| Copyright | By entering your images into the competition, you grant to the Natural History Museum a non-exclusive licence to reproduce the images for any purpose in connection with the competition. Royalties will be paid for commercial uses of images. |
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| Finish | 31 March 2008 |
| Entry fee | £20 to enter online and £27 to enter by post, |
Finished
The search for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2008 has begun.Domestic animals (cats, dogs, farm animals, etc) and cultivated plants (species or hybrids grown in a cultivated setting) do not count as wildlife and are not eligible subjects.
Awards:
The winner
The title of Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2008 will be given to the photographer whose single image is judged to be the most striking and memorable of all the entries. The winning photographer will receive a cheque for £10,000, which will be presented at an awards ceremony at the Natural History Museum, London, in October 2008.
Prize £10,000Special Awards:
Eric Hosking Award – Prize: £1,000
Gerald Durrell Award for Endangered Wildlife – Prize: £1,000
One Earth Award – Prize: £1,000
Photographer’s Award for Lifetime Commitment to Wildlife Photography New for 2008.
Categories for the 2008 competition
Adult categories
You can enter up to three digital images or colour slides in each of the following categories.
Each category has a first prize of £500 and a second prize of £250.
- Animals in Their Environment
- Animal Behaviour: Birds
- Animal Behaviour: Mammals
- Animal Behaviour: All Other Animals
- The Underwater World
- Animal Portraits
- In Praise of Plants
- Urban and Garden Wildlife
- Nature in Black and White
- Creative Visions of Nature
- Wild Places
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Competition for young photographers
If you’re 17 or under, this is your part of the competition. You can enter up to six images – digital, prints or slides – of any wild animals, plants or landscapes. The judges will be looking for original, beautiful or striking shots rather than rare or exotic subjects. Creatures or places near home that you know well or have easy access to are good choices of subject. The way you frame and crop your subject is as important as getting the focus right, and the level and type of light is a vital ingredient.
Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2008
This title is awarded to the young photographer whose image is chosen from the three winners of the age categories below. He or she will receive a prize of £500 and a day out with a well-known wildlife photographer.
Categories
You can enter up to six images (colour prints, slides or digital images on CD) in your age category. The winner of each category will receive a prize of £250 and the runner-up a prize of £100.
1. 10 years and under
2. 11-14 years old
3. 15-17 years old
The official web site with all details, rules, guidance, etc.:
www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/temporary-exhibitions/wpy-entry/
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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 — 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 — 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.