Contents
Capturing Ecology 2025 from the British Ecological Society (BES) ranks among the best photo contests online and is open for submissions until 30 September 2025. This annual competition brings ecological narratives into focus, calling on photographers worldwide to document wildlife, plant life, habitats, and the human stories intertwined with nature. With eight diverse categories—from Animals to Up Close—there’s room for every vision of our living planet.
Entries open on 15 April 2025 and close on 30 September 2025. BES members and competition partners enter for free; non-members pay £12 per image (fee waivers for Global South applicants). You may submit up to eight images in TIFF, JPEG, or RAW format (1–10 MB), declaring any minor edits. Winners receive a £750 top prize plus 12 months of free BES membership, category winners earn £120 each, and the Ecologist’s Choice winner also gets 12 months free membership.
Selected images will be displayed in an online exhibition and highlighted across BES social media channels, with metadata published alongside each image to support scientific context. With straightforward online entry, transparent criteria, and a panel of photographers and ecologists judging, Capturing Ecology 2025 offers a clear path for building your portfolio and connecting with a global conservation community.
The Capturing Ecology 2025 Prizes
Prizes are designed to reward both overall excellence and category-specific achievements:
- Overall winner:
- £750
- 12 months free BES membership
- Category winner:
- £120 per category
- Ecologist’s Choice winner:
- £120
- 12 months free BES membership
Related Photo Contests
The Categories of Capturing Ecology 2025
- Animals: Images showcasing a single species or group in its natural setting, capturing behavior and ecology.
- Plants and Fungi: Photographs that highlight form, color, and interactions of flora and fungi in their habitats.
- Interactions: Moments that reveal symbiosis, predation, or other ecological relationships.
- Ecologists in Action: Documentary-style shots of researchers and conservationists at work.
- People and Nature: Scenes illustrating the connection between human communities and their environments.
- Nature, Food and Farming: Visual stories about sustainable agriculture and its ecological impacts.
- Mobile Ecology: Smartphone images capturing spontaneous moments in nature.
- Up Close: Detailed macrophotography revealing textures and patterns unseen at first glance.
Capturing Ecology 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
| Submission Opens | 15 April 2025 |
|---|---|
| Submission Closes | 30 September 2025 |
Entry Fee:
- Free for BES members and competition partners
- £12 per image for non-members
- waived for Global South entrants
How to Enter:
Use the official entry form on the British Ecological Society site to upload up to eight images, select your category, and complete any payment required. Follow file specifications and provide metadata on camera settings, species, and location.
About the Jury
An expert panel of award-winning nature photographers and leading ecologists evaluates every submission. Their combined experience in field research and visual storytelling ensures a fair, informed selection across all categories.
Why Enter Capturing Ecology 2025?
As one of the top photography contests and awards in conservation, Capturing Ecology 2025 offers a competitive cash prize, a year of free BES membership, and global exposure through an online exhibition and social media features. Its transparent judging and commission-free print sales make it a factual and valuable opportunity for photographers seeking recognition.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Capturing Ecology 2025 has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Rules
Submit up to eight images (TIFF, JPEG or RAW; 1–10 MB). Minor digital edits allowed if declared; AI-generated content is not permitted. Each image may appear in only one category. Entry fees are non-refundable.
Copyright and Image Usage
Photographers retain full copyright. By entering, you grant the British Ecological Society and its partners permission to use and promote your images—online, in print, and on social media—with proper credit.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
