Wildlife Photographer of the Year harnesses the power of photography to promote the discovery, understanding, and responsible enjoyment of the natural world. An image can alter the way we see, think and feel. Whether captured in the most remote wilderness or taken in the intimacy of your own backyard, a truly great image of Nature can change our world view.

For 52 years, this competition has championed honest and ethical wildlife photography, while pushing the boundaries of artistic freedom, technical skill and narrative excellence. It recognises, rewards and celebrates the work of both emerging talent and established professionals worldwide.

The Adult Competition consists of 17 categories divided in 5 main subjects:

• Earth's Diversity
• Earth's Environment
• Earth's Design
• Documentary
• Portfolio

The Young Competition entrants instead may submit into the appropriate age category:

• 10 Years and Under
• 11 to 14 Years
• 15 to 17 Years

There is also a special interactive award: WILD-I - one submission per entrant of six still images and up to 150 words of text plus an optional 90 seconds of moving image.

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.

Entries must be in digital format but the original photograph does not need to have been taken on a digital camera. High quality scans of transparencies or negatives are also acceptable. Digital files must be submitted as JPEGs, saved at a high quality setting of at least 8, Adobe RGB (1998), and at 1920 pixels along the longest dimension. Ownership of the copyright in all images submitted to the competition will remain with the copyright owner(s).

Entry fee for photographers 18 and over: 30 GBP (approx. 45 USD).
There is no entry fee for photographers 17 and under.

Eligibility

This competition is open to everyone worldwide.

Prize

Take centre stage at the glittering 52nd Wildlife Photography of the Year Awards Ceremony held within the iconic surroundings of the Natural History Museum in London, UK. See your image premiered in the breath-taking exhibition at the Museum before it is then toured worldwide reaching an audience of millions. Enjoy extensive media coverage and the public exposure of your image through the WPY online community and much more.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Best Single Image: 10,000 GBP (approx. 14,900 USD) and trophy.