When are two images the same image
There are rules below covering whether and when the same image can be entered in more than one club competition. This may lead to questions about whether or not 2 images should be regarded as “ the same image” for the purposes of those rules.
If 2 images being compared or derived from the same original image in camera they are the same image irrespective of different editing, post processing or other treatment.
For example a different crop, conversion to mono, removal or addition of picture elements, or a different sky are all changes which might significantly alter the look and feel of an image. However, for the purposes of these rules, they are “ the same image”
If two images being compared are derived from different original images in camera, but the original images were taken close together and show essentially the same subject in the same setting, they must be regarded as the “same image”
Here are some examples of images which are the same image.
a)you take a series of wildlife or sports images in burst mode and pick 2 images from the burst with small differences in the positioning or body shape of the subjects.
b)You take a number of wide angle images of a crowded city Plaza over the course of a 30 minute shoot all from the same or similar viewpoint and pick 2 images which are very similar except for people being positioned differently in the scene agree.
Here are some examples of images which are not the same image.
a)You take a series of images of a football match from the same vantage point, and pick 2 images showing different footballers in action.
b)You re visit the same city Plaza on different days, weeks or seasons, taking similar images but which reflect the weather and other conditions on the day in question, and pick 2 images in which those differences are clear.
The above are however only examples. In practice, given the ease with which large numbers of images can be taken with modern cameras, there will always be grey areas where the “same image” is concerned. If there is any debate about whether two of your images should be regarded as the same image for the purpose of the above rules, a decision will be made by the competition secretary, after appropriate consultation with you, and that decision will be final. The competition secretary will subsequently report the circumstances to the committee, so that the rules can be kept under appropriate review for future competitions.
You are primarily responsible for ensuring you do not inadvertently enter the same image more than once other than where the rules allow this.
Taryna Herbert . Chair . Agreed at AGM 13th may 2026
