World Nature Photography Awards 2026 (WNPA 2026)

World Nature Photography Awards 2026 (WNPA 2026)

The World Nature Photography Awards 2026 (WNPA 2026) invites photographers worldwide to showcase their talent in capturing the planet’s natural beauty. This esteemed competition offers participants the chance to gain international recognition and vie for the grand prize of $1,000, along with the prestigious title of World Nature Photographer of the Year. ​

The WNPA 2026 encompasses a diverse array of themes and categories, providing photographers with the opportunity to highlight various aspects of nature. Categories include Animals in Their Habitat, Animal Portraits, Behavior, Plants and Fungi, Underwater, Black and White, and more. Each category is designed to celebrate the intricate and captivating facets of the natural world, encouraging participants to present their unique perspectives. ​

The competition’s prizes hold significant value for photographers seeking to establish or enhance their professional standing. Beyond the monetary reward, the title of World Nature Photographer of the Year serves as a distinguished accolade, opening doors to further opportunities within the photography community.

The Early Bird deadline is March 30, 2025, offering participants an opportunity to submit their entries at a reduced fee. The final deadline for submissions is June 30, 2025, after which entries will undergo a thorough judging process. Winners will be announced in February 2026, with the results being publicized across major media outlets and the WNPA’s official platforms.

The standard entry fee is £30 per submission, allowing photographers to enter up to six images.​ In evaluating the WNPA 2026, the competition stands out for its comprehensive range of categories and the prestige associated with its awards. The competition’s commitment to planting a tree for every entry received further underscores its dedication to environmental conservation.

Overall, the World Nature Photography Awards 2026 presents a valuable platform for photographers to showcase their work, gain recognition, and support environmental initiatives.​

The World Nature Photography Awards 2026 Prizes

The World Nature Photography Awards 2026 (WNPA 2026) offers exciting prizes that make it a notable event in the world of nature photography competitions. The competition rewards excellence across multiple categories, making it an excellent platform for photographers to showcase their work.

Prizes Breakdown:

  • Grand Prize:
    • $1,000 cash award
    • Title of “World Nature Photographer of the Year”
  • Category Awards:
    • Gold Winner – Recognized as the best in the category
    • Silver Winner – Second place in the category
    • Bronze Winner – Third place in the category

Winners will also gain media exposure, with their work promoted on the WNPA website, social media platforms, and press releases distributed to major outlets worldwide.

The Categories of the World Nature Photography Awards 2026

The World Nature Photography Awards 2026 features multiple categories, allowing photographers to submit images that align with their specific interests and expertise. The categories are as follows:

  • Animals in Their Habitat – Capturing wildlife in its natural environment.
  • Animal Portraits – Close-up images that highlight an animal’s character.
  • Behavior – Amphibians and Reptiles – Showcasing unique behaviors of amphibians and reptiles.
  • Behavior – Birds – Capturing moments that define bird behavior.
  • Behavior – Invertebrates – Focusing on insects, arachnids, and other invertebrates.
  • Behavior – Mammals – Documenting mammal interactions and behaviors.
  • Plants and Fungi – Celebrating the beauty of plant life and fungi.
  • Urban Wildlife – Depicting animals thriving in urban environments.
  • Planet Earth’s Landscapes and Environments – Showcasing the grandeur of Earth’s landscapes.
  • Underwater – Exploring the beauty of life beneath the waves.
  • Black and White – Monochrome nature photography emphasizing contrast and composition.
  • Nature Art – Artistic interpretations of nature.
  • Nature Photojournalism – Storytelling through nature and environmental photography.
  • People and Nature – Highlighting the connection between humans and the natural world.

This diverse selection ensures that photographers of all specialties can find a category that fits their style and subject matter. The competition is open to both professional and amateur photographers, making it an inclusive event.

World Nature Photography Awards 2026 Dates and Entry Fees

For those planning to participate, it’s essential to keep track of the key dates and entry fees:

Key Dates

DateEvent
March 30, 2025Early Bird Entry Deadline
June 30, 2025Final Submission Deadline
February 2026Winners Announced

Entry Fees

  • Standard Entry Fee: £30 (allows submission of up to 6 images)

For those looking for photography contests to enter, WNPA 2026 provides a straightforward submission process with reasonable fees.

About the Jury

The World Nature Photography Awards 2026 will be judged by a panel of industry experts, including professional photographers, conservationists, and nature specialists. The jury will assess images based on artistic merit, originality, composition, and how well they align with the competition’s categories. The judging process ensures that only the highest quality nature photography is recognized.

Why Enter the World Nature Photography Awards 2026?

The World Nature Photography Awards 2026 offers more than just a prize; it provides global recognition for photographers passionate about nature and wildlife. Winning or placing in the competition can lead to media exposure, publication opportunities, and increased credibility within the photography industry.

Additionally, the competition’s commitment to environmental conservation makes it unique. For every entry received, WNPA pledges to plant a tree in partnership with Ecologi, reinforcing its dedication to protecting the planet.

For those who want to test their skills against other talented photographers, build their portfolio, and contribute to an environmentally-conscious initiative, WNPA 2026 is a strong contender among best photography competitions.

For more information and to enter the competition, visit: the oficial website.

Share