' plug-ins may be used to enhance an existing photograph you have produced via your own photographic equipment, providing that these manipulations have been declared.
Source: https://igpoty.com/igpoty-rules/

RAW files

Post-capture processes by software such as Adobe Photoshop is allowed, except for the purpose of claiming an artificial subject to be natural, and all shortlisted entrants will be required to declare the extent of any post-capture techniques used.
Source: https://igpoty.com/igpoty-rules/

Editing rules

IGPOTY draws an explicit line between AI generation (banned) and AI-assisted editing (allowed with disclosure). All shortlisted entrants must declare the extent of their post-capture work. Claiming an artificial subject to be natural is specifically prohibited - an unusual rule that targets compositing under naturalist framing.

Verified on November 7, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does International Garden Photographer of the Year 20 (IGPOTY 2027) allow AI-generated images?: No. International Garden Photographer of the Year 20 (IGPOTY 2027) does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.
Are RAW files required to enter International Garden Photographer of the Year 20 (IGPOTY 2027)?: Finalists may be asked to supply their RAW files for verification.
How much does it cost to enter International Garden Photographer of the Year 20 (IGPOTY 2027)?: Per-entry fees vary by category; Competition 20 amounts not confirmed

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