The Earth Photo 2025 is an international photography and film contest that invites creators from around the world to share compelling visual stories about life on our planet. Organized by Forestry England, the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), and Parker Harris, this contest focuses on themes of environmental change, biodiversity, human connection to nature, and the resilience of ecosystems. Earth Photo 2025 is not just a competition; it’s a platform for raising awareness about the pressing challenges and inspiring solutions facing our world today.
Participants can submit up to 10 still photographs or short films (5 seconds to 5 minutes long) that explore topics such as climate change, forest ecosystems, environmental justice, and the beauty of nature. The contest is open to photographers and filmmakers of all levels, from amateurs to professionals, and welcomes submissions in any genre, including documentary, fine art, photojournalism, and conceptual work. The submission deadline is March 3, 2025, and winners will be announced in April 2025.
Earth Photo 2025 offers a range of awards, including cash prizes, residencies, and exhibition opportunities. The top prize is £1,000 for the best photography project, with additional awards for categories like climate change, forest ecosystems, and moving image. Selected works will be exhibited at the Royal Geographical Society in London and other venues across the UK, providing participants with significant exposure. With an entry fee of £15 for up to 10 submissions, Earth Photo 2025 is an accessible and impactful contest for those passionate about storytelling through photography and film.
The Earth Photo 2025 Prizes
The prizes for Earth Photo 2025 are designed to reward excellence in visual storytelling while supporting the contest’s mission to highlight environmental and social issues. The awards are highly coveted, offering both financial rewards and opportunities for professional growth and exposure.
Main Awards
- Earth Photo Award 2025: £1,000 for an outstanding photography project that tells a compelling story about life on our planet.
- Climate of Change Award: £500 for a submission that explores the impacts of climate change on people, environments, and wildlife, or showcases resilience and innovative adaptations.
- Forest Ecosystem Award: £500 for an extraordinary submission related to trees, forest ecosystems, biodiversity, and communities.
- Moving Image Award: £500 for the strongest short film that tells a compelling story about life on our planet.
Special Opportunities
- Sidney Nolan Trust Residency Prize: A two-week residency at The Rodd, offering access to Sidney Nolan’s photographic archives.
- David Wolf Kaye Future Potential Awards: Two awards for practitioners aged 25 or under, each receiving £250 and mentorship to support their next project.
- Photoworks Digital Residency: At least one participant will be selected for a digital residency, receiving £400 and online exposure.
- New Scientist Editors Award: Mentoring and potential publication in New Scientist magazine.
These prizes not only recognize artistic talent but also provide platforms for participants to amplify their work and contribute to global conversations about the environment and society.
The Categories of Earth Photo 2025
Earth Photo 2025 does not have rigid categories but encourages submissions that align with its overarching themes. Participants are invited to explore topics such as:
- Human connection to nature and climate
- Sustainable development and environmental justice
- Wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystems
- Indigenous knowledge and perspectives
- Climate emergencies and resilience
- Forests and forest ecosystems
The contest is open to all genres of photography and film, from documentary and photojournalism to fine art and conceptual work. This flexibility allows participants to interpret the themes creatively and submit work that resonates with their unique perspective.
Earth Photo 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
The contest follows a clear timeline:
- Submission deadline: March 3, 2025, at 5 PM GMT
- Applicants notified: April 9, 2025
- Exhibition at the Royal Geographical Society: June 16 to August 20, 2025
The entry fee is £15 for up to 10 images or films, making it an affordable opportunity for photographers and filmmakers to participate in one of the most interesting photography contests online.
About the Jury
Earth Photo 2025 features a distinguished jury of industry experts, including:
- Tim Boddy, Picture Editor at New Scientist
- Louise Fedotov-Clements, Director of Photoworks
- Marissa Roth, Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist
- Arianna Rinaldo, Curator and Artistic Director
- Fiona Shields, Head of Photography at The Guardian
The jury will evaluate submissions based on their creativity, storytelling, and relevance to the contest’s themes. Their expertise ensures a fair and rigorous selection process.
Why Enter Earth Photo 2025?
Earth Photo 2025 offers a unique opportunity to showcase your work on a global stage while contributing to important conversations about the environment and society. The contest’s focus on storytelling and its commitment to highlighting pressing issues make it a meaningful platform for photographers and filmmakers.
With awards that include cash prizes, residencies, and exhibition opportunities, Earth Photo 2025 provides tangible benefits for participants. Additionally, the contest’s emphasis on accessibility—with a low entry fee and open themes—makes it an inclusive opportunity for creators of all levels.
For those passionate about conservation photography competitions, Earth Photo 2025 is a chance to use your craft to inspire change and celebrate the beauty and resilience of our planet.
For more information and to enter the competition, visit: the oficial website.
