| Copyright | Entrants retain ownership and all other rights in submitted images subject but grant to the Academy a non-exclusive, irrevocable license to reproduce, publish and display submitted images in all media throughout the world directly in relation to the Competition for period of up to 5 years. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 31 March 2015 |
| Entry fee | from $15-25 for adults and $5-15 for youth |
Finished
Enter your nature, wildlife and conservation images for a chance to win cash prizes and be exhibited at the California Academy of Sciences.
Categories:
- Terrestrial Wildlife
- Things With Wings
- Landscapes, Waterscapes & Flora
- Aquatic Life
- Art of Nature
- Conservation
Prizes:
- Adult Division:
- One Grand Prize: $5,000 cash
- One First Place Prize: $1,000 cash and Customized Award
- One Runner Up Prize
- Up to Ten Honorable Mentions (at the Judging Jury’s discretion)
- Youth Division:
- One First Place Prize
- One Runner-up Prize
- Up to Ten Honorable Mentions (at the Judging Jury’s discretion)
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, will be disqualified. Captive animals photographed in major zoos, wildlife research facilities or rehabilitation centers are acceptable.
Judging criteria:
- Overall Impact: 35%
- Originality: 30%
- Aesthetic Impact: 20%
- Technical Expertise: 15%
Image requirements: jpg, gif or tiff format; no smaller that 1200 pixels on the smallest side and no larger than 4800 px on the larger side. From 1 to 6 Mb in file size, RGB mode only. No borders, watermarks or signatures allowed.
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 — Photography exhibition contests
Who can enter photography exhibition contests?
Most exhibition contests welcome photographers with cohesive bodies of work—emerging to mid-career artists. Some prioritize thematic series or conceptual depth; review curatorial guidelines to ensure your project aligns with the venue's vision.
Are exhibition contests free to enter?
Few are free; most charge $15–$50 per submission, with portfolio or series entries priced higher. Entry fees and early-bird discounts are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do exhibition contests offer?
Prizes emphasize physical or virtual presentation: gallery exhibition slots, group show inclusion, catalog features, press coverage, or artist talks. Cash awards are less common but may range $1,000–$5,000 for top honors.
How do I choose which exhibition contest to enter?
Match your series to the venue's curatorial focus and research past exhibitions for aesthetic alignment. Verify technical specs (print size, framing, digital format), review shipping or installation requirements, and carefully assess rights clauses—some exhibitions request display or promotional usage rights.
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.