The Milvus Photocontest 2026 marks the seventeenth edition of one of Europe’s most enduring international nature photography competitions. Celebrating wild landscapes, plants, fungi, and untamed animal life, this contest invites photographers from all over the world to share work that speaks to the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Submissions for this year’s edition close on March 20, 2026, with prizes that include cash awards, exclusive experiences, and the coveted Milvus Trophy.
This year’s contest offers multiple ways for photographers to shine across four defined categories, and the judges have added a new “Impact Award” to recognize images that highlight conservation, climate or wildlife crime themes. Participating artists are eligible for cash awards of up to €1,000, guided nature photo tours, books, and exposure at the linked LYNX Festival exhibition in Brașov. With a general entry fee of €20 and free entry for the Junior section, the Milvus Photocontest is among the standout opportunities for photographers seeking both artistic challenge and professional visibility. As one of the photography competitions to enter this year, it continues to draw a global community passionate about nature imagery.
Photographers of all experience levels can submit up to 15 images (or 5 for the Junior category), each taken in natural settings without significant man-made elements. Winners will be announced in May 2026 during the awards ceremony tied to the LYNX Festival, offering not just accolades but public exposure and community recognition.
Contents
Prizes
The Milvus Photocontest 2026 rewards outstanding nature photography with cash prizes, professional experiences, and special recognition awards that reflect its environmental focus.
- Grand Prize:
- €1,000 cash prize.
- Milvus Trophy.
- Four-day guided photo tour for two people to the photographic hides at Ultima Frontieră in the Danube Delta, offered by Rewilding Romania.
- Category Prizes (Nature, Wild Animals, Romanian Nature):
- First Place: €400.
- Second Place: €300.
- Third Place: Photography book “Wild Romania”.
- Junior Category Prize:
- Photography book pack.
- Public Award:
- Special gift package from the Milvus Group (based on public voting).
- Impact Award:
- Special recognition for the image that best addresses environmental, conservation, or wildlife crime themes across all categories.
Related Photo Contests
Categories or Themes
The Milvus Photocontest 2026 features four distinct categories designed to encompass different approaches to nature photography:
- Nature: Images of wild plants, fungi, landscapes, and natural details. Animals may appear if shown in their natural environment and without dominant human-made elements.
- Wild Animals: Photographs of wild fauna captured in natural conditions, including behavior, portraits, and action scenes.
- Romanian Nature: Open only to Romanian residents, featuring wildlife, flora, and landscapes photographed within Romania.
- Junior: Reserved for photographers under 16 years of age, allowing submissions exclusively within this category.
Dates and Entry Fees
The Milvus Photocontest 2026 follows a defined timeline that provides structure from submission to awards presentation.
Key Dates:
- Photo Submissions: January 20 – March 20, 2026
- RAW Files Request (if selected): April 2026
- Public Vote Period: May 2026
- Winners Announced: May 2026
- Awards Ceremony and Exhibition Opening: June 6, 2026.
Entry Fees:
- General Participation: €20 (non-refundable)
- Junior Category: Free of charge
How to Enter
Photographers wishing to enter must create an account and log in on the official competition website. Once registered, they can upload their images in JPEG format according to the contest’s photo specifications. A maximum of 15 images may be submitted across categories A, B, and C, and up to 5 images for the Junior category. Registration details and image upload instructions are provided during the account creation process.
About the Jury
The Milvus Photocontest 2026 panel comprises internationally respected nature photographers who bring diverse perspectives to the judging process.
- Dan Dinu: Internationally recognized nature photographer and author.
- Dorin Bofan: Nature photographer known for his evocative landscapes and creative vision.
- Kerekes István: Award-winning wildlife and portrait photographer.
- Daniel Mîrlea: Renowned for his work documenting Romania’s natural beauty.
- Zoltán Gergely-Nagy: Accomplished photographer with a focus on wildlife and environmental themes.
This expert jury ensures that every submission is evaluated fairly and professionally, with a focus on creativity, originality, and technical quality.
Why Enter Milvus Photocontest 2026?
Entering the Milvus Photocontest 2026 offers more than just award potential. It places your work on a global stage, connecting your images with audiences passionate about nature and conservation. The contest’s emphasis on authentic wild imagery and its inclusion of an Impact Award highlight its role in promoting environmental awareness — a theme many photographers explore through genres such as nature and wildlife photography. Awards include substantial cash prizes, curated book rewards, and opportunities to exhibit at associated events like the LYNX Festival, making this competition a meaningful platform for both emerging and experienced photographers. Participation also aligns your work with a respected conservation cause, potentially amplifying its reach beyond typical contest exposure.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Milvus Photocontest 2026 has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Key Rules
All images must be taken in natural conditions without dominant man-made elements. A maximum of 15 images may be submitted across normal categories and 5 in Junior. Participants must own full copyright and guarantee that submitted images comply with ethical and technical standards. Uploaded images must be in JPEG format, sRGB, max 3MB, and must retain original EXIF data. RAW files may be requested for verification. Failure to comply with rules can lead to disqualification.
Copyright and Image Usage
By entering, photographers affirm they own copyright and have not transferred exclusive rights. Selected images may be used by the organizers for promotional purposes related to the competition without compensation, and with proper attribution. Images may be published on the contest website, social channels, or in print to promote the event.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
