Wildlife Photographer of the Year harnesses the power of photography to promote the discovery, understanding, and responsible enjoyment of the natural world. An image can alter the way we see, think and feel. Whether captured in the most remote wilderness or taken in the intimacy of your own backyard, a truly great image of Nature can change our worldview.
For the past 55 years, this competition has championed honest and ethical wildlife photography while pushing the boundaries of artistic freedom, technical skill and narrative excellence. It recognises, rewards and celebrates the work of both emerging talent and established professionals worldwide.
The Adult Competition consists of 16 categories, while the Young Competition of 3 age group categories for photographers aged 17 and under.
Entrants are required to report on the natural world in a way that is both creative and honest. Images entered must not attempt to deceive the viewer or misrepresent the reality of nature. Entrants must not do anything to injure or distress any animals or destroy their habitat in an attempt to secure an image.
Entries must be in digital format but the original photograph does not need to have been taken on a digital camera. High-quality scans of transparencies or negatives are also acceptable. Digital files must be submitted as JPEGs, saved at a high-quality setting of at least 8, Adobe RGB (1998), and at 1920 pixels along the longest dimension.
Ownership of the copyright in all images submitted to the competition will remain with the copyright owner(s).
Entry in the Young Competition is free. Entry in the Adult Competition is 30 GBP (approx. 39 USD). There is no entry fee for photographers 17 and under.
Eligibility
Open to everyone worldwide. The Adult Competition is open to anyone aged 18 or over on 12 December 2019.
Prize
Take centre stage at the glittering Wildlife Photography of the Year 2020 Awards Ceremony held within the iconic surroundings of the Natural History Museum in London, UK. See your image premiered in the breath-taking exhibition at the Museum before it is then toured worldwide reaching an audience of millions. Enjoy extensive media coverage and the public exposure of your image through the WPY online community and much more.
• Wildlife Photographer of the Year: 10,000 GBP (approx. 12,965 USD) and trophy.
• Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year: 1,000 GBP, trophy and personalised certificate.
