| Copyright | Entrants retain ownership and all other rights to submitted photographs and grant to the Academy a nonexclusive, irrevocable license to reproduce, publish and display submitted images in all media throughout the world directly in relation to the Competition |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 1 March 2025 |
| Entry fee | $25 for up to 10 single image submissions in any category; $15 for 1 Photo Essay submission (3-5 images) |
FinishedDivisions:
1. Terrestrial Wildlife: Animals photographed anywhere in the world. Images may include land-based mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and non-flying insects whether they live in trees or on land.
2. Winged Life: Birds or flying insects photographed anywhere in the world, in flight, perched, or in action. This category includes flightless birds such as penguins and ostriches.
3. Landscapes, Waterscapes & Flora: Images of wild places with a unique perspective, from expansive vistas of forests, deserts and mountains to the micro habitats of plants and other flora. Images may include water environments of oceans, lakes and rivers with images taken above or under water including waves, tide pools and other water scenes.
4. Aquatic Life: Marine and freshwater animals including mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates that spend the majority of their time in water. This category includes polar bears.
5. Art of Nature: Abstract expressions of nature and/or science. Life photographed out in nature or under the microscope. Images may include unusual close ups, angles, patterns, motion, or perspectives, black and white photography and images created using scientific imaging tools. Artistic effects should not be the result of digital manipulations.
6. Human/Nature: Images that depict the efforts of scientists, conservationists, and others working to sustain life on our planet, or the complex relationships between human and nature. Images should illustrate the impacts of humans on the environment and can be either positive or negative impact stories.
7. 2025 Photo Story—In My Backyard: A 6–8 image submission with captions.
BigPicture encourages photographers from around the world to contribute their work to this competition that both celebrates and illustrates the rich diversity of life on Earth and inspires action to protect and conserve it through the power of imagery.
Prizes:
» Grand Prize (1 total):
$5,000 cash
Digital BigPicture Grand Prize Award
» First Place for each category (7 total, including Photo Story category):
$1,000 cash
Digital BigPicture First Place Award
» Finalists (up to 6 in each category, excluding Photo Story category):
Digital BigPicture Certificate of Recognition
» People’s Choice Award
$300 cash
Digital BigPicture Certificate of Recognition
Image requirements: .jpg or .jpeg format in Adobe RGB; must be 120 dpi; should be a minimum of 1920 px on the long edge and maximum 3000 px. No borders, watermarks or signatures allowed. Winners will need to provide raw file.
Online submission of digital photographs via the 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 — Landscape photography contests
Who can enter landscape photography contests?
Most landscape contests welcome photographers worldwide, from enthusiasts to professionals. Many prioritize authentic location work and ethical land practices—review guidelines to confirm if your style aligns with the contest's artistic or conservation focus.
Are landscape photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$35 per image, with early-bird discounts or series bundles often reducing costs. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do landscape photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($250–$10,000) to feature spots in outdoor magazines, calendar placements, workshop scholarships, or exhibition inclusion. Recognition from respected nature publications can significantly boost your visibility in the outdoor photography community.
How do I choose which landscape contest to enter?
Match your strongest images to the contest's theme or geographic focus. Review past winners for aesthetic preferences, verify technical specs (resolution, EXIF data), and check location requirements—some contests prioritize specific regions, parks, or environmental narratives.
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.