| Copyright | All applicants to the Vital Impacts Environmental Photography Grant agree to allow Vital Impacts to use their works and application materials in the promotion of the contest and the announcement of the winners. Vital impacts will publish a shortlist of winners which will correspond to the mentorship recipients in March, with photographs from each of the shortlisted honorees accompanying the announcement in social media and press outreach. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 7 February 2023 |
| Entry fee | $25. Fee may be waived for economic hardship. The fee is waived for all applicants from developing countries. |
Finished
Vital Impacts will be awarding two $20,000(US) grants to support the development of a documentary project on the work of an environmental story over the course of twelve months. The grants are for two separate photographers working on two separate projects. The grants will fund visual stories that highlight solution based environmental initiatives. It is designed to give the recipients time, mentoring and intellectual freedom to produce a body of work over twelve months.
The purpose of our grants is to support and encourage visual storytellers to create a long term documentary photography project with local communities who are working to protect the environment and wildlife.
GRANT WINNERS ANNOUNCED: April 2023
Image requirements: 10-20 jpeg images measuring 3000px on their longest size showing the applicants experience photographing a local conservation story. The images should represent 1-2 bodies of work or photo stories, as opposed to being a collection of stills.
Online submission of digital images via the website.
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.