Wildlife Photographer Of The Year 2026
Wildlife Photographer Of The Year 2026 is now open for entries!
Wildlife Photographer Of The Year 2026, annual internatonal photography competition recently organised by Natural History Museum (London) every year calls all photographers, professional or amateur worldwide to put nature in the frame and to see work that raises awareness of the beauty and fragility of the natural world.
Short description
Wildlife Photographer Of The Year 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious nature photography competition, organised by Natural History Museum (London), is now open for entries calling on photographers worldwide to put nature in the frame, helping to promote sustainability and the conservation of wildlife. It recognises, rewards and celebrates the work of both emerging talent and established professionals worldwide.
Each year, the competition celebrates the finest wildlife photography by highlighting the most compelling images of wild animals, plants, fungi, landscapes, and underwater environments, drawing attention to the diversity and vulnerability of life on Earth.
Now in its 62nd edition, the competition continues to set the global standard for wildlife imagery and ethical photography. Entrants are encouraged to submit original photographs that demonstrate both artistic excellence and authenticity in depicting natural subjects.
Images can cover any aspect of wildlife and the natural world, whether wild plants or animals or their natural environments, or illustrate our interaction with nature, good or bad.
Entrants are required to report on the natural world in a way that is both creative and honest. Images entered must not attempt to deceive the viewer or misrepresent the reality of nature. Entrants must not do anything to injure or distress any animals or destroy their habitat in an attempt to secure an image.
You can enter the same image into more than one category. Black and white images can be entered into all categories.
Through its rigorous judging process, conducted by a panel of respected wildlife photographers, conservationists and editors, the competition rewards creativity, storytelling, and technical skill. Every image is evaluated not only for its visual impact but also for its honesty and adherence to ethical guidelines that protect the welfare of animals and ecosystems.
The panel will be also looking for originality, narrative and ethical practice and will strongly favour images that have not already been awarded (winner, runner-up, commended, honourable mention etc) in other similar international competitions.
Each winning photograph becomes part of an internationally acclaimed exhibition that begins at the Natural History Museum in London before touring worldwide, inspiring millions of visitors to engage with nature through the lens of photography. Accompanied by global media coverage and the publication of an annual portfolio book, the competition continues to influence photographers, conservationists, and audiences alike, reinforcing its status as the leading international competition for wildlife photography.
Who may enter?
This competition is open to anyone aged 18 or over on 4 December 2025 submitting images of non-captive wild subjects taken by a photographic process.
Prize:
Winners of the competition receive cash awards, certificates, a trophy (for the top award) and an invitation to the awards ceremony in London, have their work published in the competition’s portfolio book, and see their image presented in a major exhibition at the Natural History Museum before a global touring display.
Entry fees:
The adult competition entry fee is £35 for each entrant (with earlier entry at £30, and free entry for entrants aged 18-26 and for certain countries).
