| Copyright | Your entry to the contest constitutes your agreement to allow your entered photographs—and your name, occupation, city, state and country of residence—to be published as award winners or finalists in National Wildlife magazine and on the NWF website, and used for promotions of the NWPC including, but not limited to, publications from NWF and other organizations, exhibitions, a photo contest calendar, a compilation book or electronic collection of photographs, online photo features and contests, and web pages and emails providing NWPC information, updates, rules and photography tips. Entrants retain ownership and all other rights to future use of their photographs. |
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| Eligibility | The National Wildlife Photo Contest (NWPC) is open to ALL photographers who are at least 13 years of age. |
| Finish | 1 July 2008 |
| Entry fee | A fee of $15 is charged to each entrant. |
Finished
Let us showcase your work! We invite you to submit your favorite nature images to our 2008 photography competition—our biggest Photo Contest in 38 years. Cash prizes totaling $18,000 plus camera equipment and other gifts will be awarded to the winners in three separate divisions: professional, amateur and youth. The grand prize winner will receive $5,000. Plus, a portfolio of award-winning entries will be published in the 2008 December/January issue of the magazine.
In return for your $15 entry fee, you will receive a one-year membership in the National Wildlife Federation, including a subscription to National Wildlife, and you can submit as many as 20 images
Divisions: Photographers must enter their images in one of the following divisions.
Pro – Full or part-time professional photographers who receive all or a major part of their income from nature photography.
Amateur – Beginning or amateur photographers at least 18 years of age, and experienced photographers who do not receive a major part of their income from nature photography.
Youth – Young photographers ages 13 to 17.
Categories: Photographers entering in the Pro and Amateur divisions must enter each image in one of the following categories. Photographers entering the Youth division do not need to specify a category, but images must follow the subject matter of one of the categories. Judges reserve the right to switch images to other categories.
- Mammals—Portraits and Behavior
- Birds—Portraits and Behavior
- Other Wildlife—Portraits and Behavior (includes underwater life, reptiles, amphibians, insects, spiders and more)
- Backyard Habitats—Wild Creatures, Native Plants and Natural Settings in Your Yard
- Connecting People and Nature—People Enjoying the Outdoors
- Landscapes and Plant Life—Scenic Views and Native Plants in Wild Settings
—Each participant may submit up to 20 photographs total. All images must be digitally uploaded.
Camera-made digital images or scans of slides or prints should be uploaded as low-resolution jpegs. At 72 dpi, jpegs should be no smaller than 3×5 inches and no larger than 5×7 inches, with a maximum file size of 500KB. An online form is provided for required information. Original files of camera-made digital photos must be three (3) megapixels or larger. Original slides or negatives for scanned photographs must be available on request, but do not send them unless requested by NWF. If you do not have digital scans of your slides or negatives, or the capability to make them, inquire at your local camera store or photo lab. It is quite easy and inexpensive to make digital files of your photos.
Enter now!
Official web site
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Frequently asked questions — Amateur photography contests
Who can enter amateur photography contests?
Most amateur contests welcome non-professional photographers worldwide—hobbyists, students, and emerging creators. Many explicitly exclude those who earn primary income from photography to ensure a level playing field. Always verify age requirements and amateur-status definitions on the official contest page.
Are amateur photography contests free to enter?
Many are free or low-cost: entry fees typically range from $0–$25 per submission, with student discounts or early-bird rates often available. Fee status and discount tiers are confirmed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do amateur photography contests offer?
Prizes emphasize growth and exposure: cash awards range $100–$2,500, while non-monetary rewards include mentorship feedback, online feature spots, workshop scholarships, or entry credits to advanced contests. Even without large cash prizes, these contests offer valuable confidence-building opportunities.
How do I choose which amateur contest to enter?
Prioritize contests that match your current skill level and genre interests. Look for opportunities offering constructive feedback or educational components, confirm that professional photographers are excluded (if that matters to you), and review rights clauses—even amateur contests may request usage rights for promotional purposes.
Frequently asked questions — Nature photography contests
Who can enter nature photography contests?
Most nature contests welcome photographers worldwide, from hobbyists to professionals. Many prioritize ethical shooting practices and environmental storytelling—review guidelines to confirm if your work aligns with conservation-focused or artistic missions.
Are nature photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$40 per image, with early-bird discounts or bundle rates often available. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do nature photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($500–$15,000) to publication in nature magazines, exhibition features, professional gear, or donations to conservation projects. Recognition from respected environmental organizations can amplify your impact and visibility.
How do I choose which nature contest to enter?
Align your work with the contest's environmental mission or aesthetic focus. Review past winners for style cues, verify technical specs (resolution, metadata), and confirm ethical guidelines—many nature contests prohibit baiting, staging, or disruptive wildlife practices.
Frequently asked questions — International photography contests
Who can enter international photography contests?
Most international contests welcome photographers worldwide, regardless of nationality or experience level. Always verify eligibility on the official contest page—some restrict by age (18+), amateur/professional status, or thematic focus.
Are international photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$50 per image, with early-bird discounts often available. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do international photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($500–$25,000) to gallery exhibitions, publication features, professional gear, and artist residencies. Prestigious awards like the Sony World Photography Awards or IPA carry significant industry recognition.
How do I choose which international contest to enter?
Align your strongest work with the contest theme and review past winners to gauge aesthetic preferences. Confirm technical specs (resolution, file format), check rights clauses carefully, and prioritize contests whose mission matches your artistic goals.