The Icon Awards features photography created on an actual wedding day to pre-wedding photography from all over the world. There are multiple portrait disciplines that are celebrated such as boudoir, newborn, pets, family and individuals from children, teenagers and people of all ages.
Whether you do limited post production or create fantastical composites or enjoy in-camera artistry, there is a category made just for you!
The Icon Awards consists of two competitions: An online digital competition (entries open August 1 until October 1, 2025) and an in-person print competition (with physical prints) at the WPPI convention in Las Vegas.
The Icon International Photography Awards continues WPPI's legacy as the world's most prestigious wedding and portrait photography competition. The Icon Awards will match your former WPPI Honors of Excellence designation and accreditation points.
You must first enter the digital competition for a chance to enter the annual in-person print competition at the WPPI convention. We will send invitations to the top 10 finalists in each category to enter the in-person print competition to be held at the WPPI convention. You will not receive an invitation if you haven't entered the digital competition.
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The Icon Awards includes an online digital competition and will be followed by an in-person physical print competition at the WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) convention in Las Vegas.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must first enter the digital competition for a chance to enter the annual in-person print competition at the WPPI convention. We will send invitations to the top 10 finalists in each category to enter the in-person print competition to be held at the WPPI convention. You will not receive an invitation if you haven't entered the digital competition.
Read the rules, upload your images and enter an unlimited number of entries into the online digital competition for $50 per entry (early bird price). Entries open October 1, 2025).
Your entry will be anonymously scored by 5 experienced judges and eligible to receive a silver, silver distinction, gold, gold distinction, or platinum award.
Your top 4 scoring entries will contribute to your Icon Honors of Excellence designation and accreditation points.
Critiques may be purchased as an add-on for just $20 per entry. If you purchase a public critique, your image will be included anonymously in a gallery for all to learn from.
Each category's top ten scoring entries will be invited to enter the Icon International Print of the Year Awards. Each entry costs $70 (early brid price) to participate in the annual print awards.
The print judging will be an in-person event at the WPPI convention and we will also broadcast it live online on March 1 + 2, 2025 (to be confirmed).
Awarded prints will be displayed in a gallery on the WPPI tradeshow floor on March 3-5, 2026 (to be confirmed).
A selection of images that score 79 or below in the online competition will be anonymously critiqued at during WPPI and be made available after the show.
Trophies will be given to 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, and Grand Award winners and presented at the Icon Awards Ceremony at the Rio Hotel on March 3, 2026 (to be confirmed). We will also broadcast the Awards Night live online.
All entries that score 80 or above in the online competition will then be published in a book available for purchase.
1) It encourages excellence, educates, and motivates photographers to be committed to their craft.
2) Share your best work with your peers to inspire and continue learning and growing.
3) Receive valuable feedback from respected photographers and judges.
4) Be recognized by your peers for your achievements.
5) Attend or watch the live judging for an incredible learning experience.
6) The rules for the competition place all entrants on a fair and level playing field.
7) There are a variety of categories that respect and encourage all genres.
8) Become an Icon Grand Master - the organization's highest honor.
9) Receive a trophy and prize by winning a category or even a Grand Award.
10) It's a fun, challenging, and exciting way to share your work
Icon Honors of Excellence + Accreditation
The program's primary goal is to encourage excellence, educate photographers, and motivate them to be constantly committed to their craft by entering the competition and to be recognized by their peers for their achievements.
Your top 4 scoring entries from the online digital competition will contribute to your Icon Honors of Excellence designation and accreditation points.
Former WPPI entrants:
The Icon Awards will match your former WPPI Honors of Excellence designation and accreditation points.
Scores, Awards & Accreditation Points
79 or lower: No award or points
80-84: Silver Award + 1 point
85-89: Silver Distinction Award + 1.5 points
90-94: Gold Award + 2 points
95-99: Gold Distinction Award + 2.5 points
100: Platinum Award + 3 points
5+ Points
20+ Points
35+ Points
50+ Points
65+ Points
130+ Points
Enhance Your Icon Awards Experience with Personalized Feedback
Icon Awards is proud to collaborate with Critiq, an innovative personalized video feedback platform, to offer an exclusive opportunity to participants.
Elevate your competition entry by opting for a Critiq feedback video.
Expert Insights: Receive a video recording of a world-class photographer reviewing and critiquing your image.
Precision Analysis: Watch as the expert zooms into your photo, using annotation tools and pointers to provide detailed insights.
Make the most of your Icon Awards submission by adding a Critiq feedback video. Elevate your skills, gain valuable insights, and enhance your creative journey. Embrace the power of personalized learning with Icon Awards and Critiq.
View over 400 Critiques in 2023 Gallery
