Nature Photography Contest
On this page you'll discover everything you need to know about entering a wildlife photo contest, some tips about how to take fantastic shots to enter, and details of some of the bigger competitions. It's important to remember that getting somewhere in a nature photography contest is an added bonus. The big competitions are entered by large numbers of both amateur and professional photographers (see the number of entries for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition below). If your work doesn’t get recognised then don’t be too disappointed – it’s enjoying your photography that matters. Before selecting the images to enter, study current and past winning images to get an idea of what the judges will be looking for. Also, study the rules. All of the contests have different rules and its important to abide by them. For example, some allow images of captive animals to be entered, where others don’t. When entering a nature photography contest make sure that you get the basics right. All images entered should be (click on each one for more information): Nature photography contest judges are usually looking for something unique that stops them in their tracks and catches the eye. Action shots showing some form of behaviour usually work well.Below I’ve provided details of some of the biggest competitions to consider entering, but don’t forget that entering smaller, more local ones are well worth entering and can be a great way to get started. Wildlife Photographer of the YearThe most prestigious nature photography contest that any wildlife photographer can enter is the Wildlife Photographer of the Year, jointly owned by the Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine.It started in 1964 and now receives more than 43,000 entries from 94 countries. More than a million visitors view the images as the exhibition tours around the world. No captive animals are allowed and all pictures must be of wild animals and plants and landscapes. There are 11 adult categories and 3 junior categories in this nature photography contest. The adult categories are: Animals in their EnvironmentThe animal’s environment must be as important as the animal being photographed The picture must convey a feeling of the relationship between them. An animal’s environment can tell you a lot about the animal and can be used to tell a story about it.Behaviour: BirdsThis category is perfect for anyone interested in entering bird photography contests.Images should be unique, aesthetically appealing, and show dramatic action. You stand a greater chance of getting shots for this category by knowing your subject. Birds are creatures of habit and follow a regular routine which you should get to know well. Behaviour: MammalsImages must have an aesthetic appeal, a unique interest value and dramatic action.Behaviour: All Other AnimalsThis category covers all species that aren’t birds or mammals and cover the majority of earth’s animals.Images must capture memorable, unusual or interesting behaviour. It is important to show true behaviour (just ‘looking’ or ‘sitting’ isn’t enough). Not much is known about the behaviour of these animals so it offers tremendous opportunities. It is ideal for macro photography. Underwater WorldImages must be taken underwater and feature marine or freshwater life. They must be unique, interesting, memorable and aesthetically pleasing.Animal PortraitsImages entered in this category should capture the spirit and unique character of the animal, conveying a sense of intimacy and immediacy.In Praise of PlantsThe aim of this category is to showcase the beauty and importance of flowering and non-flowering plants in their natural habitat, whether by featuring them in close-up or as part of the habitat. The judges will be looking for artistic merit and creativity rather than a simple scientific record.Urban and Garden WildlifeOriginal pictures are what count here – the judges look for uncommonly good images of common subjects.Nature in Black and White9. Nature in Black and White.The subject can be any wild landscape, plant or living creature. The judges look for skillful use of the black-and-white medium where pure graphic quality and a well composed image can often increase the intensity.Creative Visions of NaturePhotographs should reveal new ways of seeing natural subjects or scenes, conveying an imaginative, unique or abstract view of wildlife or wild places. Images should be surprising, artistic, show originality, perhaps even abstract or ambiguous. They should convey a deeper understanding of nature and wildlife through a conceptual vision of the world.Wild PlacesThis category is for landscape photographs that convey a beautiful sense of light, a true feeling of wilderness and a sense of awe. Stitched images and panoramas are allowed.Junior CategoriesThe junior categories are based on age:
There are also 4 Special Awards: Eric Hosking AwardThis is an award for young photographers between the age of 18 and 26 who submit a portfolio of their 10 best images.Gerald Durrell Award for Endangered WildlifeThis award seeks to raise awareness of endangered species. Entries to this should be of species that are listed in the 2009 IUCN red list as critically dangered, endangered, vulnerable or near threatened at an international or national level. Images should aim to show the unique character or spirit of the subject.One Earth AwardThis award seeks to highlight conservation issues or actions. Entries for this award must be thought provoking, memorable and encourage respect or concern for our natural world.Wildlife Photojournalist of the YearEach photographer enters six striking pictures that tell a powerful story without the use of words.Natures Best – Windland Smith Rice International AwardsAnother big nature photography contest is the Windland Smith Rice International Awards run by Natures Best.More than 25,000 entries are received every year. Winners and selected highly honoured photographs are displayed to millions of visitors in an exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC. and in the fall/winter collector’s edition of natures best photography magazine. Categories are:
National Wildlife Photo ContestThis nature photography contest attracts 70,000 entries in seven categories.The seven categories are:
I particularly like the recent introduction of the global warning category because I believe that photography is a great way to raise awareness of global warming and the impact it has on animals and their habitat. A grand prize winner is selected for both the professional division and for the amateur division and awarded $5000 dollars each. There is also cash and other prizes awarded for achieving first and second place for each division in each of the categories. Return from nature photography contest to home |