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The Royal Entomological Society Insect Week Photography Competition 2025 is now open for submissions, inviting amateur photographers worldwide to capture the fascinating world of insects. Open until 31 October 2025, this free contest offers substantial cash awards to winners across age categories. With a first prize of £750 for entrants aged 18 and over and £450 for those under 18, alongside runner-up awards, it’s one of the most anticipated insect photography challenges of the year.
Entrants can submit up to three insect photographs under one of three competition themes—“Insect behaviour,” “Insect portraits,” or “Insects in their environment”—or opt for the “Smartphone” category, which is open to any age group. Each image must be the original work of the photographer and adhere to specified technical requirements (JPEG, PNG, etc.). Participation is entirely free, making this one of the best photo contests to enter for enthusiasts of nature and entomology alike.
Beyond the opportunity for cash prizes, winners gain significant exposure: winning images are showcased in an online gallery on the Insect Week website and published in the RES bulletin, Antenna. Whether you’re an aspiring insect photographer or seeking to expand your portfolio in the realm of macro and wildlife imagery, this competition underscores the importance of amateur contributions to entomological conservation and learning as part of free online photo contests that highlight biodiversity.
The RES Insect Week Photography Competition 2025 Prizes
Prizes will be awarded for the top entries in each age-based category, with runner-up commendations also granted. Winners will be featured in an online gallery and published in Antenna, the RES bulletin.
- 18 and over category:
- 1st Prize: £750
- 2nd Prize: £500
- Under 18 category:
- 1st Prize: £450
- 2nd Prize: £250
Other Free Contests
The Categories of the RES Insect Week Photography Competition 2025
The Royal Entomological Society Insect Week Photography Competition 2025 features three distinct categories designed to encourage photographers of all ages and skill levels.
18 and over category: Open to any amateur photographer aged 18 or older. Entrants must select one of three themed subcategories—“Insect behaviour,” “Insect portraits,” or “Insects in their environment.” Each image should demonstrate creativity and technical skill in capturing insect life in its natural context.
Under 18 category: Specifically for entrants aged 17 or younger on the closing date (31 October 2025). Parental or guardian consent is required. This category allows young photographers to participate without an age-based thematic requirement, though they may still choose from the same themes as the adult category if desired.
Smartphone category: Open to both age groups, this category emphasizes accessibility by allowing submissions captured solely on smartphones. It encourages creativity within the constraints of mobile-phone photography, celebrating the growing impact of mobile devices in nature and wildlife documentation.
RES Insect Week Photography Competition 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
A brief overview of key dates and costs for participation:
Competition closes: 31 October 2025.
Entry fee: Free to enter
How to Enter:
Participants must submit up to three original insect photographs via the online entry form available on the Insect Week website. Each submission requires the photographer to register on the site, select the appropriate competition category, and provide details such as name, age (if under 18), image title, description (max 280 characters), equipment used, and, where applicable, parental or guardian information. Images must be uploaded in JPG, JPEG, or PNG format (maximum file size of 10 MB for the first image and 50 MB for subsequent images). Entrants must agree to the terms and conditions before finalizing their submissions.
About the Jury
A panel of judges appointed by the Royal Entomological Society—comprising RES Fellows and expert entomologists—will review all eligible entries. Judges will assess photographs based on composition, clarity, and demonstration of insect diversity and behaviour. They will shortlist entries in each category before selecting the first and second prize winners. Their decisions are final and binding.
Why Enter Royal Entomological Society Insect Week Photography Competition 2025?
Entering this contest provides an exceptional platform to celebrate insect biodiversity alongside a community of enthusiasts. As one of the leading nature photography competitions with a specific focus on insect life, it offers prestigious recognition—winning images will be showcased to an international audience through the RES website and published in Antenna.
With substantial cash awards for top entrants in both age categories, this competition rewards technical skill and creativity and shine among the free to enter photography competitions. Moreover, by participating, photographers connect with experts in entomology, gaining invaluable feedback and networking opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned amateur or just starting out, the Royal Entomological Society Insect Week Photography Competition 2025 stands out among more photo challenges online for its unique blend of scientific engagement and artistic appreciation.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the RES Insect Week Photography Competition 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
• Entrants must be amateur photographers; professional photographers are ineligible.
• For the Under 18 category, entrants must be 17 or younger on 31 October 2025 and obtain parental or guardian consent.
• Each entrant may submit up to three images; exceeding this limit will result in disqualification.
• Images must be original, copyright-held by the submitting photographer, and not previously published or entered in other major competitions.
• Submitted files must be in JPG, JPEG, or PNG format without watermarks, borders, or signatures. Digital adjustments preserving the integrity of the image are allowed; however, adding or removing significant elements (animals, plants, people, objects) is prohibited.
• Entries must be submitted via the official Insect Week online form by the closing date. Late submissions are ineligible.
Copyright and Image Usage
• Entrants retain full copyright to submitted images.
• By entering, photographers grant the Royal Entomological Society a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use submitted images in digital and print media—this includes websites, social media, corporate and charitable publications, touring exhibitions, and promotional material connected to this competition or Insect Week.
• The RES will credit the photographer wherever possible when using images.
• Entrants are responsible for any third-party claims arising from their submissions. :contentReference
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
