| Copyright | The copyright in all images submitted to the Competition will remain with the copyright holder who will be credited. Each entrant grants to the Organisers a licence to use their images in relation to the Competition and the Exhibition. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all, worldwide, all ages. Entrants to the Young competition must be aged 17 or under. |
| Finish | 18 March 2011 |
| Entry fee | £20.00 for adults and free for young entrants. |
Finished
The Competition is organised by the Natural History Museum Trading Company Limited and BBC Worldwide Limited. By encouraging innovation whilst maintaining excellence in nature photography, the Competition seeks to promote the discovery, understanding, responsibility and enjoyment of the natural world. Enter photos of wildlife animals only.
Categories:
- Animals in their Environment
- Behaviour: Birds
- Behaviour: Mammals
- Behaviour: All Other Animals
- Underwater World
- Animal Portraits
- In Praise of Plants and Fungi
- Urban Wildlife
- Nature in Black and White
- Creative Visions of Nature
- Wild Places
Special Awards:
- Wildlife Photojournalist of the Year
- Eric Hosking Award
- Gerald Durrell Award for Endangered Wildlife
- One Earth Award
- Veolia Environnement Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Prizes
- The overall winner of the title of Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2011 will receive £10,000.
- Each adult category winner will receive £500 and each runner-up will receive £250.
- Special Award winners will receive £1,000 and each runner-up will receive £500.
- The overall winner of the title of Veolia Environnement Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year will receive £500 and attend a day’s tailored masterclass with a leading nature photographer.
- Each young category winner will receive £250 and each runner-up will receive £100.
Images must be submitted as JPEGs, saved at the quality setting (10 in Photoshop), Adobe RGB 98, and must be 1920 pixels on the longest dimension. For proof of authenticity, RAW files. Localised adjustments are allowed if kept to a minimum and not changing the overall faithfulness of the image.
- Each entrant may submit a maximum of twenty images in total with no more than three images allowed per individual Category excluding the Special Portfolio Awards.
- Entrants MUST submit ten images to the Eric Hosking Award.
- Entrants may submit a maximum of two stories comprising six images for the Wildlife Photojournalist of the Year Award.
Adult competition rules and Young competition rules
Official website: www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/temporary-exhibitions/wpy-entry/
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 — 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.