| Copyright | Entrants retain ownership and grant to NWF a the perpetual, worldwide non-exclusive license to reproduce, distribute, display and create derivative works of the entry (along with a name credit) in connection with the NWPC and promotion for the NWPC. Entrants also agree to the use of their entered photos in the National Wildlife magazine’s online Photo of the Week and Caption Contest features. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 14 July 2014 |
| Entry fee | $20 for 10 photos. You can enter 20 photos if before April 30 |
Finished
Categories:
- Baby Animals: Portraits and Behavior of Young Animals of Any Species
- Backyard Habitats: Wild Creatures, Native Plants and Natural Settings in Your Yard
- Birds: Portraits and Behavior
- Connecting People and Nature: People Enjoying the Outdoors
- Landscapes and Plant Life: Scenic Views and Native Plants in Wild Settings
- Mammals: Portraits and Behavior
- Other Wildlife: Portraits and Behavior (includes underwater life, reptiles, amphibians, insects, spiders and more)
Prizes:
- Grand Prize: As described below in Section C in more detail, a 3-day, 2-night stay for two (2) people at the Tundra Buggy Lodge in Churchill, Manitoba, to see and photograph polar bears, plus maximum of $1,000 reimbursement for travel costs (Approximate retail value: $8,800)
- First Place: one for each category plus one in Youth Division Winners with addresses within the
- (8 total): United States and addresses outside the United States:
- Cash Prize of $500
- Second Place: one for each category plus one in Youth Division Winners with addresses within the
- (8 total): United States and addresses outside rge United States:
- Cash Prize of $250
- Honorable Mentions: NWF 2014 calendar (value: $15.99 each)
Enter images that show animal behavior, portraits of wildlife in natural habitat, plant life, natural landscapes, or people interacting with nature. Do not include photographs of pets or domestic animals. Images of captive animals photographed in game farms or roadside zoos, or animals from these facilities photographed elsewhere with handler’s control
All photos must have complete information attached, including their subjects, locations, stories behind the photos, digital adjustments and camera equipment.
Image requirements: Jpg, gif or png format; at least 10 x 15 inches at 72 pixels per inch with a file size from 390 kilobytes to 20 megabytes per image; sRGB, but Adobe RGB and similar common profiles are acceptable.
Judging criteria: originality, technical excellence, composition, overall impact and artistic merit.
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.