| Copyright | By entering the competition, you grant BWPA and its sponsors and supporters a non-exclusive, irrevocable licence to reproduce, enlarge, publish or exhibit, on any media, the images for any purpose directly connected with the competition. Entrants also agree that the organisers can sub-license images to the media for reproduction in connection with the competition and exhibition only. BWPA will make every effort to ensure that name credits are given to any photograph published in any medium. Free usage of any photograph will not be permitted by BWPA, or any of its partners or sponsors outside of the scope of the competition and exhibition. There is no plan envisaged by BWPA, or any of its partners or sponsors, to create a general commercial library of the images entered into this competition. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | The competition is open to all photographers, amateur and professional, of any nationality. The Adult competition is open to all individuals aged 18 and over. The Young Persons competition is open to individuals under 18 years of age on 31st July 2009, and to schools and community youth groups. |
| Finish | 31 July 2009 |
| Entry fee | For adults - Up to 3 images: £10.00. Up to 9 images: £15.00. Up to 21 images: £20.00 |
Finished
At a time when wildlife, habitat and conservation is to the fore, the awards will encourage photographers, whether professional or enthusiast, to explore
Britain’s natural and urban environments, and discover its bounty of wildlife species, from birds to mammals; insects to marine life.
With a prize fund of over £13,500 and the overall winner receiving a cash prize of £5,000 the images receiving judges’ commendations will form part of
a series of nationwide exhibitions, including a premier launch and awards event. The exhibition will launch at Hoopers Gallery, London from 24th September 09 and tour several locations around the UK.
Awards and Prizes
- British Wildlife Photographer £5,000
- Young British Wildlife Photographer (under 18) £500
- Schools, Youth and Community Group Award £1,000
Category Awards:
The winner of each category will receive the following prizes with a total value of around £1,000. The award-winning Stylus Photo R2880 A3 + inkjet printer from Epson. Capture One Pro software from Phase One. Travelite EX 8×25 binoculars from Nikon.
Categories
- Animal portraits
- Animal behavior
- Urban wildlife
- Hidden Britain
- Coast and marine
- Wildlife in my locality
- Habitat; Animals in their environment. Plants and their partners.
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You may enter a maximum of three images per category. There is no restriction on the number of categories you may enter.
For digital entries, please enter online. Print entries must be clearly and correctly labelled and sent by post.
For more detailed information about the competition, including how to enter, a full description of categories, shooting tips, and terms & conditions, please
visit the competition website: www.bwpawards.org.
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.