| Copyright | The entrants retain all rights to the images submitted and assign only the non-exclusive right of publication of the winning images to the Foundation, as well as to the sponsors and special collaborators of the Competition, only for the future promotion of the Competition. The Foundation, as well as the sponsors and special collaborators of the Competition may use awarded photographs for the future promotion of the Competition by any means, including social networks. Both the Foundation and the sponsors and special collaborators of the Competition may make and store copies of the awarded photographs (Winner, Runner-Up and Finalists) for reproduction, in digital or printed format, in exhibitions, projections or publications, including their inclusion, temporarily or permanently, on the Competition’s website or on their webpages and social networks. Any image published by the Foundation, sponsors or special collaborators of the Competition, must indicate the name of its author in a clearly legible form. |
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| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 1 September 2025 |
Finished
Categories:
01 – Special Category “Conservation Photography – Thematic Series”
This category awards a series of six images, with a common, strong conservation theme. The winning series will receive a cash prize of €1,500, and the runner-up series will receive a cash prize of €500.
02 – Special Category “Conservation Photography – Single Image”
This category awards a single image, with a strong conservation content. The winning image will receive a cash prize of €1,500, and the runner-up image will receive a cash prize of €500.
03 – Special Category “Conservation Photography – Spain”
A single image, with a strong conservation content, taken in Spain. The winning image will receive a cash prize of €1,500, and the runner-up image will receive a cash prize of €500.
04 – Special Category “Nature, narrated by Women”.
This exciting new category, in collaboration with MOTHER, a well-known international non-profit photography magazine, awards a story – narrated through a series of 5 to 10 images – about Nature. Images submitted to this category must be in line with MOTHER’s vision (more details in the box below. The winning story will receive a cash prize of 1,500 euros, and will receive coverage by MOTHER magazine in 2025. The runner-up story will receive a cash prize of €500. Both cash prizes are offered by the Foundation.
05 – Special Category “The Beauty of the Planet”.
An individual image, showing the astonishing beauty and fragility of our planet’s animal species. Images submitted in this category must have been taken during an international photography trip organized by Wildwatching Spain, after 1-1-2020.
06 – Special Category “The beauty of Spain”.
An individual image, showing the astonishing beauty and fragility of Spain’s animal species. The images submitted in this category must have been taken in a photography hide managed by Wildwatching Spain, after 1-1-2020.
07 – Mammals
Wild and free-ranging mammals, at any stage of their lives, anywhere on the planet.
08 – Birds
Birds in the wild, at any stage of their life and anywhere on the planet. Images of nests will not be accepted under any circumstances.
09 – Oceans
Underwater images taken in the seas and oceans of our Planet. The animal species portrayed must, of course, be completely wild.
10 – Other animals
Images of any other wild and free-ranging animal, not included in the categories Mammals, Birds, and Oceans, at any stage of their life, and anywhere on the Planet.
11 – Landscape
Images of any of the natural paradises still found on our Planet.
12 – Creative
The images submitted in this category must propose new visions of the natural world that go beyond the obvious. Using a visual language centered on colors, shapes, tones and textures, with a strong emphasis on abstraction and originality, the aim of this category is to seduce, surprise, arouse emotions and help the viewer to surrender to contemplation.
13 – Young Photographers
In this category we welcome Nature images, with no restrictions on subject matter and content (except, of course, that they comply with the Competition’s code of ethics), taken by photographers who are still under the age of 18 on 1 June 2024.
14 – People’s Choice
The Jury will select a series of images to be submitted to a popular vote, which will take place on the website or on the competition’s Instagram.
Online submission of digital images via the website. Each entrant may submit a maximum of 30 photographs and is free to choose the distribution of the images among the categories.
Image requirements:
JPG format and must contain their metadata or Exif data. This data is automatically encrypted and cannot be seen by the judges at any time, so it is not a problem if the metadata includes the authorship of the image. Images must be submitted without frames, signatures or watermarks.
IMPORTANT: the JPG image must have a minimum of 3000 pixels on its longest side and a resolution of 300dpi. The maximum size limit for each image is 100Mb.
Entrants may, at the time of submitting their photographs to the competition, also submit the RAW file of each image. This is voluntary at the time of submitting the JPG, but entrants might choose otro do so, in order to avoid having to submit the RAW if their entry is chose for the final phase of judging (moment in which, submitting the RAW image becomes compulsory).
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 — 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.