International Garden Photographer of the Year 19 (IGPOTY 2026)

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.

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.

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.