
The National Wildlife Photo Contest 2025 is a long-established and highly regarded competition that celebrates the beauty of wildlife, habitats, and the natural world. Now in its 54th year, this contest provides both amateur and professional photographers with an opportunity to showcase their best nature photography while supporting the National Wildlife Federation’s conservation mission. Winners not only receive cash prizes but also gain international recognition, with top entries published in National Wildlife magazine and across various media platforms.
The contest welcomes submissions in a variety of categories, including Birds, Mammals, Baby Animals, Other Wildlife, Landscapes & Plants, People in Nature, Mobile Photography, Young Nature Photographers, and Portfolio. Photographers are encouraged to submit images that highlight the wonders of the natural world while adhering to ethical wildlife photography practices.
Participants can enter their work between January 15, 2025, and March 23, 2025. The National Wildlife Photo Contest 2025 offers different entry packages. Fees begin at $15 for one photo, with discounted rates for multiple entries. In addition to category prizes, entrants have the opportunity to win the People’s Choice Award, which is determined through public voting.
While the contest fees contribute to the Federation’s conservation efforts, participants gain valuable exposure and the potential to have their work featured in a widely respected nature photography publication. For those looking to enter one of the best photography contests to enter, this competition offers an excellent platform for recognition.
The National Wildlife Photo Contest 2025 Prizes
Winning this wildlife photo contest brings both cash rewards and significant exposure. The prizes are as follows:
- Grand Prize: $5,000 and the Nature’s Witness Award.
- Portfolio Prize: $750.
- First Place: $500 for each of the eight subject categories.
- Second Place: $250 for each of the eight subject categories.
- Honorable Mentions: Certificates of distinction and a National Wildlife Federation calendar.
- People’s Choice Award: Featured in National Wildlife magazine and across social media platforms.
In addition to cash prizes, winners receive widespread media coverage, industry recognition, and the chance to inspire millions of nature lovers worldwide.
The Categories of the National Wildlife Photo Contest 2025
Photographers may submit images in the following categories:
- Birds – Any species of bird in their natural habitat.
- Mammals – Wildlife portraits and behaviors of any mammal species.
- Baby Animals – Young animals of any species.
- Other Wildlife – Includes underwater life, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and macro photography.
- Landscapes & Plants – Natural scenery, from broad landscapes to close-up plant life.
- People in Nature – Captures human interaction with wildlife or the environment.
- Mobile Photography – Nature or wildlife images taken with a mobile device.
- Young Nature Photographers – Open to photographers aged 13 to 17.
- Portfolio – A curated collection of up to 10 images with a common nature-related theme.
National Wildlife Photo Contest 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
The contest offers different pricing options based on the number of entries:
- Enter up to 15 photos for $25
- Enter up to 10 photos for $20.
- Enter one photo for $15.
- Enter a Portfolio of up to 10 images for $20.
The National Wildlife Photo Contest 2025 is open from January 15, 2025, to March 23, 2025. Public voting for the People’s Choice Award will run from January 15, 2025, to May 1, 2025. Winners will be notified in October 2025, with select images published in National Wildlife magazine in Winter 2026.
About the Jury
A panel of professional photographers, conservationists, and editorial experts will judge submissions based on originality, technical excellence, composition, impact, and artistic merit. Judges are selected from within the National Wildlife Federation and its affiliated photography experts.
Why Enter the National Wildlife Photo Contest 2025?
This National Wildlife Photo Contest 2025 offers an incredible opportunity to gain widespread recognition in the field of wildlife photography. Winning images receive media exposure through print and digital publications, social media features, and industry acknowledgment. Entrants also support the National Wildlife Federation’s conservation mission, using their work to inspire action and awareness for wildlife preservation. Whether you’re an emerging photographer or an experienced professional, this contest is a prestigious platform for nature and wildlife photography.
For more information and to enter the competition, visit: the oficial website.