The rules can be found
here
As for taking pics for the display table. I've done it in the past, as have others. Personally I think some pieces need extra pics, others not so much. It's really up to you.
I've never known of any rule that says you can't show you work off before the con (that just a Botcon thing). In fact, I've always shown my work before the con. Some (like Otis) hold off til the show.
Again it's really up to you.
