Find the best wildlife photo competitions on our website and discover the perfect one for you. Deartline includes a list of the most interesting and prestigious wildlife photo contests to which you can submit your images. These contests offer you the chance to gain recognition, win prizes and even contribute to wildlife conservation. Whether you are a professional or amateur photographer, these wildlife photography competitions offer incredible opportunities to stand out.
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1839 Awards: Photographer of the Year 2024
List of wildlife photography competitions
Here you can find all the wildlife photography contests currently listed on Deartline. A selection of some of the most interesting wildlife photo challenge sorted by their closing dates. Select your upcoming wildlife photography contests, participate and get ready to stand out.
Do you know of a wildlife picture contest that is not on our list? Send it to us!
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What are wildlife photography contests?
A wildlife photo contest is a competition in which photographers participate with images of wildlife in their natural environment. These competitions tend to look for creativity and technique within nature photography, hoping that those behind the camera can take the art of wildlife photography one step further. Wildlife photography contests are usually a good place to showcase your work and a good way to get recognition and prizes in exchange for good entries.
Definition and purpose
Wildlife photography contests highlight the importance of wildlife through the power of photography. They are usually not just a showcase for photographers of all levels to showcase their work, they have a mission. The most common one for these wildlife photo challenges is to raise public awareness about conservation and the threats facing ecosystems around the world. So much so, that many of these wildlife contests directly support conservation projects through donations or collaborations with charitable organizations.
Types of wildlife photography contests
There are different types of wildlife photo awards, each with a different focus and intent. However, in most cases they fall into one of three types:
- Thematic contests: focused on specific topics such as endangered species, particular ecosystems, or fascinating animal behaviors.
- Regional contests: Aimed at promoting the biodiversity of a particular area. They usually have a very specific purpose or seek to publicize an area by highlighting species and landscapes.
- Global contests: Open to photographers from all over the world, with no geographical restrictions, they celebrate the diversity of global wildlife. These include some of the world’s best wildlife photography competitions.
Why enter a wildlife photo contest?
Wildlife photography is about more than capturing images; it’s about telling stories, preserving unique moments and contributing to the conservation of the planet. Wildlife photography contests offer an exceptional platform for photographers to shine. Let’s see why you should consider entering these exciting wildlife photography awards.
Showcase your talent to the world
Wildlife photo awards and competitions offer a unique platform to showcase your talent on an international stage. Imagine your best shot of a lion at sunset or a hummingbird in mid-flight displayed in world-renowned galleries. Wildlife photography contests can be your passport to international exposure. Not only do they give you the chance to have your work seen by thousands, but they also attract the attention of magazine editors, art curators, and industry leaders. This visibility can be the springboard to collaborations with National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, or even exhibitions.
Be part of the change
Have you ever dreamed of making a difference in the natural world? Participating in these wildlife photo contests allows you to do just that. Many competitions allocate part of their proceeds to conservation projects. Your photograph of an orangutan in Borneo could contribute to protecting its habitat. Moreover, winning images are often used in awareness campaigns, amplifying your impact on the preservation of endangered species and fragile ecosystems. So, yes; entering wildlife photography competitions can make a difference in wildlife preservation.
Win prizes and awards
While passion is the main driver, prizes are an undeniable attraction. Prizes at wildlife photography contests range from cash prizes, state-of-the-art photographic equipment, scholarships for workshops, to publication opportunities in well-known magazines. Some wildlife photo contests with cash prizes also offer additional prizes, such as photography trips or the chance to collaborate with conservation organizations. Can you imagine a paid trip to take your dream photographs?
Elevate your art to new heights
Wildlife photo competitions challenge you to continually improve your skills. Each contest is an opportunity to surpass yourself. They challenge you to think outside the box, seek unique angles, and capture never-before-seen behaviors. Who knows? Your innovative technique for photographing bats in night flight could revolutionize the field. Plus, feedback from expert judges can be pure gold for your development.
Connect with a global community
Participating in wildlife photography competitions connects you with a worldwide network of like-minded people. These encounters enrich your photographic perspective and can also lead to international collaborations and lasting friendships united by a love of nature.
The truth is, there are a few more, but these are possibly the most prominent reasons for you to scan up a bit and take a stroll through our list of wildlife photography contests. Whether you’re an enthusiastic amateur or a seasoned professional, these competitions offer an exciting path to grow, contribute, and leave your mark in the world of wildlife photography.
How to Prepare for a Wildlife Photography Competition
There is no magic key to success in an online wildlife photography contest, but there are some tips that can help you. When you face a challenge like this you need to prepare properly, so here are some essential tips:
Understand the rules
It is essential to read and understand all the rules of the wildlife photo competition you plan to submit your photos to. Each contest has its own requirements, which may include format specifications, image resolution, and specific categories. Although it may seem obvious, not complying with some of the most basic requirements is still one of the most common mistakes. So make sure your wildlife photography submissions meet all of these criteria to avoid disqualification.
By the way, although not exclusive to wildlife photography awards it is the type of photography contest in which you see the most, it is not uncommon to find ethical rules for participation. Don’t make light of them. They are important for Thursdays, for many associations, for photographers and for the care of the environment in which this type of photography takes place.
Know your subject and environment
Research the species or habitats you plan to photograph. Knowing the behavior of the animals and the characteristics of the environment will allow you to anticipate unique moments and capture stunning images for wildlife picture contests. In addition, this will not only prepare you for better captures, but will also help you to learn interesting things and to move better in the environment in which you work.
Use Proper Equipment
Having the right equipment can be crucial to participating in a wildlife photo contest. Because yes, good photography can be done with any device, luck and work, but it is much easier and safer if our equipment is what it should be (especially in this type of photography). Use long zoom lenses to capture subjects at a distance without disturbing them, and carry a tripod whenever possible to ensure the stability of your shots, especially in low light conditions. The equipment doesn’t make the photographer, but it helps a lot.
Edit with a Light Touch
Editing is an essential part of the process, but over-editing can detract from the authenticity of your photos. Work with exposure, contrast and color balance in a way that enhances the natural beauty of the scene. Don’t overdo it or lose the essence of what you had in front of the camera. A wildlife photo challenge usually seeks authenticity and losing it by overdoing the processing is usually not the best thing to do.
Don’t leave it to the end
Most photographers submit their images to contests in the last few days. Is it worth it that you might miss the deadline or that the rush might cause you to make a mistake? Be cautious.
Whether it’s for a wildlife photography competition or another type of challenge, if you prepare your photos ahead of time, you’ll be more focused and pay more attention to detail. Also, many wildlife photo contests allow you to add a short description to your images, so take the time to write a good caption that will allow the judges and the viewing public to understand the context and enhance the value of the image. These are details, but they can make all the difference.