Why Photography Is Important for Your ICF Builder Awards Submission
By Vanessa Salvia
The deadline for submitting a project to the 2026 ICF Builder Awards is coming up on Friday, October 10th. After that, the judges begin to read over each Entry Notebook and compare it with the photos that are submitted. Photos are always a challenge for people, so we’ve created this tips article to help you take the best photos for your project. The photos you submit for award consideration can make or break your chances of winning.
Every year, we receive submissions with preventable issues that immediately disqualify otherwise excellent projects. We won’t accept low-resolution images (under 300 dpi or smaller than 1920×1080 pixels). In years past, we didn’t stress high-resolution as much as we do now, but that is because we have had several projects that were worthy winners that didn’t win due to the lack of usable photos. Because of that, photos are more important to the submission process than they have been in years past.
The photos you submit serve multiple purposes beyond just the awards judging process. The top three projects in each category are featured in our People’s Choice Awards YouTube videos. Winning images appear on our website, in ICF Builder magazine, in the printed show guide, and in the presentation slideshow. Photos of winning projects may appear on the cover of our magazine. These platforms reach thousands of industry professionals, potential clients, and decision-makers who could become your next customers.
We can not use low-resolution photos in the printed magazine, the printed show guide, or the presentation slideshow that recognizes the winners.
If you submit low-resolution photos, we will make every effort to get usable photos from you. But if you are not able to provide high-resolution photos, then that means we can’t use the photos and we won’t judge your project. That means your project can’t be a winner, even if it is a great one.
The judges use photos to gauge the complexity and craftsmanship of the project. We can’t be on site at the project, so the photos and the Entry Notebook are all we can go from to judge it. If you tell us there is an important feature in a project, but we can’t enlarge the photo enough to see it, we can’t judge your project on that feature.
AI-edited photos
We will not accept photos that have been edited using AI-powered object removal tools or content-aware fill features. If you’re editing a photo for personal use, these tools can be a quick fix for removing unwanted elements such as trash cans. But we can’t accept them because they often create unnatural blurring or obvious distortions that become apparent when images are enlarged for print or presentation use.
Instead of relying on digital removal, take the time to physically clean and prepare your site before photography
If you are editing photos, submit photos with basic adjustments only. Light color correction, exposure adjustment, and sharpening are acceptable.
Photo composition tips
Take the time to clean up the scene before you take the photos. Here are some things to think about:
- Remove construction debris or trash bags from the scene.
- If there is a car parked in front of the building, can you wait until the car is moved before taking the photo?
- Move away hoses, extension cords, sawhorses, scrap lumber, and personal items. Even small details such as cigarette butts or drink containers can detract from your project’s photos.
- Is someone in the background bending over? Wait until they are out of the shot.
- Avoid midday harsh shadows or overcast conditions if possible.
- If workers or clients will be in the photos, ensure they’re dressed appropriately and positioned appropriately. Safety gear should be properly worn.
- Submit multiple perspectives of the same project. Include shots that show the entire structure, medium shots that highlight specific features, and close-up shots that showcase craftsmanship and detail.
Camera settings and equipment
Set your camera to the highest resolution possible. We need images with at least 300 dpi resolution and minimum dimensions of 1920×1080 pixels for digital use, with larger sizes preferred for print applications.
Consider using a tripod. Shoot in RAW format. If your camera offers RAW file capability, use it. RAW files contain more image data, allowing for better editing and color correction while maintaining quality.
Focus on the ICF!
Remember, you are in competition with other ICF projects. Highlight what makes your ICF project special—ICF usage, energy-efficient design elements, unique architectural solutions, or innovative techniques that demonstrate ICF advantages.
High-resolution file requirements:
- Minimum resolution: 1920×1080 pixels (larger preferred)
- Minimum file size: Please submit images 1MB and up in size, high resolution preferred. High- resolution photos are considered to be 300 dpi at 100% size. No kilobyte-size (KB) images will be accepted.
- File format: JPEG at highest quality, TIFF, or RAW files
- Submit a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 30 high-resolution photographs.
- At least 4 photos must show the project under construction.
- At least 3 photos must show the finished project, including interior and exterior views.
- Do not include videos, but links to videos are ok.
The bottom line
The extra time spent preparing your site and planning your shot will go a long way. Plus, you’ll have better photos to use on your website and on social media.
Judges can only evaluate what they can clearly see in your photos. Make every pixel count toward demonstrating why your project deserves recognition in the ICF Builder Awards program.