Advice on how to apply for an award or distinction may be obtained from the Society if some particular difficulty with the process is encountered. However, the Society has strict rules preventing any advice being offered regarding the selection of images or the preparation and suitability of other submitted material.

Once an application has been made for an award or distinction, the Society is unable to discuss with the author any aspect of the composition, merit or suitability of the evidence submitted. Following an assessment and notification of a result, no discussion of the decisions made by the Society or any assesor will be entertained. The decision of the Society is final, although an appeals process is available should unsuccessful applicants wish to use it.

Although not specifically tailores for distinction applicants, the Society's image evaluation service may be used to obtain an independent opinion of the merits of images. This advice may prove useful for potential distinction applicants.