What are IPF Distinctions?
IPF distinctions are standards-based photographic assessments, not competitions. They are designed to recognise a photographer’s level of technical competence, development, and achievement against clearly defined criteria.
Applicants submit a body of work which is assessed by an experienced panel of photographers. Work is assessed against an agreed standard for the distinction level applied for, not against the work of other applicants.
The Irish Photographic Federation (IPF) currently assesses:
- Print panels, which are presented and assessed live, and
- Audio Visual (AV) panels, which are assessed through a separate, non-live process.
IPF distinctions are intended to support learning, reflection, and photographic growth at all stages of a photographer’s journey.
Dates
Distinctions sittings are currently held three times a year:
- March
- May
- October
There is a fixed quota of the number of panels assessed at each session on a strictly first come, first served basis. We do not operate a waiting list or a standby list.
Please also note that once you book your place on a session, you may not change the date or defer you application. If you choose not to proceed on the date you booked, your application fee will be forfeited. It is important therefore that your panel is completed before you apply.
Fees, Awards, and Recognition
- An application fee applies to each distinction level
- Successful applicants are awarded a certificate and distinction pin
- Successful applicants may use the relevant post-nominal letters (LIPF, AIPF, FIPF) in accordance with IPF rules
- An annual fee applies to retain the right to use distinction letters (€30; €25 >65)
The application fees are as follows for all applications:
| Members of IPF Affiliated Clubs | Not a Member of IPF Affiliated Club |
|---|---|
| Licentiateship: €60 | Licentiateship: €80 |
| Associateship: €80 | Associateship: €100 |
| Fellowship: €100 | Fellowship: €120 |
Distinction Levels at a Glance
Licentiate (LIPF)
- Entry-level distinction
- Assesses sound photographic competence
- No declared category required
- Panels may include mixed subject matter
- Focus on consistency, control, and presentation
Associate (AIPF)
- Intermediate distinction
- Submission within a declared category
- Assesses the emergence of a coherent personal style
- Greater emphasis on interpretation and intent
Fellowship (FIPF)
- Highest IPF distinction
- Submission within a declared category
- Requires evidence of mastery and a clearly defined photographic voice
- Panels must demonstrate sustained quality and depth
Detailed requirements for each level are set out in the relevant distinction handbooks.
Categories and Editing Rules
At Licentiate level, applicants do not declare a category.
At Associate and Fellowship levels, applicants must select a category (for example: landscape, nature, documentary, people, visual art, sport, travel, etc.). Each category has specific definitions and guidance, including rules relating to editing and manipulation.
A separate ‘category definitions and rules’ document is provided for applicants and is also included as an appendix in the Associate and Fellowship handbooks.
Images or elements of images that are exclusively generated by artificial intelligence (AI) are not permitted. AI-enabled editing tools embedded within photographic software (such as noise reduction or sharpening) are allowed.
How Assessments Take Place
Print distinctions
- Panels are assessed live, in person
- Panels consist of ten (LIPF), 15 (AIPF) and 20 (FIPF) mounted prints arranged as a single coherent set
- Assessments are conducted anonymously
- Outcomes are announced publicly on the assessment day
Audio Visual (AV) distinctions
- AV distinctions are assessed through a separate, non-live process
- Dedicated handbooks exist for each AV distinction level
Advice and Support for Applicants
Applicants are strongly encouraged to seek advice and support during preparation. This may include:
- attending distinction assessment sittings before applying,
- seeking feedback from experienced photographers and distinction holders,
- attending IPF distinction advisory sessions when available.
These sessions are designed to help applicants understand standards, panel construction, and presentation expectations.
A one-page Applicant Timeline & Checklist per level is available to help photographers plan their application from early preparation through to assessment day.