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Wildlife, Nature and Conservation Photo Competition

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Images of captive animals, restrained animals, pets and farm animals will only be accepted on the Our Changing Planet category if they manage to transmit a powerful conservation message.

Categories:

  • BIODIVERSITY:
    • 1.  Animal Portraits.  
    • 2.  Animal Behavior.   
    • 3.  Animals in their Environment.   
    • 4.  Wild Habitat.  
    • 5.  Underwater. 
    • 6.  Micro Nature.   
  • CONSERVATION:  
    • 7.  Our Changing Planet.    
    • 8.  Conservation Photographer of the Year (portfolio).   
  • STORY-TELLING:    
    • 9.  Six Frames for Change (photographic essay).   
    • 10. Short Video.      

Prizes:

  • a first place for the best picture registered in any category for $100,000
  • a first place for the best picture in any category taken in Mexican territory for $15,000
  • a first place for the picture voted by the public through the internet from a list of 25 images selected by the Jury for $10,000

Adults can submit up to 30 photos and 2 videos. Under 18 can submit up to 12 photos. No more than 5 images in each photo category, with two exceptions: in Six Frames for Change you may upload up to 3 series of 6 to 10 images, and in Conservation Photographer of the Year you must upload exactly 5 images. 

Judging criteria:

  • The impact of the conservation message.
  • Creativity
  • Originality
  • Composition
  • Technical and artistic considerations

Image requirements: JPEG format, RGB mode, 1920 (on the long edge) pixels at 72 dpi. For the video category, all submissions (1Gb maximum) must be uploaded on the official website in .MP4, .MOV, .MPEG, .M4V formats, with no credits. Basic retouching (brightness, color saturation, sharpening and contrast) will be tolerated as long as the submission maintains a close relation with the original picture.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

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.

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