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“Picture Sustainability” Photo Contest

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Rainforest Alliance invites you to submit photographs that promote our mission of working to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior.  We encourage submission of photographs that display and celebrate local cultures and communities, sustainable livelihoods in agriculture, forestry and tourism, and flora and fauna in landscapes, environments and habitats around the world.We are looking for photos in the following categories:

  • Landscape/Scenic
    • Tropical forests
    • Temperate forests
    • Boreal forests
    • Rivers, streams and waterfalls
    • Flowers and plants
    • Beaches
    • Wetlands
    • Coral reefs
  • Conservation in action
    • Children and/or adults conserving natural resources, including water, flora and fauna.
  • Wildlife on coffee, cocoa and fruit farms or forests
    • Insects
    • Birds
    • Reptiles & Amphibians
    • Mammals
    • Fish
  • Sustainable tourism in Latin America
    • Hiking, bird watching, mountain biking and other land-based nature activities
    • Surfing, scuba, kayaking, snorkeling and other coastal or marine activities
    • Other eco-tourism-related subjects
  • Flora and fauna (macro)

You can win:

  • a trip to the Galapagos Islands
  • a Fujifilm FinePix digital camera
  • a photo book by Art Wolfe


Please enter the contest by completing the on-line submission form and submitting your original photograph electronically at www.raphotocontest.org.   Entrants must complete all data requested on the form.  No other method of entry will be accepted.  We will not accept photographs submitted through the mail.

You may submit as many photographs as you wish; however, you must complete a separate on-line submission form for each photograph you wish to enter.  The image may originate in a non-digital format (such as high quality film slides, negatives or prints scanned into a digital format) so long as it is submitted electronically.  Entries must be submitted in JPEG format (as .jpg files) and should be at least 1MB but shall not exceed 5MB.  You must submit the actual image file, not a link or other type of file.  If an image file is not readable, the entry will be disqualified.  Altered photographs maybe submitted, so long as you specify on the entry form how the photo has been altered.  No photo montages or composite images will be accepted.  Rainforest Alliance in its sole judgment shall determine whether a photograph meets these requirements for entry into the contest.  Electronic files submitted to Rainforest Alliance will not be returned and may be retained by Rainforest Alliance after the completion of the contest.

The official web site: www.raphotocontest.org

Rules and terms: www.raphotocontest.org/rules.html

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 — Animal photography contests

Who can enter animal photography contests?

Most animal contests welcome photographers worldwide, from hobbyists to professionals. Many prioritize ethical shooting practices and authentic animal behavior—review guidelines to confirm if your work aligns with wildlife conservation, pet photography, or artistic animal portrait focuses.

Are animal photography contests free to enter?

Some are free; many charge $10–$45 per image, with early-bird discounts or multi-entry bundles 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 animal photography contests offer?

Prizes range from cash awards ($200–$20,000) to publication in nature magazines, exhibition features, professional gear, or donations to animal conservation projects. Recognition from respected wildlife organizations can amplify your impact and credibility in the animal photography community.

How do I choose which animal contest to enter?

Match your strongest animal images to the contest's focus—wildlife behavior, domestic pets, macro details, or conservation storytelling. Review past winners for style cues, verify ethical guidelines (no baiting or staging), and confirm technical specs like resolution and metadata requirements.

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 — Free photography contests

Who can enter free photography contests?

Most free contests welcome photographers worldwide, regardless of experience level or equipment. Many explicitly encourage students, hobbyists, and emerging creators—always verify age requirements or thematic restrictions on the official contest page.

Are free photography contests really free?

Yes—entry is $0 across the board. Some contests offer optional paid perks like expedited feedback or printed certificates, but submission, judging, and basic participation remain completely free. Fee status is confirmed in the Quick Facts section on each PhotoCompete listing.

What prizes do free photography contests offer?

Prizes vary widely: cash awards range $100–$5,000, while non-monetary rewards include online features, publication credits, mentorship sessions, exhibition inclusion, or gear donations. Even without cash, free contests offer valuable exposure and portfolio-building opportunities.

How do I choose which free contest to enter?

Prioritize contests whose theme or mission aligns with your work. Review past winners to gauge style preferences, confirm technical specs (resolution, file format), and read rights clauses carefully—even free contests may request usage rights for promotional purposes.

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